Toyota Asks For More Prius Inventory
Toyota’s sales forecast of 220,000 Prius models forecast looks like a lowball number now that Toyota has moved 86,000 examples of the hybrid from January to the end of April. Sales of the Prius V and Prius c have helped the nameplate see a 56 percent rise year over year, and now Toyota is clamoring for more units – but it may not get them.
Rising gas prices and new government incentives in Japan may create a situation where Toyota’s US arm may not be able to get enough Prius models. Bob Carter, Toyota’s US sales head, told Just Auto
Aside from the Prius V and Prius c, the new plug-in Prius has been enjoying fairly brisk sales despite its reduced EV-only range compared to some other plug-in vehicles. But American appetites for the Prius, whatever you may think of it, apparently aren’t being satiated. Stateside Prius production can’t come soon enough for Toyota.
More by Derek Kreindler
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Well, I guess the shortage of Prius vehicles means that I shall never be able to buy a Prius C One in Oregon at MSRP... in fact, one dealer rep called me and said, "There is no such thing as a Prius C One!"... in other words: Why should we sell you the cheap Prius, when we can sell you the more expensive one?"
I was looking for a used Prius. There's one selling in my area, a 2005, 221,000 miles, $7,000 "firm" asking price. There's another 2005 with more options and "only" 201,000 miles with a $8,990 asking price. It looks like the depreciation curve on these things goes for about 350,000 miles and is pretty darn flat.
I tried to purchase a Prius Plug In, but backed away from the bidding war. Instead, I purchased the Camry Hybrid LE at $500 below invoice. Eventually, when the crazy bidding stops on the Prius Plug In, I will trade the Camry in on one. I don't understand why Toyota does not increase the supply. On the east coast, when a dealer gets one, they hold out for top dollar, and they get it.
Here is a 0-80MPH video of the Prius C. Pretty good but bleh from 50MPH onwards. I hope they sell millions of these to people that used to have gas guzzling SUVs. /watch?v=l7fxonmq0lA Does anyone have numbers of how many C, V and regular Prii have sold this year?