Prius Prime Death Spiral?

It's already being distributed.

It's possible that dealer won't have any, but others will.

 

The only way it would be canceled before it's distributed at this point is if there's a Volkswagen TDI-grade scandal around it.

My guess is that you've got a dealer that's completely uninterested in the product, and would rather sell RAV4s and Tundras.

 

That's the way they're selling the regular 2016 Prius at a nearby dealership, at least that's what I was told by a Service Advisor. The way he described it: they come in small batches, all spoken for.

This is a dealership who's lot was awash with 2010's when we were shopping. Maybe that's why, lol.

 

I have heard that there will be some on the east cost, but not allocated to dealers who have not sold any plug-in Prius.

 

I am anxious to see this new Prime as well and disappointed that dealers in Ohio don't seem to have any clue as to their availability. (I am rather jealous of California residents who will likely get to see it before the rest of us.) But it seems clear to me that Toyota is serious about selling this product. The very aggressive pricing makes it clear that they intend to make and sell a lot of these cars. Indeed, it seems more likely that the Prime will cannibalize liftback sales than that the Prime will be DOA. (On the other hand, since it seems like a majority of Americans don't even understand how a hybrid works, the idea of a plug-in-hybrid may instantly turn them off. Though anyone who has ever thought about a Volt would at least be willing to give the Prime a look.)

 

it's a new model, and toyota has already stated that production has started slowly. they want to test the waters a bit. it will be available in all 50 states, but i don't know if dealers will be required to stock it.
you being in southeast toyota territory may have a bigger problem than most of the rest of the country.

prime should be fairly popular, especially when gas prices rise, and no, it's not in a death spiral. okay, maybe in nashville.

 

Remember, your dealer is only lying when his lips move.

 

Although that may be true for some dealers, there are a few good Toyota dealers.
I understand Carson Toyota on California is good.
I know Miller Toyota in Manassas Va is also good, although some sales staff are better than others.

 

I take that to mean: YOUR dealer. There are other very good ones who are upfront and honest. I am buying out of my local area because I don't trust the local dealer. Check dealer recommendations on this very board. Research is good.

 

it pays to shop dealers, no question. unfortunately, that requires more work, which sometimes lands customers at a competing brand's showroom.

 

I have a hunch it is limited supply in the first months (CFRP hatch?), Japan supply postponed to 2/2017 if I am not mistaken

 

S.E. Toyota. From what I've read on this forum over the years, that says it all.

 

Only dealer within 100 miles of Nashville to even mention the Prime
2017 Toyota Prius Prime Hatchback in Madison, serving Nashville | Photos, Specs & Pricing

What do you think this says about Toyota dealers in the Nashville area?
90 minutes away in KY and they have a Google map showing how to get there from Nashville. But no Prime.
Toyota Dealer Near Nashville | Watermark Toyota

 

Looks like first batch will be CARB states only, that was Toyota (stupid?) strategic decision. EU has started to sell more hybrids than US and we also have some big EV markets (Norway, Netherlands), so it's very strange Prime won't be available for some months here, maybe even spring 2017.

 

Was it Beaman Toyota?

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Most of the European markets don't have a ZEV mandate to be allowed to sell any cars at all, though, whereas many of the CARB markets do. So, if there's a supply constraint, you sell to the US, in ZEV states first.

 

I bet it was. Awful dealership!

 

Actually the hybrid car market it pretty popular here in Nashville. A lot of locals are switching to Teslas though! Most of my neighbors drive hybrid or electric cars. I live in a fancy area about 8-12 mins from downtown