The first mass-produced hybrid car to be introduced to the global market was the Toyota Prius. It was introduced by the Japanese automaker Toyota in Japan in 1997 and was made available worldwide in 2000.
The Toyota Prius was a groundbreaking vehicle that popularized hybrid technology and helped pave the way for the widespread adoption of hybrid vehicles. It combined a gasoline engine with an electric motor, allowing for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.
The success of the Toyota Prius demonstrated the viability and market demand for hybrid cars, leading other automakers to develop their own hybrid models. Since its introduction, the Prius has gone through several generations, with each iteration improving upon its hybrid system and fuel economy. Toyota continues to be a leader in hybrid technology, offering a range of hybrid models in its lineup.