“TMC [Toyota] believes that, to meet the diversification of energy sources, plug-in hybrid vehicles are a highly suitable environmentally considerate option. TMC is therefore actively encouraging market introduction and aiding understanding, and to promote the soonest widespread use of PHVs, TMC will analyze feedback regarding the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, with an aim to begin sales in the tens of thousands of units to the general public in two years.”

That would put Toyota’s target for plug-in Prius sales on par with GM’s – albeit about a year later.
 
Plug-in hybrids are one of the few reasonable alternatives available in the short term that can save significant amounts of fuel, with little sacrifice from drivers beyond a steep initial purchase price. The federal government is said to offset that price penalty by offering substantial tax incentives for buyers.
 
—Eric Evarts