'We are proud to deliver our first Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle in Europe to His Serene Highness,' said Didier Leroy, president and chief executive officer of Toyota Motor Europe. 'We are honoured to continue our long standing partnership to contribute to the environmental and sustainability objectives defined by H.S.H. Prince Albert II,' he added.

In February, 2012, the Monegasque government introduced a new incentive scheme under the direction of His Serene Highness to encourage environmentally friendly vehicles in the Principality. The scheme allows for subsidies of €5,500 for full hybrid vehicles emitting less than 60g/km of CO2, while full electric vehicles can receive subsidies of up to €9,000.

Leading by example, His Serene Highness will now use the Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid for private purposes, a vehicle delivering low CO2 emissions of 49 g/km. The Prius Plug-in Hybrid incorporates a lithium-ion battery to offer an EV driving range of 15.5 miles, and can be recharged in 90 minutes. Beyond the electric driving range, the new Prius Plug-in Hybrid can be used as a conventional full hybrid, like standard Prius, giving fuel economy of up to 78.5mpg on the combined cycle.

With a choice of 424 free charging stations in Monaco, the Prius Plug-in Hybrid can travel around the Principality using pure electric mode, generating zero CO2, NOx or particulate matter emissions.

As a recognised leader in full hybrid technology, with sales of over 4m full hybrid units globally, Toyota welcomes the initiatives of His Serene Highness to promote the sales of environmentally friendly cars, helping the Principality become a world leader in sustainable mobility.