TWO leading industry groups have opted for the Toyota Prius in a bid to become more environmentally friendly.

The University of Derby is completing a six-month evaluation of the Prius with plans to introduce the model in a new pool-car scheme.

The Yorkshire Building Society has also introduced the Prius as its first petrol-electric hybrid for the user-choosers on its staff.

Prius driver YBS area manager June Atkinson: ‘The idea of hybrids did attract me.

‘The Prius was a brand new model and is modern in looks as well as in what’s under the bonnet.’

Toyota recently hit the quarter of a million sales mark for the Prius. UK sales had reached 1,497 by the end of November last year and the group is expecting sales to reach 1,600 for the year when figures are released later this month.