Delay in the release of the Li-battery based Prius?

I'd bet all the current problems with toyota will delay the release of the next model/generation of prius.

 

Why?

Well, there are business examples that point to companies delaying the introduction of a new product, or a significant modification to an existing product... when consumer confidence is low.

Step out of your Prius/Toyota box for a second, and ask yourself the following question: Will the typcial consumer take a chance on buying a Prius, knowing that the entire hybrid battery technology has changed? General rule of thumb for most consumers is to avoid the first year of a product that has undergone a major change. Now, add to that all the hysteria about Toyota reliability, etec? Would it NOT be prudent for Toyota to delay a bit until consumer confidence returns?

I say (speculation) that Toyota will delay the introduction of the Li-battery into mass sales of Prii for an additional year (or two) beyond when they had originally planned to introduce the Li-battery into the prius.

To be clear, it has NOTHING to do with the technology, or the availability of this technology in mass production. It will be based on sales and marketing strategy, and until the current hysteria dies down, I honestly do NOT think Toyota will add more possible concerns (or confusion) about their product by introducing a major new component. Those that know the product, like most people on here, would have no issue...but I'm not talking about you and me...I'm talking about the typical (nervous) consumer.

 

Your opinion.

Mine is no.

 

Proof?

I say the "average" consumer is "jaded" by recent events. You are dillusional if you think the average consumer is not concerned.

The question Toyota will be asking is - How long will this concern last?

 

Um, early sales of the prius were not exactly stellar. It took over 5 years, after first being introduced in the US market, before Prius sales reached 6-figures.

"U.S. sales of the Prius began in August 2000. By 2001 sales there totaled 15,556, and by 2002 had reached 20,119.[76] In 2004 sales there were 53,991."

But no doubt what few cars they did sell in those early years were based, in large measure, on Toyota's good reputation as making low defect vehicles. It's called good will. .

 

Maybe?

The good news for Toyota is - Americans have VERY short memories.