In an earlier post it was stated the 2008 Prius production would end in May of 2008 and the 2009 would begin in August 2008. Many on priuschat have said the 2009 model is a carryover from the 2008 model with minor changes. If this is the case why would Toyota need a lull of approx. 2 months to begin production on the 2009 model? Taking into consideration the popularity of the Prius wouldnt it have been best to continue production without pause?
2009 is going to be almost identical to 2008, the timeframe is not exactly as long as it seems, but they use the downtime to check equipment, replace parts, retool, and set up for the next model year, and it also allows for break time for employees and training. In the case of this change for the Prius, there is not much in retooling and training, but all the other things need to be done, and computer systems need to be set up for the next model year inventory control, things like that. Its not a matter of keep building 2008s, and at some point a car comes down the line as the start of 2009.
i think ending 2009 there will be a 2010 model like the spy shots seen ( some people think its a honda hahaha )
Could it be......? A Honda Hybrid Within Your Reach - Starting in Early 2009 "Our newest hybrid is a futuristic five-door hatchback that sports a unique style and sleek design. It is powered by a new lighter weight and efficient Integrated Motor Assist IMA® Hybrid system that offers a spirited ride, with plenty of amenities. And it’s all within your reach, starting in early 2009."
I think that you misread/misunderstood. It has to do primarily with logistics. The 2009 is a carryover from the 2008. That much is clear and definite. The 2009's 'probably' began production sometime in June/July. Nothing was ever stated by Toyota, they never do. However for logistics and marketing they try to flush out the old models all at the same time then replace them with the new models. It works very well in Toyota's system. Often the last old model will leave a lot the very week the first of the new models arrive. There is little or no carryover so there's no 'stale' inventory. Since everything is shipped here by ocean-going vessel they have to try to arrange it that all the first 09s ship together on the first couple of vessels. This means that they have to build and hold them for some period of time while all the 08s get shipped first then arrive here. Then at that point the boats with the first new 09s leave. I'd estimate that the first boats with the first 09's will leave in August to arrive here in Sept. I'll followup when the 09's hit the incoming inventory.
This is the current dates of Prius production: 04/10/08 '08 Cutoff ordering date 06/10/08 '09 Ordering banks open 08/11/08 '09 Production starts
I paid a down payment for my 2008 on July 2 2008. The dealer told me that they have Prius's allocated to them as they are made. Mine will be red and was made July 21st and should be here the end of Aug....
Careful about making off the cuff unfounded posts. You know what happens when you assume something. We have the most units available in our state and as of today an order can be taken for delivery in 15-21 days. There were 19 available last Thurs.. 11 available on Fri..9 on Monday..and 4 left as of today. Most likely these will be gone by tomorrow. Then the Labor Day arrivals will become available.
Checked in my "Toyota Dealer Net work, NA" 09 production begins in Aug 08 and model run finishes in Aug 09. Again, 2010 the "Gem" will start in Aug 09 for the Gen III. Toyota has had problem in securing Hybrid Batteries for its Toyota/Lexus HEV thus production was slowed. I was very dissapointed in finding "same model number" such as 1224 and 1226 for the 09 production. Any changes will be posting here at the forum.
