xcel
08-21-2008, 08:19 PM
Prius sales are off 4.5% year to date with demand still overwhelming. (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121882798138545081.html?mod=autos_feature_articles)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2007_Toyota_Prius1.jpgJonathan Walsh - WSJ - Aug 19, 2008
2008 Toyota Prius -- still hard to find on dealership lots.
With fuel costs falling below $4.00 per in most areas of the country (other than Chicago :(), hopefully the supply/demand situation will moderate.. -- Ed.
Question: I recently attempted to purchase a hybrid Prius and found that the run-up in gasoline prices has resulted in propelling the sales of such vehicles. Dealers not only charge full retail prices, but also tack on extensive dealer fees. When can we look forward to the improvement of supplies of hybrid cars?
-- Shephard Hack, Boynton Beach, Fla.
Answer: Toyota is increasing production of Priuses and part of the plan includes building the cars at a new factory in Mississippi that was previously slated to build Highlander crossover SUVs. The plant is supposed to push Prius production to a level more in line with growing demand. When production levels rise, the price should fall. But it may be a year or so before prices come down because production at the new plant isn't expected to begin until next year.
It is no surprise that dealers are taking advantage of an opportunity to boost profit in sales on sought-after models. The lack of discounts available on hybrid vehicles and the often-inflated prices that dealerships charge reflect to some extent the balance between supply and demand. But such practices also annoy customers who may not return for their next purchase… http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121882798138545081.html?mod=autos_feature_articles
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2007_Toyota_Prius1.jpgJonathan Walsh - WSJ - Aug 19, 2008
2008 Toyota Prius -- still hard to find on dealership lots.
With fuel costs falling below $4.00 per in most areas of the country (other than Chicago :(), hopefully the supply/demand situation will moderate.. -- Ed.
Question: I recently attempted to purchase a hybrid Prius and found that the run-up in gasoline prices has resulted in propelling the sales of such vehicles. Dealers not only charge full retail prices, but also tack on extensive dealer fees. When can we look forward to the improvement of supplies of hybrid cars?
-- Shephard Hack, Boynton Beach, Fla.
Answer: Toyota is increasing production of Priuses and part of the plan includes building the cars at a new factory in Mississippi that was previously slated to build Highlander crossover SUVs. The plant is supposed to push Prius production to a level more in line with growing demand. When production levels rise, the price should fall. But it may be a year or so before prices come down because production at the new plant isn't expected to begin until next year.
It is no surprise that dealers are taking advantage of an opportunity to boost profit in sales on sought-after models. The lack of discounts available on hybrid vehicles and the often-inflated prices that dealerships charge reflect to some extent the balance between supply and demand. But such practices also annoy customers who may not return for their next purchase… http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121882798138545081.html?mod=autos_feature_articles