Prius sales leveling off due to lower tax credit, higher production
If you never had a chance to test drive a Prius because none were on the lot, try now. Toyota dealers in Vermont are reporting that the well-publicized waiting lists are thinning out. The reasons include steady gas prices, higher Prius production and a reduction in the federal tax credit. Also, Toyota is competing against itself with the Camry Hybrid. Over at Honda there are a couple of waiting lists for specific models and colors of the Civic and Accord hybrids. Overall there is less urgency for hybrids, according to industry analysts. Consumers looking for a bargain are hesitant to pay the hybrid premium. But dealers also see consumers willing to use their pocketbooks to make a statement about their environmental awareness.
[Source: Rachel Feldman / Times Argus]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
CM 2:41AM (1/06/2007)
Looking back over the last few years of Prius sales, it varies from month to month, rising and falling all the time. A fluctuation of over 1,100 from month to month is not uncommon, so the recent drop in sales is not suprising.
Also not suprising is the unwarranted schadenfrude that appears in the Times Argus article - from a journalist with hybrid envy, no doubt.
Reply
James 5:32PM (1/06/2007)
CM: On what planet are you seeing gloating in that article? It actually reads very objectively and only cites quotes from dealers.
Prius envy? Trust me, only Prius owners think there is such a thing. In fact I've noticed that more people see Prius owners as smug elitists. I don't agree with it...ok, in Boulder CO I agree with it...:), but I've definitely seen it.
Your attacking a valid article just because you don't like it. This article is important for people who have wanted a Prius but weren't willing to wait or pay a dealer premium. It's also important because, among other things, it demonstrates how short the collective memory of consumers is Remember the end of the oil embargo? Same thing happened then. The drop we're seeing isn't just a normal fluctuation, it's been going on for a few months now, it's history repeating itself.
Reply
M 9:39AM (1/09/2007)
If the thing weren't so damn ugly they would probably sell a lot more.
Reply