TORRANCE, CA – In the U.S., Toyota and Lexus hybrid vehicle sales combined have topped the one million mark, according to Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), USA, Inc. Overall, cumulative worldwide sales of Toyota and Lexus hybrids have exceeded 1.7 million vehicles through January of this year.

The milestone was achieved with six Toyota and Lexus hybrid vehicles, including the Toyota Prius, the world's first mass-produced gas-electric hybrid and the worldwide leader in hybrid sales, according to the automaker.

"With 10 new hybrid models between now and 2012 in various global markets, we plan to sell one million gas-electric hybrids per year, worldwide, sometime early in the next decade," said Jim Lentz, TMS president.

More than 700,000 Prius have been sold in the U.S., making up more than half of the 1.2 million Prius sold worldwide, according to TMS.

Spring 2009 will mark the launch of the all-new and improved 2010-MY third-generation Prius, featuring improved convenience and performance, including a combined EPA estimated fuel efficiency rating of 50 mpg.

The 2010 Lexus HS 250h will be launched in late summer 2009, making it Lexus' fourth hybrid and the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its lineup, according to the automaker.