Prius Up 420 Percent in Japan

The Toyota Prius once again dominated sales in Japan for the month of October, up 420 percent from last year when sales were declining in anticipation of the third generation Prius.

The Japanese Automobile Dealers Association and the Japan Mini Vehicles Association reported Toyota sold 26,918 units. The Honda Fit came in second, with 15,444 units sold, followed by the Suzuki WagonR minivehicle. The Honda Insight, which was number one on the sales list the month before the third generation Prius came to market, dropped below the top 3.

Sales of hybrids have soared in the past months with the Japanese government offering tax breaks and subsidies. This has caused some stress for minivehicles, which are less expensive and offer smaller savings.