Looks like the Japanese newspaper Nikkei nailed it in the middle of last month when they said that Toyota's US-based Prius factory would go online in 2011. According to the Detroit Free Press, a senior Toyota executive said last night that the currently built, but idle, factory will begin producing the Prius hybrid "when the recovery hits full stride".

Just 6 months ago news outlets were reporting that the stalled Mississippi plant would no longer build the Prius. What a difference a few months make. Now the Japanese newspaper the Nikkei is reporting that not only will Toyota finish the plant, but that the first American-made Prius should roll off the line by 2011.

Motortrend, via Automotive News, reported yesterday that Toyota is mulling moving future US production of the Prius from the currently built, but empty, Tupelo, Mississippi plant.  Here is MT's take: