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Hertz has introduced to its Australian rental fleet the new, petrol/electric Hybrid Toyota Prius sedan, which can travel up to 100 kilometres on just 4.4 litres of petrol, and up to 1,000 kilometres on one tank of fuel.  The new Prius, which will enter service progressively from this month, emits up to 55% less carbon monoxide than conventionally powered vehicles of similar size. It is also one of the quietest vehicles currently available, with its Continuously Variable Transmission system eliminating the need for gear changes. “The Toyota Prius is friendly to both its passengers and the environment,” said Wayne Burgoyne, Director of Sales and Marketing for Hertz Australia. “We expect it to appeal to both business and leisure travellers. “The Prius combines lightweight construction with a propulsion system called Hybrid Synergy Drive, which delivers the best of battery and petrol power,” said Mr Burgoyne. “When the vehicle is accelerating it is powered by electricity, until it reaches cruise speed, when it automatically switches to petrol. Then, when the car begins to decelerate or brake, it switches back to battery. “This minimises petrol consumption by automatically selecting either battery or petrol power, whichever is most efficient at the time.” But despite its miserly fuel consumption, the Prius maintains the comfort, performance and safety standards of other vehicles, including seating for up to five passengers, dual front SRS airbags, air conditioning, power-operated windows and mirrors, six-speaker CD /radio and cruise control. It also features a new Electro Multi Vision (EMD) liquid crystal display, with a seven-inch touch panel to control features including the sound system, air conditioning and vehicle information. Initially, Hertz Australia will offer the Prius in east coast capitals. |