Hybrid Hype? Fact and Fiction Surrounding The New Technology

Toyota Motor Sales USA's FAQ. I like the last one

Are dealers charging a premium over MSRP for the Prius?

Reports of significant markups over MSRP are isolated and not typical. Although the Prius is in high demand, and some buyers are willing to offer more to get faster delivery, our dealers have been respectful of their customers. The MSRP for the Prius runs from the low $20,000s to about $26,000. Our information indicates that the average transaction price for a Prius is about $24,000. In a survey on Yahoo, 7 percent of the owners reported paying more than MSRP and 68 percent paid no more than MSRP. Additionally, only 2 percent of the customers calling Toyota regarding the Prius reported complained about dealer mark ups of the car.

Aren't diesels just as fuel efficient as hybrids?

While some diesel vehicles get high fuel mileage, it's important to look at emissions when considering a vehicle's impact on the environment. The best diesels on US roads today are allowed more than 17 times more smog-formning emissions than Prius and they emit fine particulates identified by air quality regulators as cancer-causing. Diesel cars are not available for sale in California, New York, Maine, Vermont and Massachusetts because they do not comply with even the most lenient emissions requirements in those states. Hybrids can achieve outstanding mileage and have far less emissions at the same time.

Is Ford using the Toyota hybrid system?

Although the Ford hybrid system is very similar to Toyota's, Toyota is not directly supplying any components to Ford. Toyota and Ford have entered into a licensing agreement allowing Ford to use technology that had been patented by Toyota. Toyota welcomes the introduction of the Escape hybrid and Ford's effort to demonstrate and gain acceptance of this important environmental technology.

Is Toyota making money on the Prius?
At Toyota, we believe environmental issues are the most important challenges for auto manufacturers. It is our mission to undertake all efforts to develop and expand the use of environmentally friendly cars and hybrid technology is the key to this effort.

The Prius is profitable and Toyota is further trying to reduce costs while continuously improving the quality. We expect this generation Prius to be profitable more quickly than the first generation Prius, thanks to volume and improving economies of scale.

Is there a recycling plan in place for nickel-metal hydride batteries?

Toyota has a comprehensive battery recycling program in place and has been recycling nickel-metal hydride batteries since the RAV4 Electric Vehicle was introduced in 1998. Every part of the battery, from the precious metals to the plastic, plates, steel case and the wiring, is recycled. To ensure that batteries come back to Toyota, each battery has a phone number on it to call for recycling information and dealers are paid a $200 "bounty" for each battery.

Does driving a Prius really lower your cholesterol?

No, but wouldn't it be wonderful? However, it could help lower your blood pressure each time you fill it up.