TORRANCE, CA - Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. introduced a new online order system that will launch later this year for the all-new Prius Plug-in Hybrid.

The first phase of the online order system, called “priority registration,” will launch on Earth Day, April 22. Customers interested in being one of the first to own a Prius Plug-in can log on to www.toyota.com/plugin and complete their registration on the site. Toyota’s priority registration allows the customer first access to the online order system when it becomes available later in the year, Toyota said.

Using the new online order system, customers can configure their own vehicle from any Web browser, select their dealership of choice (within 15 launch states), and track their order through production, distribution and delivery.

“The Prius Plug-in online ordering system was inspired by the success and positive customer feedback we had to similar online ordering systems for the first two generations of Prius,” said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager.

The Prius Plug-in will begin arriving at Toyota dealers in 15 launch states in spring 2012, with a nationwide rollout the following year. The 15 launch states are Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.

However, Prius Plug-in online ordering will not be available in Hawaii.