Real reason Prius delayed: ELECTIONS?
Another great Toyota executive interview. No bets this time but some very candid remarks and speculation. All but confirmed is a hybrid Aurion. There is even talk of a hybrid SUV Klugar. Both are seemingly dependent on what the Australian government or the new government after federal elections, does on subsidies. I wonder if the same is true for the American elections?
David Buttner, Toyota Australia's executive director of sales and marketing: "We're now talking about Camry or Aurion and it's the right time with the mood at the moment and the governments are seen to be green." David even talked about moving Prius production away from Japan and hybrids starting to scale. "When it first started with the Prius being built in Japan in an offline-type situation, that's expensive production. But now it's thrown into the mainstream production line and you've got a couple more suppliers who have come on-stream so the cost will come down."
Amazing stuff, right? I guess Toyota got tired of GM taking the spotlight and let the executives go crazy. This is a great sign for the up coming car shows. If they are acting this way now, just imagine what they have in store for the car shows. I can't wait to see what both companies have for us.
[Source: CARSguide]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Chris M 4:52PM (8/16/2007)
The right side drive Kluger sold in Japan and Australia is a twin of the left side drive Highlander sold in the US. The Japan Kluger Hybrid and US Highlander Hybrid have been on the market for about two years now. I don't know why the delay for the Aussie market, maybe Toyota was worried it wouldn't sell. If a new Aussie government brings more support for hybrids, the Kluger hybrid will arrive pronto!
The Aurion bears a striking resemblance to the Avalon available here in the US, probably right side/left side twins, like the Kluger and Highlander. If so, an Aurion hybrid will probably be released about the same time as an Avalon hybrid.
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Lascelles 5:22PM (8/16/2007)
Chris, You are right for anyone unaware of over seas branding. Aurion might actually be closer the Camry though. It's probably not a twin at all. I tend to see them as different cars. Lots of big brands over in the states are similar cars builds but have very different feels. I could write an entire article about that actually. Tiny things like trim and options which they often strip out of hybrids but but yes, you are right. We agree car companies are not blind to elections. That's what I think is important point. I probably should have talked more about how the delay made the release of the new hybrid RIGHT after the US election.
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