Toyota Considers a Prius Product Family

[Danny]

Toyota Considers a Prius Product Family
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Prius brand name is gaining so much cachet with consumers that Toyota is considering launching an entire family of Prius models in different body styles, according to Jim Press, president of Toyota Motor North America.

"When it was first launched, Prius benefited from the halo effect of the Toyota brand reputation," Press told Inside Line. "Now, the Toyota brand is benefiting from the halo effect of the Prius."

With that in mind, Toyota is contemplating ways to put that Prius halo to work. "We are looking at expanding the Prius line of products to include other body styles," Press said.

What models might join today's five-door hatchback remains to be determined.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=118769

[micheal]

Not sure how they would do it, but it is interesting.

But having the virtual Green Party seal of approval in the form of the Prius label might make it easier to sell other styles of hybrids. This might be especially important as manufacturers run out of their allotment of tax credits for hybrids sold. When the Prius' federal tax credits were exhausted, the car's four-to-six-month waiting list evaporated, Press said.[/b]

I found this kind of strange. Is he trying to say the only way to keep up the high demand for the Prius is the tax credit? Seems like the Prius still has one of the lowest number of days of sitting on the lot before being sold even though the tax credit is phasing out. Local dealerships still rarely have one on the lot for more than a couple of days before it is sold. Last time I checked in late October, it was generally still a two-three month wait to get a Prius here.

[DaveinOlyWA]

this was talked about in an earlier thread and i think if that will hasten a full line of EFFECTIVE hybrids all geared to economy without compromise then lets do it. a two seat commuter, mini-van, large sedan, and a truck would do great for starters.

[hyo silver]

I guess I'd better get to work on those WeePriis, eh? Where's the design studio I should send my models?

Assuming there's ever a real truck version, how would Toyota keep it from becoming known as a 'prickup'?

(Sorry for all the questions. I think that thread is getting to me.)

[eagle33199]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(micheal @ Dec 8 2006, 09:20 AM) [snapback]359271[/snapback]</div>

I found this kind of strange. Is he trying to say the only way to keep up the high demand for the Prius is the tax credit? Seems like the Prius still has one of the lowest number of days of sitting on the lot before being sold even though the tax credit is phasing out. Local dealerships still rarely have one on the lot for more than a couple of days before it is sold. Last time I checked in late October, it was generally still a two-three month wait to get a Prius here.
[/b]

Well, unfortunately it's true. Waiting lists are pretty much gone now, and many dealers do have a few Prii on the lots. I would guess that the demand for hybrids and fuel efficient vehicles hasn't diminished, however. When people make buying decisions, it's got to be awfully hard to choose the Prius, with it's lower credit, over another hybrid with a higher credit - you get more money back for buying from other manufacturers, so why wouldn't you take advantage of that? It's like saying "i have 25k to spend on a car... i can get a low level Prius, or a tricked out _____ with the additional tax credit...", and those additional features that you essentially get "for free" are probably swaying a lot of people. After all, they reason, a hybrid is a hybrid is a hybrid - there's not much difference between them all.

[DaveinOlyWA]

waiting lists are not gone in all areas.

[eagle33199]

Yes yes, exceptions to every rule... Even back when some areas had 6 month waiting lists we'd hear stories about people seeing Prii on a lot, or showing up to order one and driving home the very same day... The key, though, is the overall view, where most areas don't have waiting lists anymore.

[hb06]

This is what we all have been waiting for, where the Prius and hybrids are on the lots like any other cars, where people can actually see them and test drive, although Dealer knowledge of the car could still be improved. Most of our friends and acquaintances have only heard about the Prius, but other than that, almost no clue to what it is, or all the benefits involved. Pretty excited after we have shown and demonstrated the car to them.

Check out the Price Pulse for hybrids from HybridCars.com:

"Compare prices, waiting lists, and deposit info with your fellow hybrid car shoppers. The difference between buying from the dealer next door, and the guy two towns over, could be thousands of dollars..."

http://www.hybridcars.com/pricepulse/index...pcode=&car=

[Tideland Prius]

I've mentioned it in the other thread but it would be nice.. Prius Plus, Prius Roadster haha...

you know.. like the MINI convertible, MINI Traveller etc.

[artttom]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(eagle33199 @ Dec 8 2006, 08:42 AM) [snapback]359319[/snapback]</div>

Well, unfortunately it's true. Waiting lists are pretty much gone now, and many dealers do have a few Prii on the lots. I would guess that the demand for hybrids and fuel efficient vehicles hasn't diminished, however. When people make buying decisions, it's got to be awfully hard to choose the Prius, with it's lower credit, over another hybrid with a higher credit - you get more money back for buying from other manufacturers, so why wouldn't you take advantage of that? It's like saying "i have 25k to spend on a car... i can get a low level Prius, or a tricked out _____ with the additional tax credit...", and those additional features that you essentially get "for free" are probably swaying a lot of people. After all, they reason, a hybrid is a hybrid is a hybrid - there's not much difference between them all.
[/b]

what "tricked out" cars do you think people would want if they were shopping for a prius and decided to get another car? what car as more of a tax credit? thanks!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(eagle33199 @ Dec 8 2006, 08:42 AM) [snapback]359319[/snapback]</div>

Well, unfortunately it's true. Waiting lists are pretty much gone now, and many dealers do have a few Prii on the lots. I would guess that the demand for hybrids and fuel efficient vehicles hasn't diminished, however. When people make buying decisions, it's got to be awfully hard to choose the Prius, with it's lower credit, over another hybrid with a higher credit - you get more money back for buying from other manufacturers, so why wouldn't you take advantage of that? It's like saying "i have 25k to spend on a car... i can get a low level Prius, or a tricked out _____ with the additional tax credit...", and those additional features that you essentially get "for free" are probably swaying a lot of people. After all, they reason, a hybrid is a hybrid is a hybrid - there's not much difference between them all.
[/b]

what "tricked out" cars do you think people would want if they were shopping for a prius and decided to get another car? what car has more of a tax credit then the Prius does now ? thanks!