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Prius Prime Death Spiral?

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by MitchR, Nov 7, 2016.

  1. MitchR

    MitchR Junior Member

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    I heard from another dealer here in Nashville that Primes are only going to be available as a special order and that they won't have any on the lot to test drive. He said the only way to drive one is to order it, and if you order it, you might be obligated to buy it. I've never heard of a car being marketed/released like this. Buying a computer or something else site-unseen is one thing, but buying a car without being able to see it or drive it sounds like they don't want to sell them.

    So for anyone in the know, have you heard of other car releases being handled this way? And I'll ask a question I've asked before on here -- is there a chance they will cancel the Prime before even before it's distributed?
     
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  2. Lee Jay

    Lee Jay Senior Member

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    It's already being distributed.

    It's possible that dealer won't have any, but others will.
     
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  3. bhtooefr

    bhtooefr Senior Member

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    The only way it would be canceled before it's distributed at this point is if there's a Volkswagen TDI-grade scandal around it.

    My guess is that you've got a dealer that's completely uninterested in the product, and would rather sell RAV4s and Tundras.
     
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  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    That's the way they're selling the regular 2016 Prius at a nearby dealership, at least that's what I was told by a Service Advisor. The way he described it: they come in small batches, all spoken for.

    This is a dealership who's lot was awash with 2010's when we were shopping. Maybe that's why, lol.
     
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  5. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    I have heard that there will be some on the east cost, but not allocated to dealers who have not sold any plug-in Prius.
     
  6. Pizza Driver

    Pizza Driver Active Member

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    I am anxious to see this new Prime as well and disappointed that dealers in Ohio don't seem to have any clue as to their availability. (I am rather jealous of California residents who will likely get to see it before the rest of us.) But it seems clear to me that Toyota is serious about selling this product. The very aggressive pricing makes it clear that they intend to make and sell a lot of these cars. Indeed, it seems more likely that the Prime will cannibalize liftback sales than that the Prime will be DOA. (On the other hand, since it seems like a majority of Americans don't even understand how a hybrid works, the idea of a plug-in-hybrid may instantly turn them off. Though anyone who has ever thought about a Volt would at least be willing to give the Prime a look.)
     
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  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it's a new model, and toyota has already stated that production has started slowly. they want to test the waters a bit. it will be available in all 50 states, but i don't know if dealers will be required to stock it.
    you being in southeast toyota territory may have a bigger problem than most of the rest of the country.

    prime should be fairly popular, especially when gas prices rise, and no, it's not in a death spiral. okay, maybe in nashville.:p
     
  8. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    Remember, your dealer is only lying when his lips move.
     
  9. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    Although that may be true for some dealers, there are a few good Toyota dealers.
    I understand Carson Toyota on California is good.
    I know Miller Toyota in Manassas Va is also good, although some sales staff are better than others.
     
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  10. ttait

    ttait Active Member

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    I take that to mean: YOUR dealer. There are other very good ones who are upfront and honest. I am buying out of my local area because I don't trust the local dealer. Check dealer recommendations on this very board. Research is good.
     
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it pays to shop dealers, no question. unfortunately, that requires more work, which sometimes lands customers at a competing brand's showroom.
     
  12. giora

    giora Senior Member

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    I have a hunch it is limited supply in the first months (CFRP hatch?), Japan supply postponed to 2/2017 if I am not mistaken
     
  13. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    S.E. Toyota. From what I've read on this forum over the years, that says it all.
     
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  14. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    What's the hybrid market like in Nashville? It could be a local effect.

    I think it's safe to assume that you can walk up to a dealership next month or January in California and pick out one you'd like but there may not be any stock in other markets where hybrids, PHEVs and EVs don't sell very well.

    Well on one hand, they pretty much sell themselves. Our local dealer had a red Touring in the showroom for a while but obviously that was spoken for. Sales numbers are up for the Liftback in Canada so maybe they're all in the GTA or in la belle province (which still has a $500 rebate for hybrids)
     
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  15. JamesBurke

    JamesBurke Senior Member

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  16. GasperG

    GasperG Senior Member

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    Looks like first batch will be CARB states only, that was Toyota (stupid?) strategic decision. EU has started to sell more hybrids than US and we also have some big EV markets (Norway, Netherlands), so it's very strange Prime won't be available for some months here, maybe even spring 2017.
     
  17. Bluegrassman

    Bluegrassman Active Member

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    Was it Beaman Toyota?

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  18. bhtooefr

    bhtooefr Senior Member

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    Most of the European markets don't have a ZEV mandate to be allowed to sell any cars at all, though, whereas many of the CARB markets do. So, if there's a supply constraint, you sell to the US, in ZEV states first.
     
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  19. Aaron Vitolins

    Aaron Vitolins Senior Member

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    I bet it was. Awful dealership!
     
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  20. Aaron Vitolins

    Aaron Vitolins Senior Member

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    Actually the hybrid car market it pretty popular here in Nashville. A lot of locals are switching to Teslas though! Most of my neighbors drive hybrid or electric cars. I live in a fancy area about 8-12 mins from downtown
     
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