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Prius v taxis in France and Spain

Discussion in 'Prius v Main Forum' started by Eric "v", Apr 22, 2015.

  1. Eric "v"

    Eric "v" Member

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    They are designated "Prius +" instead of v but they are the exact same vehicle that we have. I saw a lot at the Orly airport and some at Charles DeGaulle airport and a lot in downtown Paris. Most French rental car companies are also stocking them.

    Barcelona is just getting them in two taxi companies. Makes a lot of sense. Good mileage and lots of cargo and passenger space.
     
    #1 Eric "v", Apr 22, 2015
  2. J L

    J L Junior Member

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    If you've been to New York City lately, you'll see that a good number of the cabs there are Prius v models. I reckon every 4 out of 10 of the taxis there are Prius v's, which is a lot considering how many taxis roll around NYC.

    Here in the D.C area, the Washington Flyer taxi company is also starting to add more Prius v's at Dulles and Reagan airports. Toyota dealerships here love this, since they get fleet sales and service business from the taxi companies.

    All in all, this car is proving to be just as practical as Toyota intended it to be. But I'm surprised they're doing well in Europe; the Prius v seems to be a car primarily aimed at the Japanese and North American market.
     
    #2 J L, Apr 22, 2015
  3. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    IIRC the Prius+ has three rows of seats. The extra space for the third row was made by using a Li-x rather than NiMH battery.

    The Prius v(agon) has amazing versatility and utility to go along with excellent fuel economy and a nice ride. I'm not surprised to hear that it is taking over the taxi ranks.
     
    #3 SageBrush, Apr 23, 2015
  4. mtl_sienna

    mtl_sienna Junior Member

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    Here in Montreal, Quebec about 75% of the taxi's are v's. Given how bad driving conditions are here (weather, traffic and poor road surfaces) it shows how durable and economical these cars are.
     
    #4 mtl_sienna, Apr 24, 2015
  5. Sergiospl

    Sergiospl Senior Member

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    #5 Sergiospl, Apr 24, 2015
  6. EileenH

    EileenH New Member

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    When, when WHEN will we see these in the US???
    I want this Prius + with third row option!!

    Don't understand why they have not marketed these in US yet.
     
    #6 EileenH, May 14, 2015
  7. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    Funny, I've often asked myself why Toyota builds them. As in, for whom ? That third row is cramped for adults -- let alone super-sized Americans. And Western countries are not exactly known for 4+ kid families in demographics likely to buy the Prius.
     
    #7 SageBrush, May 14, 2015
  8. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Just take a look at the Mazda5 and see why. There's a small market for these MPVs, yes but not enough to sustain the models. When people are looking for a minivan, they want a supersize vehicle that can carry 6 or 7 passengers AND cargo. These MPVs typically can carry either 6 or 7 passengers (and maybe some shopping) or 4 or 5 passengers + luggage (i.e. road trip). I've noticed in North America, there is a "no compromise" or "have your cake and eat it too" attitude where buyers looking at these vehicles want both people and cargo space.

    The Prius v in 5-seat configuration provides generous passenger space and generous cargo space (just like the Venza, which unfortunately will be discontinued next month). When you market it as a bigger Prius, people expect more space. If you sell a 7-seat Prius, your passenger space shrinks back to a standard Prius as the rear seat is pushed forward to accommodate the 3rd row of passengers.

    Lastly, 7 people exceeds the US specified total load capacity of 915lb (145kg). If the weight limit was the same, all 7 passengers have to weigh, on average, 130 lbs.
     
    #8 Tideland Prius, May 15, 2015
  9. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

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    The Mazda 5 has a small market, because the Mazda 5 is ugly!
     
    #9 orenji, May 15, 2015
  10. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    I'm pretty sure people also say the same thing to the Prius v. (IMO, the Prius v and the 1G Mazda5 look fine to me. The downside to the 1G was the pathetic audio system and the 4-speed auto which was upgraded to a 5-spd later in life)
     
    #10 Tideland Prius, May 15, 2015
  11. E. Dennis

    E. Dennis Junior Member

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    I think Toyota will eventually provide the 3rd row option to NA---with obviously, a new battery pack for more rear passenger and cargo room. My guess is that we won't see it until 2017 or '18...which provides them ample time to meet US crash standards and gives them "lotsa-toying" time to introduce an AWD version.

    They're not twiddling their thumbs...Mazda, Ford and VW are in the process of overtaking the Prius crown.
     
    #11 E. Dennis, May 17, 2015
  12. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    Same in our area .... LAX, John Wayne, Long Beach, the GEN II, III, and v are around 70% of all the taxes ...
    my guess? same reason Toyota doesn't want ev's ... it will hurt Toyota's hydrogen bs .... IOW's, the (regular & hybrid) hylander market (likely more profitable) would be hurt. Ie, it doesn't matter what you want, it matters what makes Toyota the most cash down the road.
    .
     
    #12 hill, May 20, 2015
    Last edited: May 20, 2015
  13. Abley

    Abley New Member

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    I live in Valencia and the city council arrived to an agreement with the taxis union and most of them are "prius". Far from environmental consideration, you do not want to buy for your self a car that is seen as a Taxi. IMO.
     
    #13 Abley, May 22, 2015
  14. SageBrush

    SageBrush Senior Member

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    Why ?
     
    #14 SageBrush, May 22, 2015
    valde3 likes this.
  15. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    Why not . . .
     
    #15 hill, May 22, 2015
  16. Sergiospl

    Sergiospl Senior Member

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    #16 Sergiospl, May 22, 2015
    Last edited: May 22, 2015
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