Does Toyota read this website?

Hey cheminee--

Of course we read PriusChat--one of the best sources of Prius info around the net, coupled with a very loyal and passionate member base. We just have not been able to engage in the conversations as often as we like--what with a new blog to keep up, a new Prius to launch and frenzied environmentalists saying we're just not doing enough.

But if we're not talking, we are listening. And when we're talking PriusChat, our blog, and other enthusiast sites--we're doing so with full disclosure of the fact that we are indeed Toyota. Transparent, authentic, humble if need be--but anything other than "incognito" -- and, I might add, genuine. Something, I'm afraid, cannot be said for one Prius Poster above from Glasgow who, IMHO, might really be a Prius IMPoster and most certainly not Toyota.

BTW, tmsusa would be remiss not to remind PriusChat readers that our blog, Open Road, has some of the most current and certainly accurate info re everything hybrid, including this recent post about our delivery of Prius plug-in cars (PHEVs) to the University of California for evaluation. And note the link to PriusChat (Danny??). Stay tuned!

 

Given the reference to a Prius PHEV above, this may be a good place to say it again:

I will buy the first PHEV that becomes available, capable of driving 40 miles at highway speed without ever starting the engine, and which only starts the engine after that time. With such a car, I'd only have to burn gas for out-of-town trips. I'd be willing to pay significantly more for a 75-mile all-electric range at highway speed.

As much as I hate GM I'll buy the Volt if it's the first to meet the above specs. But I'd much rather it be Toyota or Honda.

 

& I'm hoping the first ones will be right-hand drive :lol:

 

Dear TMS,

Thanks for listening! Ahem, ahem, about those height- and seat angle-adjustable front seats . . .

Sincerely,
DM

 

Jimbo,

You may have adopted a new user name, but you are still as clueless as ever.

 

Good to know you are listening TMS and making even worse jokes than me.

 

they're looking...

Thanks to tmsusa for adding value to PriusChat. If there is any official Toyota information on this topic:

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007/09/23/063663.html

I would very much appreciate a link!

 

I hope so! It's ridiculous that the US Prius doesn't have a height adjustable drivers seat. It's got nearly every other fancy feature. Why doesn't it have this most basic one. I can't think of any feature that would provide greater driver satisfaction for a lower cost. At least 2/3's of Prius drivers would use this feature. Every time I get into my Prius, I feel the seat is too high, especially after I've been driving another car with height adjustment. But I can't do anything about it. I have to suffer and crouch down to see if traffic lights are red or green. My vision out the rear view mirror is also limited.

I think only the Yugo and US Prius don't have manual driver's seat height adjustment or better. Actually, the Yugo might have had it.

I think Toyota is the best car company. But no one is perfect. It was a totally boneheaded decision to not put in height adjustment in the US Prius, especially when it's in the Japanese and European versions. I've heard that this stupid decision was made by US Toyota executives, which makes sense. Japanese execs are too smart to do this. As indicated by the performance of US car companies, we've got some pretty dumb car execs in the US. Some of them must be working at US Toyota.

 

I second that. Lack of driver's seat adjustments is why I do not own a Prius yet. I am ready to buy, but I simply cannot find a comfortable seating position as is. Add to that a telescoping steering wheel and I will buy two new Prii, no joke.

 

well if Toyota is listening, i will 2nd daniels assertion that even with a Prius, a Corolla and the Zenn EV, i would instantly buy a plugin Prius as long as i can get the first 40 miles all EV range. and i would be happy if max speeds were only 50 mph...

having that would eliminate the corolla, (it is barely used now. in fact, we are going to let Linds dad drive it on his 40 mile RT commute instead of his Ford 4X4 thus saving more gas) but it would also make the regular Pri the spare car . not sure that i would want to get rid of the Zenn although i might do that and get two plugins instead

 

I can't say I represent Toyota, but I do work for a Toyota dealer and I constantly direct customers, other techs, sales persons, and anyone else who might be looking for Prius information to this site.... I find this an excellant source of knowledge, a great place to listen to what problems Prius owners are experiancing, and even as a place to massage my ego by occasionally being able to throw in my two cents worth and possibly help someone out.... Learning whether some problem I have seen in the shop is occuring in lots of places or is just an isolated case can make life much easier. I have even passed along some info to a couple of the SET (SouthEast Toyota) technical experts....

I intend to keep doing my part to spread the word... Long Live Prius Chat!!