That has to mean the market's a bit soft. You'd think with steadily rising gas prices that wouldn't be the case.
Just got a Prius C 4 with sunroof option for 2K off of the MSRP. I am HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY. I think the deals are so they can clear space and create demand for the 2013 models.
It's somewhat strange with gas near or at $4.00 per gallon the local Prius dealer still has several Prius's on the lot. I remember when gas was well over $4.00 per gallon about 5 years ago or so a Prius at the dealership was nowhere to be found.
I also think it's different because there are more hybrid options coming out in 2013. For example, if I was in the market for a family sized hybrid, I would definitely hold off on purchasing now as the Ford CMAX has so far gotten great reviews and is priced lower than the Prius V (and is an American car, with at least some income coming to America). The Prius are made and manufactured in Japan, the only downside to them I saw.