THE first batch of domestically produced vehicles powered by gasoline and electric rolled off the assembly line yesterday in what will be an important test of environmentally friendly cars on the Chinese market.

After a year of preparation, the long-awaited Prius, made by Sichuan FAW Toyota Motor Corp, Toyota's venture with China First Automobile Works Group Corp, became the first hybrid car to be made and sold in China.

Toyota Motor Corp, the world's second-largest car producer, will start taking orders today via the Internet. The homegrown Prius is priced between 288,000 yuan (US$34,700) and 302,000 yuan.

The company expects to sell 3,000 units in China next year while sales worldwide have surpassed 400,000 units since the Prius debuted in 1997.

"Our goal is to echo China's new automobile policy, which not only encourages the use of hybrid vehicles but also introduces Europe's emission regulations," Toyota Executive Vice President Yoshimi Inaba said yesterday.

The Chinese government has placed increasing importance on the development of cars that enhance energy efficiency and environmental protection.

The hybrids are up to 30 percent more efficient than their gasoline-powered counterparts, experts said.

Chinese consumers are also becoming more interested in smaller vehicles due to rising fuel prices and increasing highway congestion.

The Prius debut will be followed by hybrids from Toyota's two rivals, Honda and Nissan.