Archives

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/Japanese_Flag_30x22.jpg Toyota Chief Executive Akio Toyoda told the dealers that Toyota would try to be the world leader in building environmentally conscious vehicles. (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703735804575536813551135960.html?mod=googlenews_wsj)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Prius_HSD_Logo.jpgMike Ramsey - WSJ (http://online.wsj.com) - October 6, 2010

Will we finally get that HSD equipped mini-van? --Ed.

Toyota Motor Corp. will sell two new variants of the Prius hybrid in the U.S. by the end of 2012, a larger and smaller version, said two dealers who were briefed about the news today at a conference.

One Prius will boast 50% more interior space and storage than the current Prius and the smaller version will be closer in size to the Toyota Yaris model, said the dealers, who declined to be named because the matter is private.

Toyota promised last January that it would go forward with a new Prius brand that offered other models. Toyota also has pledged to sell a plug-in version of the Prius that can go about 13 miles on only electricity before the engine kicks on in 2012.

Toyota, which already sells more hybrids than any other auto maker, recently pledged to introduce six new hybrid models in the next two years. The Prius models build on a... http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703735804575536813551135960.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Hello Toyota,

I love my 2000 Tacoma but hope to someday buy a small hybrid truck like vehicle.
Do you remember the old Chevy El Caminos?
Something like that in the new Prius family would be perfect for me.
I want mine with all the options and black.
Can't wait until I get a chance to order one.

Thanks for listening,
Steve

(reading the article requires a login)

So will the "Yaris-sized" smaller "Prius" really be an Auris? Sounds like Toyota is really trying to pump up "Prius" as a brand particularly here.

And presumably the "50% larger" model will be the "Prius MPV" or "Prius Alpha" mini-minivan we've already been hearing about.

(reading the article requires a login)

So will the "Yaris-sized" smaller "Prius" really be an Auris? Sounds like Toyota is really trying to pump up "Prius" as a brand particularly here.

And presumably the "50% larger" model will be the "Prius MPV" or "Prius Alpha" mini-minivan we've already been hearing about.


Finally. Maybe it's because they can't compete with conventionals. But why bother?

If they could double van mileage from 22 to 44 it'd be about 16.5k mile to save $1,000 and that's at today's low gas prices.

As long as they stick to the principle of being efficient and utilitarian I'm all for more cars under the Prius brand.

They earlier hinted the smaller car would have better FE than the Prius. It's smart of them to call it the "Prius Coupe", so as not to steal the FE crown from their higher volume seller. I've learned not to get my hopes up when it comes to future cars, but this one could be a winner. And we all know HSD = ripe for PHEV conversion.

Prius two seater?

Hmm, I wonder what Honda would think if Toyota gave the small prius a sport mode just for kicks. That would be interesting.

Prius two seater?

Well they could offer a subcompact with good folding rear seats and people who need a 2-seater could still go for it. The advantage of a real 2-seater would be more flexible shape for aerodynamics, but it's a trade with utility.