Toyota Greenlights Prius Subbrand

The Acxiom automotive marketing report has an interesting table about the "Garage Mate" or cars likely to be with a Prius:

	Column 1	Column 2
0	Segment	Prius
1	Van	190
2	Compact Car	153
3	Luxury Car	101
4	Midsize Car	91
5	SUV	84
6	Sports Car	76
7	Full-size Car	74
8	Pickup	70

.
Off hand, this pretty well matches our family:

• 2010 Prius - our 'reference vehicle'
• 2003 Prius - our 'Compact Car'
• 1993 Coachman - our 'Van'

You know, we'd really like to replace the Coachman because it really isn't useful for running around town. In 2006, I sent a letter to Toyota USA asking for an Estima. We got a nice reply but basicly, not at this time.

Now if the Georgetown plant could come up with a minivan with the 2.4L hybrid drive ...

Bob Wilson

 

To me Prius ("that which comes before" is at its core a vehicle that looks to the future where fossil fuels will become increasingly rare, and the priority for preserving the planet becomes more important.

Thus, fuel economy and lower emissions are the key. Hybrids are one part of that process as is all the other technology, aerodynamics, etc.

As a consumer the Prius does this in a way that is appealing and affordable to mainstream car buyers. The present prototype solar cars, e.g., don't look like anything that is going to catch on short of apocalypse when nothing else can run. The Prius is fun, practical, and comfortable.

In short, Prius means a car that saves the planet and that people WANT to drive.