I've done a little research and here is some more info.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Previa
"The first generation Estima Hybrid employed the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive and used a single electric motor and a mechanical CVT in its transmission and had been on sale in Japan since June 2001. It was considered to be the world's first hybrid minivan."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hybrid_Synergy_Drive
more pictures
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Previa
"The first generation Estima Hybrid employed the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive and used a single electric motor and a mechanical CVT in its transmission and had been on sale in Japan since June 2001. It was considered to be the world's first hybrid minivan."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hybrid_Synergy_Drive
more pictures