The automaker said the Prius has been the top-selling hybrid in the US since it went on sale 11 years ago.

The Prius is powered by both a gasoline engine and an electric motor. It can get up to 22 kilometers per liter in the city and 20 kpl on the highway.

It has become increasingly popular this year as gas prices have risen.

Toyota says it has sold more than two million Priuses worldwide.

The March 11 earthquake in Japan forced Toyota to stop production at most Japanese factories.

But the company restarted two plants that make Prius and Lexus models on March 28.