The Toyota Prius [ˈpri.əs] is a hybri electric midsize car developed and manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation. The Prius first went on sale in Japan in 1997, making it the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle. It was subsequently introduced worldwide in 2001. In May 2008, worldwide cumulative sales of the Toyota Prius passed 1 million. The Prius is sold in more than 40 countries and regions, with its largest markets being those of Japan and North America.