Prius Sales Up 6% in June - Only Toyota With Positive Increase

[Danny]

A new story entry has been added:

Prius Sales Up 6% in June - Only Toyota With Positive Increase

In it's first month on the block, the 2010 Prius is looking to be solid seller for Toyota - at least compared to the rest of the line-up. With sales of 12,998 cars, Toyota sold 6% more Prius models in June than they did in June 2008. Not too shabby considering the gas situation of June 2008.
The Prius is also the only Toyota with a positive increase compared to June 2008. The RAV4 had a 0.6% increase, but that's small enough to call a wash. Year To Date sales are still down roughly 39%.

[bwilson4web]

Hi,

The news is better considering the trend:

• April - ~8,000 Prius (same rate as since January)
• May - ~10,000 Prius (first 2010s show up)
• June - ~13,000 Prius (still cleaning out 2009 inventory)

Talk about 'just in time,' the 2010 has been very timely.

Bob Wilson

[equake]

Does that mean discounts will not be coming anytime in the near future?

The latest stats shows that the Prius is a solid 3rd in sales for Toyotas lineup and perhaps could overtake the Corolla with a slight push.

Worldwide sales of the Prius could see a dominant position with Japan's increased demands.

Hats off to Toyota with a successful release of the 3rd Gen Prius.

[Danny]

I wouldn't anticipate discounts until the Fall when the Prius I comes out and dealerships will be looking to unload the higher-priced models and packages.

[hill]

I can hear the nay-sayers now:

(covering their ears)

" niche niche niche ... that's all it is ! ! "

EDIT:
Lest we forget ... the corporate knuckleheads that GM finally got rid of? Anyone remember their take on the Prius?
"It's just a marketing ploy ... Toyota's selling 'em at a loss ..."

How is it that Toyota isn't bankrupt yet ... after selling over a MILLION Prius's at a loss ... and already BLOWING their own 2010 Gen III Model projected 100,000 units sales target out of the watter.
Must be voodo.

.

[bwilson4web]

Walking the dog this evening, I checked the lot of the local Toyota dealer and found only two hybrids, both Camry hybrids. There was not one Prius to be found in the front lot although I didn't check the showroom floor. There wasn't even a Prius in their used car area.

I'm relieved to see some 2010 Prius still for sale on Ebay with prices that are 'ok.'

Bob Wilson

[robbyr2]

While I don't think we're driving the Model T of the 21st century (which is probably a good thing), it is a car that can meet the needs of a lot of people, and at least here in Denver, it seems to be meeting them. You can't drive 30 minutes without seeing at least five or six of us.

If you're looking for bargains though, Toyota just doesn't have any direct competitors yet. Ford is getting close but the Fusion/Milan is more a competitor for their fellow sedan, the Camry. The Prius shows that Americans can love a hatchback, if it doesn't rattle all the time. I think Ford would do well to go down that path.

[ken1784]

Only 6% up?

FYI,
In Japan, more than 22,000 Prius were registered in June, 253% up, from 6,231 June 2008.
Our wait list is now 8 months long. If we order it now, the delivery will be late February 2010.

Ken@Japan

[equake]

Excellent news for both Toyota and fuel efficiency. This is at a time when gas prices dropping and predictions of further declines by the end of the year as the recession continues to depress demands.

[Rybold]

Are these numbers for U.S. sales only?
The Associated Press is reporting 22,292 Prius sold in June, globally. (and the Prius was the #1 top selling of all vehicles in Japan in June) The article also says that hybrids are tax-free in Japan.
Toyota Prius is Japan's top selling car in June - Yahoo! Finance