Toyota Prius Sales In Japan Trumphs Honda Insight, Increases Monthly Production Rate

The latest report says that the 2010 Toyota Prius, which was offered for sale eleven days ago, has received sufficient orders to validate an increased monthly production rate of 8,000 units. The 2010 Prius sold enough cars on the first day easily outselling the Honda Insight.

The Japanese carmaker said that they have already received no less than 80,000 orders, making their target of 400,000 units worldwide well within reach. This is good news for the Japanese carmaker who is still intending to wage an all-out price war against the Insight through its first-generation Prius. It is anticipated that both cars will receive a boost in sales, especially with government incentives for hybrid car buyers. The initial monthly target was 42,000 to 43,000 units, but that has now been upped to 50,000 units. The increase, which Toyota said was placed to accommodate the increasing demands, is a sure sign that pre-set goals were overshot.
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investor27 - 5/28/2009 3:43:03 PM

+1 Boost

I thought they said they couldn't make more due to battery delivery problems.

cbro980 - 5/28/2009 5:54:54 PM

+1 Boost

Toyota owns 3 nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery factories, it is the improved lithium ion batteries you may be thinking about as they are more expensive but much better. I am sure that Toyota does not want to toss their existing factories away. They can produce enough of the NiMH batteries to meet their production goals.

LexusKindaGuy12 - 5/28/2009 10:53:37 PM

0 Boost

no surprise here seeing as how the insight is a complete failure

inspirion7 - 5/29/2009 11:05:40 AM

0 Boost

How is the Insight a complete failure? Have you been living in a cave? Before the new Prius hit the market, it was the best selling not only hybrid vehicle, but best selling vehicle in Japan. How is that a failure? Please explain to us...

LexusKindaGuy12 - 5/30/2009 2:39:50 AM

+1 Boost

hmm lets see.

Its a prius wannabe, that has less power than a prius, is less fuel efficient, and all reviews so far have said thatit has horrible engine noise and a confusing dash

Agent63 - 5/29/2009 3:27:36 AM

+1 Boost

Although Honda had a head start in the hybrid market in the US and Canadian markets they failed to capture it. They failed to hire the best marketers and designers to make a car of this type look appealing. While Toyota is the larger company and has more funding they were able to market it very well. Toyota has one of the best marketing teams in North America in my opinion.

inspirion7 - 5/29/2009 11:11:18 AM

+1 Boost

Very true. GM has been in the hybrid market for at least 20 years using tech in everything from buses to trams. Other companies did research but didn't move tech to the production front. No matter how diligent a company will be from this point on, Toyota will be seen in this generation as the premier hybrid pusher.

Agent63 - 5/30/2009 4:01:53 AM

+1 Boost

I'm not too sure about the back end of things but GM and Toyota have a working relationship with Prius' being built in GM plans is that not correct? If someone knows about this correct me please.