I've been trying to find out how many Prius vees were sold in February. If my math is correct, here's what I get from the chart of total "Prius Family" sales for February (20,589) and the Toyota spokesman's comment that liftback sales were up 22% over February 2011 figures (13,539). In February 2012, the "Prius Family" was only two vehicles: the liftback and the vee. So, if the liftback was up 22%, then that works out to 16,518 liftbacks sold last month (that's 22% over year ago figures of 13,539). That leaves 20,589 - 16,518 = 4,071 Prius vees sold in February, 2011. Pretty strong for a model that's only been out since 10/24/11. I guess that answers the question (for me at least) as to whether Prius v sales would "cannibalize" liftback sales.
Actually, 4,000 is OK but not stunning. The small SUV and small CUV markets are pretty big and it's not all about 4WD. Also we knew there was some pent-up demand for an efficient wagon since I believe the Sportwagen TDI was selling 1500 per month (it has one of the highest diesel takes) in a land where diesel consideration is only now up to 35%. It's early days yet, both in terms of pent-up demand and in getting consideration for a "w****". I'd give it at least a year.. We know from PriusChat postings that some owners have upsized, but there are positive signs since the reports from Toyota and dealers describe the v effect as: - Majority of customers buying the v are new to Toyota - Some new customers come to look at the v and then realize that the liftback is more than enough for them (as we all knew).
I hear what you're saying. But, what if the Volt were selling at that rate? Would that be "stunning?" I would say it is. No reason to have a different, higher, standard just because it's a Toyota. I also believe these figures say that there was a need for a hybrid with a bit more room than the liftback. I met a family of 4 that went to buy a highlander and ended up with a vee. They couldn't have been happier. At any rate, I doubt that liftback sales are suffering as a result of the vee's introduction. IOW, little (if any) "cannibalization" is taking place.
