Toyota Dominates WardsAuto Fuel-Economy Index in March

BALTIMORE, MD. (04/17/2012)(readMedia)-- While it is nice to have fuel-efficient vehicles in a lineup, an automaker has to successfully sell those vehicles to make an impact on the environment and consumers' wallets. According to the WardsAuto Fuel-Economy Index for March, vehicles sold at Toyota dealerships last month had the highest fuel-economy average ever for an automaker, coming in at 28.3 mpg. Toyota's rating was 17-percent higher than the March industry average of 24.1 mpg, which was also an all-time record.

Tracking sales of cars and light trucks like pickups, SUVs and crossovers, the WardsAuto Fuel-Economy Index for March 2012 marked the third month in a row that fuel efficiency of light vehicles hit a new high. Thanks to cars like the new 53-mpg 2012 Toyota Prius c, the fuel-economy average of vehicles sold in the industry last month was 15-percent higher than the baseline average of 20.9 mpg established by WardsAuto in 2007.

"It's clear that buyers are moving to more fuel-efficient models regardless of the segment, and Toyota is the best positioned to offer efficiency across all vehicle classes," said Wade Sterry, general manager of Russel Toyota, a Baltimore, Maryland Toyota dealer. "For those that want the most fuel economy, a vehicle like the Prius c takes the sting out of $4-per-gallon gas prices, which are unfortunately quickly becoming a reality for drivers in Baltimore."

In addition to being the most fuel-efficient Prius without a plug, the 2012 Prius c is also the smallest and most affordable sibling in the Prius family. Marketed as a city car, the Prius c's small stature can help Maryland drivers squeeze more easily into tight parking spots in downtown Baltimore and Washington D.C. Meanwhile, its smaller price tag makes it more accessible to younger drivers that want to break into the hybrid-car market.

WardsAuto also recently named the 2012 Toyota Prius c as one its 39 nominees for the 2012 Ward's 10 Best Interiors list. In a preliminary video review, WardsAuto Associate Editor Christie Schweinsberg noted the funky design lines in the Prius c's dashboard, which are intended to draw in younger buyers. Schweinsberg also talked up the available Toyota Entune system, which allows drivers to search the internet, stream music, check sports scores and keep track of stock updates. Winners of Ward's 10 Best Interiors will be announced later this month.

The Prius lineup, comprised of the Prius c subcompact, the roomy Prius v and the third-generation Prius hatchback, moved 28,711 vehicles last month in the United States, a 48.8-percent year-over-year increase. Those numbers helped Toyota post its best March sales since 2008, and its best sales month overall since the Cash for Clunkers program boosted August 2009 sales. Prius sales can be expected to improve further this spring as the new Prius Plug-in arrives at dealerships in 15 launch states, including Maryland.

"We expect to see more fuel-conscious buyers trading up to a Prius this summer; the only question is which one they'll choose," added Sterry. "Whether you need a lot of room for your family's groceries or want to maximize your on-street parking potential, there's a Prius out there to help you do it efficiently and affordably."

About Russel Toyota:

For more than 40 years, Russel Toyota has relied on a customer-first approach to provide Maryland drivers with only rewarding experiences when it comes to Toyota sales, service and parts. In addition to the dealership's broad selection of cars, trucks, SUVs and minivans, Baltimore Toyota owners can also take advantage of Russel Toyota's affordable and thorough maintenance services from their expert team of technicians. Browse their inventory online at www.russeltoyota.com or in person at their Baltimore, Maryland Toyota dealership, located at 6324 Baltimore National Pike. They can also be reached by phone at 410-788-8400 and found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarylandToyota.