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Prius wins PETA award for not using leather

Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' started by jkash, Jan 2, 2005.

  1. jkash

    jkash Member

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    Toyota's Prius Captures PETA 2004 'Proggy Award' for Steering Clear of Leather

    In recognition of its uncompromising stand not to equip its hot-selling gasoline-electric hybrid Prius with real leather seats and steering-wheel covers, automaker Toyota has won PETA’s Proggy "Breakthrough" Award. Proggys (short for progress) are awarded annually to companies who go the extra mile to offer humane products and services throughout North America. Toyota will receive a plaque and will be featured on PETA’s award-winning Web site, PETA.org.

    "Prius does represent social responsibility to the environment for many people," said Paul Daverio, manager for advanced technology vehicle marketing at Toyota. "And we understand that there are some issues with leather. … There are imitation leathers that do not have an impact on the environment and we are looking at that." Daverio insists that Toyota will not make a Prius with real leather.

    Read entire article by clicking this link.
     
  2. Ganesha

    Ganesha New Member

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    I wish I had seen this site before I purchased my car. The dealer kept calling me telling me they had a Prius package 9 with leather. I kept declining and saying I'd wait for the next car, specifically because of the leather. I finally decided to go and try to deal the price down as these models seemed to be around longer.

    Now I learn there is no leather. I realized at the dealership that they were less than truthful when I could take delivery sooner because I didn't want the leather, they had to add this.

    Lies, lies, lies.

    --Tony

     
  3. V8Cobrakid

    V8Cobrakid Green Handyman

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    Looks like the dealer made some extra money off of you. They usualy charge an extra 1,000 for leather.
     
  4. priusist

    priusist New Member

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    My feeling is the dealers always make easy money on these accessories. My brother, who was once a Toyota sales, said they used to "launder the accessories". I'd not ask for any accessories on my next car if they can be easily installed by myself because they are usually much cheaper elsewhere.
     
  5. Ganesha

    Ganesha New Member

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    They did make money off of me, but not through the leather. When I showed up to bargain, they quickly backed down from the added $1895!

    Now with my car's injury:

    http://priuschat.com/forums/dent-and-scrat...html?highlight=

    I dont know where to go. I tend to think the dealer is not above board.

    --Tony
     
  6. V8Cobrakid

    V8Cobrakid Green Handyman

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(priusist\";p=\"61075)</div>
    Not getting accessories: This is why i was tempted to get a base model. The more i looked into it, i realized it would be more of a pain to try to get all those products aftermarket.