Toyota to develop affordable hybrid vehicle (selling for 20% to 30% less than the Prius)

Did the insight surprise Toyota? They seem to be rushing around to match it price wise, even continuing to sell the current model.

 

That's just media hype, much like we saw back in 2000 and then again when Civic-Hybrid came out... especially since Toyota under-promises and over-delivers. People love hearing about hybrids in the news.
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Perhaps the retained current Prius model will hold this slot until the new hybrid-light model is available.

Tom

 

Toyota to price new Prius hybrid 300,000 yen lower than current model

 

I was thinking the same thing. I'm also wondering is it just the Toyota IQ maybe?

 

With $1000 rebates on Gen2 currently, you can buy a pkg2 for the same price as the smaller, lower MPG, more poorly equiped Insight EX. No brainer, Honda loses.
I had a feeling the Gen3 would come out @ a slightly lower price point than Gen2. No MFD, 1 door SKS, no backup cam, etc. They tend to intro new models @ about the same or lower price points, e.g. RAV, Camry, Highlander when the new bodystyles came out.
The new low priced hybrid is probably something along the lines of a production version of the 1/X concept. Definately not IQ, which is here now.
Exciting stuff!!

 

I am pretty sure that Toyota had this planned for a while. After the smaller hybrid comes out I expect to see a sportier hybrid.

 

2012 Prius starts at 24k
2012 Prius c starts at 19k
20% below 24k = 19.2k

 

Another small City car?
Toyota teases FT-Bh concept hybrid city car ahead of Geneva!


Toyota teases FT-Bh concept hybrid city car ahead of Geneva

 

I also say they succeed despite the exchange rate.

 

A city car that doesn't look like a cozy coupe would be awesome.

 

Yep although if you equalize the accouterments the c is closer to 10% cheaper than 20%.