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http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/AmericanFlag.jpg Toyota is taking hard look at whether to raise auto production because of the clunker program. (http://www.cnbc.com/id/32296712/site/14081545?__source=yahoo%7Cheadline%7Cquote%7Ctext%7C&par=yahoo)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2010_Toyota_Prius-III_2.jpgPhil LeBeau - CNBC (cnbc.com) - August 5, 2009

Like I'm surprised? -- Ed.

Toyota Chairman and President Akio Toyoda said that the supply of the company's Prius model is running tight because of the Cash-for-Clunker program.

Toyoda spoke at the Center for Automotive Research conference in Traverse City, Michigan.

In his first comments in the US since taking over at the Japanese auto maker in June, Toyoda said inventories are down to a 6 to 7 day supply. Toyota is taking hard look at whether to raise auto production because of the clunker program.

Toyoda outlined his vision for the auto maker and industry in a speech at the Center for Automotive Research conference in Traverse City, Michigan. Toyoda also said that Toyota and the U.S. auto market will bounce back and be stronger than ever.

"My first objective as new president is to put Toyota back on the right track so we can full contribute to every region around the world, including the U.S.," said Toyoda.

Toyoda, an avid race car driver, announced the company is fast-tracking plans for an affordable sports car it will launch in the next few years. The sports car will be a joint venture with Subaru. Toyota is still unsure if it will badge the new sports car as a Toyota or Scion model, according to Toyoda... http://www.cnbc.com/id/32296712/site/14081545?__source=yahoo%7Cheadline%7Cquote%7Ctext%7C&par=yahoo

I have always had the idea that Toyota has purposefully under-produced the Prius for ten years straight. Doing so keeps the prices high and keeps letting the dealers add $3k-5k to the price tag of any Prius.

Put it this way: I've wanted a Prius from day one, but I adamantly refuse to pay a penny above sticker for any car. Since the Prius has never *not* had an additional dealer markup in the realm of thousands of dollars, I have never owned a Prius.

Any reason not to buy a used example?

Hi Indigo:

___If you want a 2010 below sticker, you will have to wait a few months as those things are hot right now. Wait a few months... The 2009's had $1,000 on the hood and $250 over Invoice anywhere in the country just 4-months ago.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

I got mine under the clunkers program $4,500 off plus $100 off sticker.
Wayne is right on the 2010's just wait a few months after the Clunkers Program ends
and you will be able to score a Prius for anywhere between $500-$750 off sticker.

... Put it this way: I've wanted a Prius from day one, but I adamantly refuse to pay a penny above sticker for any car. Since the Prius has never *not* had an additional dealer markup in the realm of thousands of dollars, I have never owned a Prius.
Back in late May when I ordered mine, most buyers on the other forum were paying right at MSRP, and those of us paying slightly under significantly outnumbered those paying over. Numerous readers had to expand their shopping horizons to get a decent price, but only readers in the Gulf States and Southeast regions seemed to be completely out of luck.

Discount amount and frequency continued to improve over the next month, and the pipeline was looking ample. Then Cash For Clunkers passed, and buyers in my state became more aware of last Friday's deadline for the sales tax exemption. Those helped cause a shortage. The extreme popularity in Japan -- 9 month waiting list? -- also appears to have prompted Toyota to reallocation their production.

I'm no good at predicting when shortages will abate.