Toyota Prius excels because of unique design
07-04-07, 08:06 AM
#1
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Toyota Prius excels because of unique design
Toyota Prius excels because of unique design
Wednesday 4 July 2007
There’s no doubt that Toyota’s Prius is the top selling hybrid car in the world. It’s already sold more than half a million units, while competitors have struggled and sometimes failed with their own hybrid models. New evidence suggests the reason for the high sales aren’t only due to the claimed environmental benefits. The likely answer is because of the Prius’ unique and practical body, which has been favoured by motorists wanting to advertise their green intentions. When people see a Prius they know exactly what it is, whereas hybrid versions of cars like the Honda Civic or Saturn Vue are virtually indistinguishable from regular models apart from a couple of badges.
In a recent survey conducted by CNW Marketing Research, more than 50% of Prius owners revealed that the main reason they bought their car was that “it makes a statement.” In an interview with the International Herald Tribune, one Prius owner mentioned that he really wants people to know that he cares about the environment and another said that the Camry Hybrid was too subtle for the message they wanted to present.
Prius sales are up a staggering 93.7% for the year and Toyota is now on track to sell more than 175,000 units this year. In coming years, it plans to launch a family of Prius models and possibly a second hybrid brand.
Wednesday 4 July 2007
There’s no doubt that Toyota’s Prius is the top selling hybrid car in the world. It’s already sold more than half a million units, while competitors have struggled and sometimes failed with their own hybrid models. New evidence suggests the reason for the high sales aren’t only due to the claimed environmental benefits. The likely answer is because of the Prius’ unique and practical body, which has been favoured by motorists wanting to advertise their green intentions. When people see a Prius they know exactly what it is, whereas hybrid versions of cars like the Honda Civic or Saturn Vue are virtually indistinguishable from regular models apart from a couple of badges.
In a recent survey conducted by CNW Marketing Research, more than 50% of Prius owners revealed that the main reason they bought their car was that “it makes a statement.” In an interview with the International Herald Tribune, one Prius owner mentioned that he really wants people to know that he cares about the environment and another said that the Camry Hybrid was too subtle for the message they wanted to present.
Prius sales are up a staggering 93.7% for the year and Toyota is now on track to sell more than 175,000 units this year. In coming years, it plans to launch a family of Prius models and possibly a second hybrid brand.
07-04-07, 08:10 AM
#2
Interesting article. I can use some points from this because I'm doing a research project (strategic analysis) on bringing the Hybrid Prius to Korea. I'll make sure I cite this properly....
07-04-07, 09:13 AM
#3
Consumers have always wanted something more uniquely designed when hybrid variants are made. The other Toyota/Lexus hybrid counterparts were always scrutinized for not being too different.
For example, the RX400h and GS450h were considered too similar to it's non-hybrid bretheren, and such luxury consumers that wanted to flaunt a little bit of "hey, I have more power and better gas mileage than you" attitude were left wanting.
For example, the RX400h and GS450h were considered too similar to it's non-hybrid bretheren, and such luxury consumers that wanted to flaunt a little bit of "hey, I have more power and better gas mileage than you" attitude were left wanting.
07-04-07, 11:35 AM
#4
Consumers have always wanted something more uniquely designed when hybrid variants are made. The other Toyota/Lexus hybrid counterparts were always scrutinized for not being too different.
For example, the RX400h and GS450h were considered too similar to it's non-hybrid bretheren, and such luxury consumers that wanted to flaunt a little bit of "hey, I have more power and better gas mileage than you" attitude were left wanting.
For example, the RX400h and GS450h were considered too similar to it's non-hybrid bretheren, and such luxury consumers that wanted to flaunt a little bit of "hey, I have more power and better gas mileage than you" attitude were left wanting.
07-04-07, 12:49 PM
#5
Lexus Connoisseur
Wedge shaped and unconventional. It sells.
07-04-07, 02:15 PM
#7
Moderator
No other cars out there look similar to the Prius and will definitely make its mark in the auto industry's history...
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07-05-07, 07:16 AM
#9
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Consumers have always wanted something more uniquely designed when hybrid variants are made. The other Toyota/Lexus hybrid counterparts were always scrutinized for not being too different.
For example, the RX400h and GS450h were considered too similar to it's non-hybrid bretheren, and such luxury consumers that wanted to flaunt a little bit of "hey, I have more power and better gas mileage than you" attitude were left wanting.
For example, the RX400h and GS450h were considered too similar to it's non-hybrid bretheren, and such luxury consumers that wanted to flaunt a little bit of "hey, I have more power and better gas mileage than you" attitude were left wanting.
07-05-07, 10:54 AM
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The likely answer is because of the Prius’ unique and practical body, which has been favoured by motorists wanting to advertise their green intentions.
The Honda Insight is even more obvious, but the problem there was that the car wasn't useful for more than a 1 or 2 person family. They basically shoe-horned themselves into a market with very limited appeal.
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