signal mirrors

[Mike Dimmick]

Originally Posted by DeanFL

Respectfully - I completely disagree with this statement. IMO they ARE a safety feature when used - but that's the rub. Many folks just don't know what that lever left of the wheel is for. But for those drivers have have side signals (as I do on my Lexus RX), including semis etc - they tend to great attention arousers for vehicles or pedestrians. Especially in merging situations. I'm pretty sure that they are mandated in Euro and some Asian countries.

Side indicator repeaters are mandatory in UN ECE lighting regulations, but there is no requirement for them to be in the mirror housings - that just means they don't need to have a hole in the bodywork.

North America lighting regulations require that front side marker lights are always ON but are permitted to extinguish in sync with front and rear indicators. UN ECE R48 does not require side markers; indicator repeaters must be normally OFF and flash ON in sync with front and rear indicators.

My UK Prius has standard small side turn repeater lights below the 'A' pillar, just below the HYBRID badges.

[brad_rules_man]

I remember the 1st gen had them. My BMW has side indicator lights. On my car they do some alternation, so I think the ones on the side blink on the "offbeat." I'm ok with any design as long as a turn signal is visible from the side of the car. I'm hoping that the turn signal in the front is visible from the side. The 2nd gen seemed to have some visibility from the side, unless you were also behind and beside. I wish I would have payed more attention when I test drove the 2010, but I was so amazed with the rest of the car I never thought to look!

[DeanFL]

Originally Posted by brad_rules_man

I remember the 1st gen had them. My BMW has side indicator lights. On my car they do some alternation, so I think the ones on the side blink on the "offbeat." I'm ok with any design as long as a turn signal is visible from the side of the car. I'm hoping that the turn signal in the front is visible from the side. The 2nd gen seemed to have some visibility from the side, unless you were also behind and beside. I wish I would have payed more attention when I test drove the 2010, but I was so amazed with the rest of the car I never thought to look!

I had wished the U.S. Prius had signal mirrors - I may very well consider a modification as I installed on my Lexus years ago. Side indicator lights - clear with amber bulb. IMO another measure of safety, when merging or turning - indicating intentions.

[lensovet]

to those saying this is a matter of cost – surely you can't be serious?

how much additional does it cost to add a signal indicator to an otherwise-powered mirror (as all Prius mirrors are)? $50? hell, make it $100. on a car that starts at $22k, you're telling me you're cutting corners on something that costs $100?

[cpatch]

Sigma has these for $225 per pair which seems like a pretty good deal...has anyone installed them on their Gen III?

[Prius Team]

Originally Posted by lensovet

to those saying this is a matter of cost – surely you can't be serious?

how much additional does it cost to add a signal indicator to an otherwise-powered mirror (as all Prius mirrors are)? $50? hell, make it $100. on a car that starts at $22k, you're telling me you're cutting corners on something that costs $100?

Yes, generally these types of questions are a matter of cost and demand. The issue is you can't pick out one feature and say it is a "must-have" for that price. The next guy wants a different must-have feature, the next one a different feature, and so on. Add them all up, and yes the car gets expensive - for everyone.

Generally speaking, individual customers are outstanding estimators of their own preferences, and fairly dismal estimators of "everyone's" preferences. Putting it another way, people too often think everyone wants what they want. I know this because I look at a lot of data from thousands of people, and while there are features more commonly preferenced than others, not everyone wants any one feature. (I'm really glad there is an aftermarket, because they often have great solutions to issues like these.)

Ok, that's it before I get into another "packaging" discussion. Ugh.

Doug Coleman
Prius Product Manager
Toyota Motor Sales, USA

[creativeguy]

Originally Posted by lensovet

to those saying this is a matter of cost – surely you can't be serious?

how much additional does it cost to add a signal indicator to an otherwise-powered mirror (as all Prius mirrors are)? $50? hell, make it $100. on a car that starts at $22k, you're telling me you're cutting corners on something that costs $100?

$50 x 500,000 units = $25 million. And yes, when you are trying to market a $22k car, every penny counts. That $22k car can quickly become $30k if you add all the bells and whistles (which the IV and V have!). You have to cut something to meet your price points.

[DeanFL]

Originally Posted by Prius Team

Yes, generally these types of questions are a matter of cost and demand. The issue is you can't pick out one feature and say it is a "must-have" for that price. The next guy wants a different must-have feature, the next one a different feature, and so on. Add them all up, and yes the car gets expensive - for everyone.

Generally speaking, individual customers are outstanding estimators of their own preferences, and fairly dismal estimators of "everyone's" preferences. Putting it another way, people too often think everyone wants what they want. I know this because I look at a lot of data from thousands of people, and while there are features more commonly preferenced than others, not everyone wants any one feature. (I'm really glad there is an aftermarket, because they often have great solutions to issues like these.)

Ok, that's it before I get into another "packaging" discussion. Ugh.

Doug Coleman
Prius Product Manager
Toyota Motor Sales, USA

Doug - off topic, but since you brought it up ... features.

Why was the headlamp washers included as standard on the V? Many of us - me included to the hilt - consider them a waste of good feature money. Have had some discussion on the board - can you enlighten???

[drunkin master]

I am placing the order next week on there for the side mirror signals and cover. I know that they are standard if not an option in Japan. These are being shipped directly from japan to sigma and then to me. Have to wait 3 5 weeks, so in reality probably 5-9 weeks.
Will post them as soon as I get them installed.

[bedrock8x]

Disagree, the SUV should have the mirror adjusted to see the turn signals on the front of the car.
It is not a safety item as oppose to authentic looking like the luxury cars.
Otherwise it would be required by law.

Originally Posted by Texas911

Actually I think the mirror lights are safer because SUVs and trucks can see them in their mirror as opposed to the lower lights by the headlights.