With gas prices nowhere near where they were in July of last year, and the economy continuing to decline, auto dealerships currently have plenty of hybrids on their lots. Combine that with the rebates and special deals now available and it may be prime time to pick any hybrid you like. It is an entirely different ball game than last year, when Toyota could not keep up with the demand for its Prius. Now the automaker finds itself looking for ways to stand out in the crowd.

Toyota has no intention of allowing its Prius to fade into the wallpaper with the influx of new hybrids from other automakers into the market. With the new Ford Fusion Hybrid, the Buick Milan Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid and others, Toyota wants to demonstrate that the Prius is in a different class. Toyota's intent is to keep the 2010 Toyota Prius in the forefront of car buyer's minds by making it a showcase of automotive technology.

Although the Prius' photovoltaic solar panel will only propel a cabin vent fan, it sets the precedent as the first vehicle with such a feature. The more practical Intelligent Parking Assist, Lane Departure Warning and Brake Assist systems will expand the technophile fan base which the Prius initially attracted. By lightening the transaxle and improving its electrical efficiency, the Prius can get a city/highway combined fuel efficiency of 50 mpg. Given all the 2010 Toyota Prius offers, it is likely that it will keep up with, if not exceed, the sales figures of the other hybrids competing with it.