News for SoCal production, etc -- by Dianne

Toyota's finally -- at least in my region - started to respond to the needs of the dealers with better communication and estimates of what volume of cars are expected for the end of this model year production. There was a memo posted to us all with production/expected units... of course, this also included the "fleet" units that were dropped for certain counties, cities, and cars for employees of Toyota and company fleet purchases as well. That is why their # of units distributed (listed below) will not match my posting as to what's been brought to SoCal for you as buyers (April and May are absolutely out of whack for certain)... you have all gotten the cars that are slated for retail. The only problem here with this memo is that is leaves off the 2005 production estimates, so those of us with more than 25 or 30 people on their lists are still clueless as to tell anyone after that! And, those smaller stores who get 1, 2 per allocation will not know what to tell people after #9 or 10 on their list. And, sadly, we still are unaware of any package combo changes to expect so anyone with a name and number with me (or anyone else) who wanted package 8 or some other unusual package and is awaiting news to see if that package gets added to regional production will still have to sit tight and pray that with increased production, we finally see packages like 7 and 8... and that said, here's the "gist" of the memo for Southern CA dealers... keep in mind that there are now 75 dealerships in Southern CA region so do the math here! (I have to snicker here at this line: **Please make every attempt to prioritize these customers and minimize the number of these customers receiving a ModelYear05 Prius.** because it seems as if I have a choice here, like I am gonna get 200 cars to make sure they are not out 300 bucks a car for 2005 models, LOL!!! That was pretty nutty to say there --- I am one of many with a list that's a year-long wait at least. Anyway.....it's at least nice to know that they are responding to the upcry of us all being unable to even estimate when they will get a car, or where they are on any list. It's all still a crapshoot but anyone who's in the first 40 on my dealership's wait list will be in good hands thru September, depending on what they are waiting for. I still think strongly that they need to go back to internet ordering for this car. The "bringing the Prius mainstream" is a failed experiment now. It is a great car -- and no one expected fuel prices to swing to the incredible highs that they have. That's pretty much sealed the fate of this whole experiment. If they are unable to bring the Prius back to internet order only, let's all pray they do not make the same mistake with the Highlander hybrids.
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Since the launch of the new generation Prius in October 2003, the Los Angeles Region has sold over 3,000 units. The vehicle has been a tremendous success and sales this year are up almost 400% compared to the previous generation vehicle. Thank you for the successful launch of Prius. We also appreciate the effective communication you have provided to customers on your wait lists.

To assist you in your communication efforts, in February 2004 we communicated to you what Prius availability would be like through May 2004. Although production has improved slightly, your wait lists have continued to grow. While Prius availability will continue to improve, we also expect that demand will continue to exceed supply. To assist you in your efforts to communicate with your customers and staff, below is our estimated Prius availability for the next four months. Based on your current allocation sales share, you can estimate your monthly earnings and continue to communicate availability estimates to your customers.

Prius Availability

(last 4 months - actual)

February - 445
March - 479
April - 562
May - 508

(next 4 months - estimate)

June - 650
July - 600
August - 600
Sep (ModelYear 2005) - 700

I also wanted to remind you of the ModelYear04 build-out timing. ModelYear04 production will end in late August, and ModelYear05 production will begin in September 2004. Because of the price increase earlier this year, customers that were entered into the Prius CIRS system by March 9, 2004 and take delivery of a ModelYear04 Prius will receive a $300 credit from TMS. Please make every attempt to prioritize these customers and minimize the number of these customers receiving a ModelYear05 Prius.

We appreciate your continued support in making the all-new Prius such a fabulous success. We look forward to continued success that positions all of us for improved customer satisfaction and the Toyota brand-image, as well as the long-term success of Prius and future Toyota hybrid models.

 

I get my tailfeathers fried often for my personal opinions but ya know what? It's gone too far, frankly. I've lost my temper, my patience, and my faith too many times in regards to this particular issue.

Dianne

 

I disagree. There are fleet companies, dealerships who want TRAC cars and rental car companies who will have been put off for months that they they have been telling No to for too long at that time. Do not count on that. And, if a dealership's track record earns them 1.5 % on average of an allocation (there are 75 dealerships in SoCal, so that is actually slightly over the average) then they will receive 7-10 cars a month assuming there are a true 700 cars in 2005 coming. Assuming they continue to refuse fleet orders and fill TRAC car requests and fleet car rental companies and cities and counties the cars they have ordered.

FYI -- I am trying to put this into perspective for you all. They ship us 2200-3000 Camrys a month to SoCal... sometimes, more! That should put that 400-5000 Prius in perspective for you. They need to do something crazy and magnificent like ship 2000 cars all at once. That will help clear the decks!

 

One does not have to be "internet savvy" -- one needs to visit the local dealer to place your order. I did this countless times for others during the "internet order only" days. And, I'd do it again.

Dianne

 

The most important thing that internet order-only does is it makes certain that Toyota knows what you want in the way of color, options, and nails down your choices to the exact science... and makes certain that the right car goes to the dealership of your choice.

It's hard for everyone to read that a blah blah car is suddenly available in a certain place in the USA with no takers when there are folks with orders MONTHS and MONTHS ago in other areas awaiting that car.

The current system allows for Toyota to have your name, address, and email address and a phone # -- but they do not ask me what color, package, or interior you want. If they knew when you'd ordered, what color combo you wanted, and the package you want, then they'd send the car in a specific time frame and put us all out of our freakin' misery!

Di