Prius needed in China, but not selling well
Without tax breaks, the Prius isn't a big hit in China. Although the gas-electric hybrid would seem to be a welcome treat in cities gagging on air pollution, officials say sales are sluggish at 100 a month. Toyota originally had sales goals of 3,000 a year. Other Toyota vehicles are selling well but the main problem appears to be a lack of environmental enthusiasm on the part of upscale Chinese consumers. The Prius sells for $40,000 in China, about double the cost in the U.S. But there are no tax breaks or perks such as convenient parking or HOV access. Toyota says it still plans on introducing more hybrid models in the Chinese market.
[Source: Christine Tierney / Detroit News]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tim 2:10PM (11/20/2006)
I'm sure that the $40K US price tag has nothing to do with slow sales in communist china. Right?
Reply
Brian 2:20AM (11/21/2006)
The $40k price tag probably has something to do with it but China is not communist.
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