How Toyota Perfected the Hybrid – And Why Rivals Still Can’t Catch Up

...which puts us at the awkward position some here are not ready to address. The point of Prius was to promote & refine hybrid technology so it could be spread throughout the fleet. Not only has that been achieved, it was so successful (hence this article & discussion), that the most popular Toyota vehicles have phased out traditional models. Hybrids being ubiquitous means Prius has served its purpose. That means going forward it will either become a niche offering with enticing unique features or it will be discontinued.

 

I think Prius has already moved from an affordable high mpg vehicle to a sporty model at a sport price. Odds are good a followup generation will be minor improvements such as more interior space along with further power and mpg refinements. Much like the new Rav4.

 

And the big three are delaying their promised hybrids because politics

 

Dupe

 

If by sporty, you mena ugly, you're right. The Camry is a decent HEV but no PHEV yet. The RAV4 has both.

 

Corolla is skipping PHEV entirely (in our market), going straight to BEV. The Cross model could be a choice for a something in the entry-level PHEV category.

 

The Japanese government was promoting cleaner and more efficient cars for decades before the Prius arrived. There were hybrid and BEV subsidies in place when the gen 1 arrived

It isn't an agile business making cars. An investment can lose big if government shifts against it.

Then the US companies didn't have resources to invest in the hybrids. Ford was talking new hybrid, direct injection, and turbos for the Fusion years before they came to market. The delay was financial hardship and scrambling to keep the doors open.

That's how Toyota really became successful in hybrids. By having the resources and stability to make such a long term investment.