prius phv world wide sales

When wouldn't that happen? 100% of the time, an automaker takes what they learned from the current to try to make the next better.

The trouble comes from not recognizing audience. Wrong focus results in disappointing results.

Who expects what?

 

The fact that this is a new market segment where buyers don't really know what they want complicated the data analysis. Because the current crop of popular PHEVs are so different from each other in respect to how they operate, I think that buyers are easily confused and that confusion doesn't really end until they make a purchase and drive the vehicle for awhile. I bought the PIP thinking I had done my homework. Upon driving it I realized I didn't like it and that max efficiency wasn't enough for me. I wanted something else. This turned out to be more a more EV-like feeling at all speeds. For people like John and especially usbseawolf2000, the max efficiency criteria is paramount so their first purchase was the right one.

The market is still sorting itself out as new models and driving experiences emerge. It's not as simple as buying a gasoline or diesel vehicle is. Now you have to decide how much efficiency you want, how much EV feel you want, how much room you need, etc..

 

I think the price is not quite there yet. Although it is claimed the reason Toyota sold so few PiP's during September and October is due to low supply levels, I think the main reason is they got rid of the $2000 TFS rebate. Their best months earlier this year also coincided with them upping the $2000 TFS rebate to $4000 (along with significant promotion of the vehicle due to initial batch of green HOV stickers running out). In my opinion they clearly need this rebate in order to keep sales moving along at higher levels, which means it is still priced too high.

 

any cheaper, and you'll be getting a pip for the price of a lift back.

 

dianne's selling them for 29,300 - 4k is 25,300. hard to compare to an exact lift back model, but it's a pretty good deal. when one model get's a factory or dealer discount, the other three may suffer a bit. just a way of moving inventory. if they get any cheaper, even people who can't plug in will be buying them. unless they really want a spare tyre.

 

There's one reality that hasn't been addressed...

Oil prices have dropped so low, the demand for high-efficiency vehicles isn't exactly something to celebrate.

It makes delay, regardless of why or how, worthwhile for overall business. The money for production & promotion would be better spent later. Meanwhile, take advantage of the down market to invest in further refinement for the eventual up turn.

 

I think we also need to look at EU, Asian, African, Australia, and South American gas and diesel prices. Granted that some are taxed at 2x and 3x the USA prices, they may be the shelter needed to keep fuel efficient cars in production. I would start with Japan Inc. which is not an area I have any expertise.

Bob Wilson

 

unfortunately, the reality of falling gas prices take all the steam and fun out of our little discussions. on a high note, ma voted yesterday for an automatic gas price hike every year, the downside being dicretioary spending of it at the hands of pols.

 

VA and several other states have converted to gaso tax on %wholesale basis...but if gaso prices go down, which they forgot to think about, we will have much lower gaso taxes. Ironically the rational was to keep gaso taxes income from getting too low. I think PA and MD did this too.

 

I'd hate to think the hybrid was all about single-issues; the price of gas, EV range or yearly sales. I believe the real issue is efficiency, and mitigation of the wasteful process of burning fuel to accelerate and then wasting more energy to decelerate. Taxi companies have grasped the significance of reducing their operating and maintenance costs by buying large numbers of Prius hybrids.

I think the Prius has squandered it's lead just a bit, and the perception (as with the iPhone) is that it's not miles ahead of the competition anymore. I think the Gen 4 will be a key factor in the future of the Prius, if it can reaffirm it's lead in the hybrid market.

 

i think that's true for about 3% of the car buying population. you're gonna have to hit the rest of them where it hurts.

 

Or give them a more attractive carrot.

 

Hmmmmm - wonder what that could be . . .

 

hey! no peeking.

 

More of everything would do it; more EV range, better fuel economy, more interior space, more accessories...
-to name a few.

 

and of course, at the same price.