Toyota Considers Lowering Prius Price Due To Image

Toyota Motor Corp. may lower the price of its Prius gasoline-electric hybrid car in Japan as the brand image of the nation’s best-selling model changes, Nomura Research Institute Ltd. said.

Because of its high sales volume, car buyers are now more likely to think of the Prius as a “friendly” brand than a “leading edge” one, according to a survey conducted by Fumikazu Kitagawa of Nomura’s global automotive practice. As a result, it’s competing with customers who may be drawn to cheaper cars with a strong “friendly” image, such as Honda Motor Co.’s Fit compact, he said.


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Agent009 - 2/2/2011 11:01:42 AM

-7 Boost

It is outdated technology in an outdated wrapper.

Stevez - 2/2/2011 11:34:04 AM

+6 Boost

I never knew using solar panels on a car was outdated?

uaw_lax - 2/2/2011 11:39:51 AM

-3 Boost

Using solar panels on a car is decades old.

theoptimisticpessimist - 2/2/2011 1:37:41 PM

+3 Boost

Mazda installed a system on the 929 sedan in 1992

truckman - 2/2/2011 4:47:17 PM

-2 Boost

I must agree agent009, http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car/07q1/pml_flightlink_electric_mini_cooper-car_news
This was done around five years ago, the article is four years old, imagine where they are now? Now lets compare the Prius to it,lol

truckman - 2/3/2011 12:19:58 PM

0 Boost

semperlexus, yes its $350,000 when they built it, that is partly because it is a one off, if it were mass produced it would be considerably cheaper, and yes it is relevant to what 009 says, why you ask?, did you read the speks? That is called progress! Toyota is way behind PML's car in performance and tech, what didn't you see? Yes it is possible that Toyota and the rest of the auto companies could improve dramatically in economy and performance, this car (PML)has it all, something Toyota doesn't have.

800over - 2/4/2011 2:36:14 PM

+2 Boost

IF my aunt had nuts...she'd be my uncle.

knowitall1985 - 2/2/2011 12:26:36 PM

+5 Boost

Hybrid Tech. isn't outdated. Most copied yes.....

truckman - 2/2/2011 4:48:18 PM

-4 Boost

Read above.

truckman - 2/3/2011 3:25:03 PM

-1 Boost

Hybrid tech isn't out dated, but no manufacturer has made anything that high tech, PMLs car is high tech, that was 5ish years ago and nothing today comes close, this applies to all manufacturers, not just to Toyota fans, so you fan boys can relax, its not a Toyota attack, just a reality check.

Chark - 2/2/2011 8:19:52 PM

-2 Boost

You can get a very well-equipped Sonata Hybrid for less than $26,000 and a fully-equipped model for less than $31,000. EPA ratings of 39/40 city/highway.

truckman - 2/3/2011 3:30:40 PM

-1 Boost

There is something about Toyota fans, you will be de boosted for the hint that something may be competitive or better, Hyundai is far more reliable than Toyota! I am with you chark! Just watch all the deboosts,lol

800over - 2/4/2011 2:39:55 PM

+2 Boost

Truckman....where do you get your Hyundai reliability numbers from? Any Hyundai Hybrids out there with a million kms?

http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20110125/bc_olsen_prius_reliability_110125/20110125?hub=BritishColumbiaHome