Australia's first car magazine devoted to the environment has presented its inaugural technology and innovation award to the world's first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, Toyota Prius.

ECO Car magazine publisher Chris Mullett said Prius is "the product that encapsulates hybrid in its best form".

"It offers a long-term solution that will continue to be developed," he said.

Worldwide sales of Toyota Prius have now passed one million.

Almost 10,000 have been sold in Australia since 2001.

According to Toyota Motor Corporation, Prius vehicles have reduced global emissions by about 4.5 million tonnes, compared with petrol-only vehicles of similar size and driving performance.

Prius uses 4.4litres/100km* of regular unleaded fuel based on the official combined fuel-use cycle.

It emits less carbon dioxide than any other vehicle on the Australian market - just 106g/km.

ECO Car magazine will become a stand-alone title in September, lifted from its current position as a section of Delivery Magazine.

Mr Mullett said the magazine intends to explore the broad range of fuel and emissions-saving innovations being developed by the automotive industry.

Use of lightweight materials, aerodynamic improvements and alternative energy sources are all part of the motor industry's drive for efficiency.

"The development of hybrid is an important part of future solutions," Mr Mullett said.

"Toyota has brought the hybrid car to notice in a wide range of options, but Prius remains the benchmark."