Last year, gas prices were rapidly climbing when the Japanese tsunami occured. As a result, Prius supply dried up when demand was rising to a high. The Prius c is expected to arrive on U.S. dealer lots in March 2012. With gasoline prices rapidly rising and predicted to hit $5 per gallon this summer (I have not calculated this "$5" estimate myself yet - it's what all the media stations are reporting), the Prius c could not be launching at a better time. Demand should soon surge for hybrids and the Prius c. ...and hopefully Toyota will keep the supply coming strong to keep dealers from hiking up the price and causing mainstream consumers to start pulling out their calculators again to see "if hybrids are really worth the cost." In summary, with gas prices rapidly climbing, the Prius c is launching into a perfect market!
I agree that it is launching at the right time and with the right price. I still wonder though, if the rate that gas prices keep increasing, if it is more viable to go all electric (assuming you have a backup vehicle for longer distances). Either way, I am glad I held out instead of getting the Gen III a couple of years ago.
I recall during the summer of 2007 or 2008 the price of gas here in the northwest was near $4.50 per gallon for regular. Our local car dealership was just about giving away the big land yachts. You could not find a Prius anywhere. With gas expected to hit $5 a gallon Toyota will have the mpg market cornered. The Prius (3 models) and Camry Hybrid will sell as soon as they leave the truck and the dealer lots once again will .be filled with land yachts for 10 cent on the dollar. I remember all the gas crisis from the early 70's on up and I have never forgot, having bought my first new car a 1977 VW Diesel Rabbit which I could have nearly doubled my money on it when a few months later the gas crisis hit. From there a 1985 VW Jetta Turbo Diesel, Honda 1994 Civic VX (yes the rare one that got a true 50 mpg) 2003 Jetta Wagon Diesel, and the last, 2010 Prius. alfon
Why? Those of us with 2010s retain amazing resale values in the current climate. The C is just an incremental upgrade, if that (still waiting to see more real-world MPG values).
I'm not particularly concerned about resell value, as I run my cars into the ground before getting new ones. I just meant that I am glad I waited because it will cost me about $4K less to enjoy a Prius
I hear you loud and clear. You also may have escaped some early Gen III design defects (i.e. startup knock), fingers being crossed as per usual.
In 2005 when I was shopping for a Prius. There is dealer add-on, i.e. they will sell you the car MORE than the full msrp
Agree, one of the reasons I think 21,000 to 28,000 Prius c quoted by Toyota seem low for the US market! http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1072938_2012-toyota-prius-c-so-popular-in-japan-toyota-ups-production
I wonder if GM will be back for another bail out once gas prices hit $4.50/gal. ? Sales of those gas guzzling SUVs always tend to rebound when gas prices fall or stabilize, but they fall of precipitously with rapidly increasing fuel prices. I cannot speak for the rest of you, but I personally would not shed a tear if the SUV wen the way of the dinosaur.
