Prius sales top one million mark

Gerry malloy

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

More than one million Toyota Priuses have been sold since its introduction in Japan in 1997, solidifying its position as the world's best-selling gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle.

Canadians have purchased more than 11,000 of those cars.

The original Prius began sales in Canada in 2000, followed by the current generation model in 2003. A new, third-generation model is expected to make its debut at the Detroit auto show next January.

"Toyota now sells more low-emission, fuel-efficient Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles in a single month than we did in the first three years that we offered this vehicle in Canada," said Yoichi Tomihara, president and CEO of Toyota Canada.

"One-quarter of all Canadian Prius sales have been recorded in the past year," he added. "As Toyota looks to the future, we are preparing to launch hybrid editions across our model lineup – from the subcompact car to the pickup truck – over the next 10 years."

Mercedes C63 AMG this month

The new performance flagship of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class lineup – the C63 AMG – begins arriving at Canadian dealers this month.

It is powered by a 6.2 L AMG V8 engine that produces 451 hp and 443 lb.-ft. of torque, which makes it one of the most powerful naturally aspirated production V8s ever. Designed exclusively by AMG, the engine shares no parts with other Mercedes-Benz V8 engines.

Every new AMG engine is hand-assembled one at a time by expert technicians at Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach, Germany, and is bench tested to ensure maximum performance. That "one man-one engine" philosophy means that a single technician – identified by a signature plate affixed to the engine – is responsible for its complete assembly from start to finish.

With that more-than-ample power, the car goes from 0-to-100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, according to the company. Its top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

The C63 AMG also introduces a new seven-speed automatic transmission called an AMG Speedshift Plus, which includes a new double de-clutching feature on downshifts to maintain vehicle balance during cornering and achieves shift times up to 50 per cent faster than previously possible.

Differentiating it visually from lesser C-Class models, the C63 AMG incorporates a unique hood, with power domes, widened front fenders, a unique front fascia and several other components not shared with other models.

Matching its designation with its price, the C63 AMG is priced at $63,500.

Benz stars in Sex and the City

The four leading characters in the keenly awaited Sex and the City movie, which opens Friday, are well-known to fans of the TV series of the same name.

But the movie has a fifth star that is making its big-screen debut – the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class compact SUV, which goes on sale in January of next year.

The movie will also feature the flagship Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan and incorporate Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York as the backdrop for some scenes.

"The four leading ladies in Sex and the City are world-famous fashion icons. They initiate trends in the fashion world that last for more than one season, just as Mercedes-Benz does in the automotive world," said Marcus Breitschwerdt, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada.

"This movie was a natural fit for us."

Mustang sales hit 9 million

An Iowa farmer who ordered a 2008 Mustang GT convertible unwittingly took delivery of a piece of automotive history. His was the 9-millionth Mustang produced since production of the "pony car" began just over 44 years ago.

The original Mustang was introduced on April 17, 1964, at the New York World's Fair.

Sales reached 419,000 in its first 12 months on the market and topped the one million mark in its first two years, setting a sales record for any single model in the history of the automobile.

Countless special-edition Mustangs have been offered over the years. This summer Mustang adds a glass roof option and an upgraded "Warriors in Pink" V6 convertible package. Sales of that model help support breast cancer research.

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