2010 Prius Auto Show or Road Show Appearances?

I haven't been yet, but from what I can glean, the 2010 Prius is a no-show at the Houston Auto Show. Anyone know where to find information on if or when the Gen 3 will be previewed anywhere near Texas?

I'm virtually certain the 2010 Prius will not be appearing at any autoshows in the next few months.

I think first shipments will be around end of April / early May.

Hmmmm... Interesting marketing decision. I guess I'm not surprised they don't have enough units yet to hit all the shows, though it seems like an obvious way to try to regenerate interest in hybrids in a down market with low gas prices. I was thinking they would try to hit at least some other shows, and/or do a roadshow tour like they did for Gen 2.

I'd guess no-show is due to Toyota preferring to have cars that are priced and available at shows.

I saw no Toyota concepts or upcoming's at the San Francisco or San Jose car shows either.

There are apparently "viewings" scheduled in different parts of the country, but perhaps not at auto shows. I got an invite to such an event in Chicago on February 10.

The Philly auto show is 1/31 and the CHB is scheduled but not the G3

Based on the invites to local viewing events, I checked whether the Chicago and Wash. D.C auto shows were happening at the same time, and whether the 2010 Prius would be there. The answer is yes:

Chicago

Washington D.C.

New York is not until April, so that one is hard to explain, unless they just have other media promotion scheduled there. 2009 cars to be shown are not yet listed on their site.

They are a definite no-show in Houston, and don't appear headed to Dallas, either.

We were at the Houston auto show last weekend, and had hoped to see the 2010 Prius there, but no such luck. They did have a goreous white with blue interior HCH in leather, but I'll hold onto mine for now. Really want to check out the new Prius!

Odd that it's being shown at the somewhat obscure D.C. Autoshow but not the others. Suspect that there's some politics in play (i.e., let the Washington D.C. political elite get a chance to see the 2010 Prius).

The DC, MD, NoVA market is one of the biggest after SoCal. It makes sense that it would be there....and for the political exposure as well.

Today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel has a piece in its "Wheels" section on the upcoming Milwaukee Auto Show that says:

"Visitors will get their first look at one of the eagerly awaited hybrids, the all-new Toyota Prius for 2010, which was unveiled in early January. The third-generation Prius, due to arrive at dealerships around the country this spring, will offer better mileage ratings (50 mpg) than in the past, enhanced performance, and innovative design features. It will be quieter, roomier, and equipped with standard and available features such as a moonroof with solar panels, Intelligent Parking Assist and steering wheel touch controls that display on the instrument panel. To meet customer expectations for everyday performance, zero-60 acceleration has been improved to 9.8 seconds, more than a second faster, in internal testing."

The Prius is part of a "Green Trail" of alternative fueled vehicles throughout the show. The piece (which is really an ad masquerading as news) also said "list of vehicles is subject to change").

I suppose they could just have an info display on the model without actually having one there, but that's not what is implied!

I also note that the Milwaukee Hybrid Group will have more display space this year, enough for two autos. Last year it featured an adapted PHEV Prius. This year ... a A123 plug-in and the 2010??? How about it, Bradlee and other MiHG'ers?

Jim

Sorry, to my knowledge, we do not have a 2010 unit at the Milwaukee show this year. I can, however, confirm DC and Chicago shows will have the 2010 Prius for visitors to view.

Thanks, Team, I'll consider your info to be the definitive word on the subject!

I would have tried for a shot at the Chicago event, but my wife's having surgery that day. Guess I'll have to wait till they hit the dealers!

Jim

Are you carrying out the surgery Jim?
I'd leave the surgeons to it and go look at the Prius.
She won't remember a thing with the drugs anyway.
Just tell her you were there.

My wife hates me and I don't know why.

:lol:

Thanks, Pat! No, I plan to leave this to the experts - outpatient foot surgery, which will make me the 'designated driver' for the next few weeks. And yes, I did ask if she'd mind if I slipped down to Chicago for a few hours that day - boy, did I get "the look!"

It might be easier to strong-arm Toyota to bring one North!

Jim

No probs Jim, some women are hard to please but I'm sure she is worth it.
All the best for the operation.

FYI--wish granted. One 2010 Prius is now a late addition to the Milwaukee Auto Show. It'll remain there (it's not open but on display) through the end of the show (sorry for its late arrival and the late notice but we had to pull some last minute strings to switch plans around). Enjoy.