2010 DETROIT PREVIEW: A CHEAPER Prius? Will THIS Toyota Destroy The Competition?

Toyota Motor Corp is moving to expand its renowned hybrid franchise by developing an all-new hybrid-only model that will be smaller and more affordable than its wildly popular Prius.

The Japanese automaker will unveil a concept version of the car on Jan. 11, the first day of the North American International Auto Show's press preview.

Toyota officials declined to discuss the vehicle, but people familiar with the project say the car, a subcompact, is scheduled to go into production in Japan in late 2011 and roll into U.S. dealer showrooms in early 2012.

Toyota is the world's leading producer of gas-electric cars, offering a selection of several Toyota- and Lexus-brand hybrids. But the biggest seller by far is the Prius, a designated hybrid compact with distinctive styling and a starting price of $22,400....



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Agent63 - 12/27/2009 5:08:21 AM

-1 Boost

I don't see a point really. Prius is already popular as it is. Making an economy car more economical isn't needed at this point for Toyota. The Prius has its loyalists. If Prius is the benchmark for economy hybrids then why make an "entry-level" when the Prius is one itself?

Premium hybrids would be offerings from Lexus.

g2ok - 12/27/2009 10:09:17 AM

+2 Boost

It's a smart move by Toyota and hybrids/electrics will take off once the economy improves and big oil raises their trading prices due to increased consumption.

FanboyOfTheTruth - 12/28/2009 7:01:41 PM

+1 Boost

Will they? They already did a long time ago.

pennfootball - 12/29/2009 11:48:03 AM

+1 Boost

Toyota has a lot of the patents locked up...so competition is scarce in this type of hybrid segment as the Volt will even be more of a luxury car. So making a cheaper prius makes sense as the new one is over 30 grand with options.