Toyota Might Ditch the Prius C, V and Plug-In Hybrid
Toyota is considering shrinking the Prius family.
Back in 2011, the brand predicted that the Prius nameplate would be its top-selling model lineup by 2020, but the current surge in truck and SUV sales brought on by cheap fuel prices is forcing Toyota to consider the future of the Prius C subcompact, Prius V station wagon and Prius plug-in hybrid.
The V in particular has a new challenger coming from inside Toyota’s showroom. “We’ll have to see how well the RAV4 Hybrid does,” said Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota North America. “Because the RAV4 could really take the place of the Prius V.”
SEE ALSO: The Road Travelled: 15 Years of the Toyota Prius
Since Toyota expanded the Prius family in 2011 and 2012 it has moved 999,516 vehicles across the U.S., but two-thirds of those sales came from the standard Prius. The Prius C has been the most successful variant, selling 156,766 copies since 2012, while the larger Prius V has sold 143,212 times since 2011. The Prius plug-in hybrid has only sold 42,293 examples in the past four years.
Toyota expects Prius sales to jump by about 30 percent this year thanks to the introduction of a new model, but still, Toyota Division general manager Bill Fay says it is too early to say for sure whether the Prius C, V and plug-in hybrid will be returning to the U.S.
[Source: Automotive News]
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Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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In the wake of lower gas prices, this move makes good sense. Besides, the "Hybrid Synergy Drive" tech can easily be implemented in future variations on its worldwide platforms for likely less than the cost of adding more Prii.
Just for the record, I love my 2015 Prius V. The new standard Prius has lowered the headliner enough to make it uncomfortable for exiting and entering. Plus, the V has more cargo space. I was hoping to upgrade to a V -4 or 5 with something other than black interior when my lease is up in 2018. Also, the RAV-4 has a harsher, choppier ride than my V and a loss of at least 10 mpg. I may be forced to buy my current V or see if I can land a 2017 when the lease is up, if they don't make a 2018 V.