While I'still waiting for the delivery of my Gen III Prius in the next couple of days (fingers crossed), I thought I'll share with you some of the promotional materials given to customers while they wait for their cars. They are print-outs around the size of a mouse pad that I scanned to my computer and uploaded here. I might up-load the rest if I can get my camera working. We'll see.
Cool! You get the HUD and LED headlights but no solar panel moonroof. I'm curious as to why SE Asia doesn't seem to want it (it's not available in Singapore or Malaysia)
Prius - No One Else. So it will be build in Thailand? How is the price compared to Corolla and Camry over there?
Funny you ask that. I remember there was a thread long ago where people were trying to ask about base Prius prices in various countries while using a Corolla there, as a base unit. We ought to resurrect that and compile the stats...
I look up Toyota Thailand website and this is what I found. Corolla Altis: 750k - 1.2m Baht or 24k - 39k USD Camry: 1.2m - 2.9m Baht or 39k - 94k USD Camry Hybrid: 1.6m - 1.8m Baht or 52k - 58k USD Prius is around 1.2m Baht or 39k USD
My guess is they are cutting corners to keep costs down and make it more affordable to more people. Still doesn't make sense to me to leave this option out in parts of the world known for (almost excessive) sunshine all year round. I really want the solar moonroof thingy. I often have to park my car on the side of the road in direct sunlight and it gets really hot when I come back to it. That solar powered ventilation fan would really help.
It's also possible that because it's an all-new vehicle, they don't want to overwhelm the public with all these options that the public may think (well, is it reliable?). You're already asking them to trust in "new" (to Thailand) drivetrain technology and now you want them to trust the solar panels too? I know for us, our options were light 10 years ago (in Canada, we had no options for 2001 while the US got optional side airbags and later on optional cruise control and navigation. Cruise was standard in Canadian models. Then for 2004, we got optional bluetooth, smart key and premium audio and in 2006, optional backup camera so they've been slowly adding more technology and options).
Ok, nice to know the Prius in Thailand is not being 'watered down' with limited options, but more likely it will be expanded in the future. Thanks
So far I personally didn't meet anyone with a negative view on the car. Most people said that it is beautiful and a hybrid. I guess the Prius didn't bring any 'baggage' with it to Thailand. lol
