Toyota Motor Corp.'s Prius topped the list of Japan's best-selling vehicles in 2009, becoming the first gas-electric hybrid to clinch the No. 1 position, according to industry data released Jan. 8.

Prius sales nearly tripled from the previous year to 208,876 because of its fuel economy, reasonable price and a government program promoting sales of eco-friendly cars.

The rollout of a new model in May added momentum to the growth in Prius sales, which stayed in the top place for the seventh straight month through December.