By Joseph Szczesny
 Toyota Motor Sales has confirmed it plans to launch the Prius V despite the earthquake-related production problems in Japan. Toyota also is increasing its allocation of the current version of the Prius to 75,000  to meet the continuing demand in the U.S, for the vehicles.   TMS had previously announced deliveries of 36,000 Prius hybrids this summer.  The U.S. allocation in the second half of the year represents a slight increase over 2010 levels, Toyota officials said.
  "Thanks to the remarkable support of our manufacturing team members and suppliers, the outlook for Prius continues to improve."  Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager - Toyota Division, said  "We know that demand for Prius is as high as ever, so today's announcement is great news for our customers and dealers," he said.
  Prius was Toyota's first Japan-built vehicle to resume production following the Japan earthquake and tsunami on March 11.  Since then, the production recovery in both Japan and North America has continued to exceed the company's initial expectations. 
  In Japan, production is expected to return to normal levels after July.  In North America, eight locally-built models, including Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Matrix, Sequoia, Sienna and Venza returned to 100 percent production in June.  The remaining four North-American built models, Tundra, Tacoma, RAV4 and Lexus RX 350, will return to 100 percent beginning in September.