Toyota May Scale Back Its Prius Lineup Due To Slow Sales

Zero facts, all speculation.

 

JimboPalmer - Based on the lack of rumors, reports, and tips on automotive web sites, I have to agree with you.

But I would not be surprised if there isn't some truth to the statement. I see very few new Prius on the street in our town (and I am attentive). The dealer is loaded with many on the lot in all colors. I think there is even lower enthusiasm on PriusChat. Every day I scan the "New Post" and most new post pertain to 2nd and 3rd generation Prius. OTOH, those that have purchased the 4th generation .... seem to be happy, which is good. I hate to see someone make a major purchase and not finding happiness.

 

That article is 7 months ago, nothing but speculation. The spin in plug-in sales makes that quite obvious. Much has happened since then.

 

old

 

As a 1st time (Gen 4) Prius owner I would agree with this. Most of the time I log in hoping that there is something new and exciting that pertains to the Gen 4.....only to find 10 posts about Gen 2 and Gen 3 Prii. :/

 

The transition to a next generation is interesting. Old articles like this hold attention until done threshold, then the outgoing falls off rather abruptly.

You'll see posts for gen-4 dramatically increase at some point. My guess is close to the end of the year. They're simply aren't enough on the road yet to dominate discussions.

 

Hmm...well...Gen2/3 vehicles sold out-number Gen4 by a huge amount, so for the moment we have a quorum and lots more mechanical issues. Otherwise maybe we are guilty of bad attitude as lots of our most ardent supporters have departed for greener pastures (now they are ardent Plug-in supporters). I am an ardent (and lonely) hybrid supporter, but perhaps I should be better attitude too.

 

That is the very definition of generation: the next taking over.

Only a small number of elders will remain, to help along with the transition.

We will have a new audience supported by new supporters.

 

How do intital fourth gen sales compare, say to third gen?

We bought our (August 2009 build date) 2010 in November of 2010. I didn't really figure this out till later, looking at the door placard. Basically a brand new car sat around for around 15 months.

 

Initial sales are a terrible gauge. Far too much depends upon factors outside of the influence of the technology... like gas prices. With gen-4, there was also an inventory shortage caused by third-party production issues.

Don't forget about market complexities either... we had both RAV4 rollout and the uncertainty of the plug-in influence. There are many more "wait & see" buyers nowadays. Next year will be the telling one.

 

Well Gen3 hit the sweet spot of highest sales (see sales). Starting around 2014 sales have dropped off each year. Thru July_2016 we are 58500 Prii which suggests maybe 100,000 for the year. Of course that does not count c,v, RAV4H. Some of those 100,000 are the last Gen3.

 

Really? That's been the approach for a long time now, reinforced heavily by Volt's struggle during its first year.

Heck, I can remember gen-2 Prius rollout saying wait for year #2 due to timing. Winter messed up "reviews" due to bad and warm weather reports got messed up by model-year clearance.

 

There are 2 typos (i think) for sales counts for 2012 and 2013. I suspect they should be 136K and 134K respectively.

 

hmm...let's check.
You are correct! Thank you. Nobody mentioned that in so many years.
Believe I stole this from another Prius chatter years ago.

 

if v might be on the chopping block, could c be far behind?

 

To be fair, it may be more appropriate to say it has run its course. After all, there isn't a strong market for wagons. Chopping sounds like it had problems fulfilling its role.