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TWO WHEELS GOOD Inspired by Prius

This spring, Toyota asked Boston-based Parlee Cycles to create an ultra-efficient, sustainable bicycle inspired by the Prius' efficiency and aerodynamic design. Five weeks on, and a unique concept bike, the PXP, had been crafted, combining the geometry of a time-trial bicycle with the accessibility of a road bike designed for performance and distance.

INNOVATION Prius: ride the rollercoaster

A hacked-up hybrid, rollercoaster tracks and electric lights all went to illustrate the power of regenerative brakes, as Toyota teamed up with US designers Deeplocal to create the first Prius roller coaster car. The coaster car, built from a 2011 Prius, was tested on a mini-track and its brake energy was reused to light up the ride.

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AVENSIS Fast company

Refined, stylish and incredibly efficient. Yes, that's the Toyota Avensis. But up until now, the flagship's superb performance and handling has rather hidden itself under a bushel. Perhaps it's just too much of a cool customer to go shouting about such things. But all that's changed this year, with the entry of pro driver Frank Wrathall and his Avensis-driving Team Dynojet into the ultra-competitive British Touring Car Championship. Find out more at blog.toyota.co.uk.

RENEWABLES Bright idea

Around 17,000 solar panels installed at Toyota's Burnaston plant in Derbyshire, where the Avensis, Auris and Auris Hybrid are made, are now helping the company reduce its carbon footprint even further. Covering an area bigger than four football pitches, this is one of the UK's biggest solar developments and is capable of generating enough power annually to build around 7,000 cars.

Click here for more on Toyota and the environment.