While Agent 001 and I respect the Chevrolet Volt for the amount of technology put into the vehicle, there's just constant reminders that this vehicle wasn't ready for primetime. 001's known this all along as we spoke about this in-depth before the Volt made its big debut.
He always said to me: "What folks really need is a $14,000 Prius."
Well, it may not be $14,000 but the 2012 Toyota Prius c is a less expensive alternative that, apparently, has folks rushing to dealerships.
Sales only started on March 12, however, in its first three days on sale Toyota has moved 1,201 units.
To be clear, that's more vehicles sold in THREE DAYS than sales of the all-electric Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt in the MONTH of February.
Toyota's press release follows:
Prius c Launch Kicks Off with Strong Sales
Prius Family Sales Nearly 10,000 in First Half of March
Toyota's subcompact Prius c five-door hatchback, the newest member of the Prius family of hybrid vehicles, is off to a quick start since going on sale March 12.
In its first three days on the market, it sold 1,201 units, making it one Toyota's fastest-selling vehicles and eclipsing Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf sales for the entire month of February.
"A number of factors drive the auto market, and fuel prices is one of them," said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager of the Toyota Division. "With 53 miles-per-gallon in the city and priced under $19,000, the timing for Prius c couldn't be better."
During the first half of March, the four-member Prius Family, including the new Prius c, roomy v, third-generation Liftback and new Plug-in Hybrid, accounted for sales of 9,821. Last month Prius sales totaled 20,593 and 32,593 year-to-date.