From Oslo, Norway today came word that the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to the Toyota Prius.

“We had some very fine candidates this year but in the end we felt that the Toyota Prius, with its sleek fuel efficient and energy saving design has done more to bring about world peace than any of the other contenders” said Committee Chairman Thorbjorn Jagland.

The announcement brought gasps from the usually jaded press. Despite this, Jagland continued.  “We have decided to unanimously give the award to the Toyota Prius for its extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and coooperation between peoples.  Also the Prius, with its hybrid architecture is singlehandedly responsible for the lowering of sea levels around the globe.  Only rarely has a car captured the World’s attention and given its people hope for a better future like the Prius.  Ya,  how do you Americans say?  The Prius sends a thrill up my leg.”

While many believe that the Prius, with its regenerative braking, converting kinetic energy into electric energy, its internal combustion engine using the Atkinson cycle which is 12% more efficient than the more powerful Otto cycle, its hybrid synergy drive,  sealed 38-module nickel metal hydride battery pack and vacuum flask for storing hot coolant when the vehicle is powered off for reuse so as to reduce warm-up time (US market only) was worthy of the prize, the selection was not without controversy.

As was expected, intolerant right-wing voices in the United States expressed dismay at the choice. Michael Steele, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, a bitter hate-filled man who obviously wants sea levels to rise said “The Prius?  You’re joking.  I was sure this was the year they would give it to KITT from Knight Rider.”

Despite the controvery the Prius, when informed of the award displayed the proper humility.  “I am surprised and deeply humbled.  I view the decision less as a reward for my own accomplishment and more of a call to action. So people, let’s all drive me and reduce those sea levels.”   The Prius also announced that it intends to travel to Norway to pick up the award in person and  plans to use the 1.4 million dollar prize for maintenance.  “I don’t have to tell you parts are expensive and hard to find.”

This is believed to be the first nonhuman recipient of the award since Teddy Roosevelt’s Secretary of State Elihu Root won in 1912.

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