Thank Honda for the Prius Price Cut
04-20-09, 04:32 PM
#1
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Thank Honda for the Prius Price Cut
At least if you believe the article. Even if it is only marginally accurate it goes to show that as consumers, competition is good. Instead of dumping on this or that model, we should hope as many competing products stay out there in as many categories as possible forever.
Toyota Said to Slash Prius Price in Duel With Honda
By Doron Levin
April 20 (Bloomberg) -- Toyota Motor Corp., the world’s largest automaker, will cut the base price of its Prius gas- electric hybrid model by $1,000 to $21,000, as it competes with Honda Motor Co.’s Insight, said a person familiar with the matter.
Honda introduced the Insight on March 24 with a sticker price starting at $19,800, undercutting the 2009 Prius, which starts at $22,000. Toyota will announce prices on the 2010 model tomorrow, with details about the new car tomorrow, said the person, who asked not to be named because the statement is pending.
The two hybrids were introduced more than a decade ago. Since then the Prius has led in sales, accounting for half of all such models sold in the U.S. Honda dropped the original two- seat Insight in 2006 and revived the name this year with a bigger version.
Insight’s fuel efficiency is rated at 41 miles per gallon, combined for city and highway driving, said Sage Marie, a Honda spokesman.
Prius, classified as a midsize sedan, will be rated at a combined 50 miles per gallon, said the person familiar with the price.
‘Huge Brand’
A Toyota spokesman in Japan declined a month ago to confirm or deny a Nikkei newspaper report that the automaker planned to cut the price of its older model Prius to match the price of the new Insight.
New Prius models will be available in a month; the cheaper ones not until later in the year, said the person.
Details were disclosed to a small group of Toyota dealers today at a meeting in Washington, D.C., said the person.
“Prius has become a synonym for hybrid, it’s a huge brand unto itself,” said David Fischer, a car dealer based in Troy, Michigan and owner of a Toyota franchise. “Insight will do the same for Honda. The hybrid is no longer a boutique concept, it’s becoming mainstream.”
Through the first quarter of the year Prius sold 24,277 units in the U.S., off 43 percent from a year earlier. Insight sold 569 cars in March, when it had limited time in the U.S. market.
The new Prius is the model’s third generation, billed by Toyota as bigger and more fuel-efficient.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?p...aas&refer=home
Toyota Said to Slash Prius Price in Duel With Honda
By Doron Levin
April 20 (Bloomberg) -- Toyota Motor Corp., the world’s largest automaker, will cut the base price of its Prius gas- electric hybrid model by $1,000 to $21,000, as it competes with Honda Motor Co.’s Insight, said a person familiar with the matter.
Honda introduced the Insight on March 24 with a sticker price starting at $19,800, undercutting the 2009 Prius, which starts at $22,000. Toyota will announce prices on the 2010 model tomorrow, with details about the new car tomorrow, said the person, who asked not to be named because the statement is pending.
The two hybrids were introduced more than a decade ago. Since then the Prius has led in sales, accounting for half of all such models sold in the U.S. Honda dropped the original two- seat Insight in 2006 and revived the name this year with a bigger version.
Insight’s fuel efficiency is rated at 41 miles per gallon, combined for city and highway driving, said Sage Marie, a Honda spokesman.
Prius, classified as a midsize sedan, will be rated at a combined 50 miles per gallon, said the person familiar with the price.
‘Huge Brand’
A Toyota spokesman in Japan declined a month ago to confirm or deny a Nikkei newspaper report that the automaker planned to cut the price of its older model Prius to match the price of the new Insight.
New Prius models will be available in a month; the cheaper ones not until later in the year, said the person.
Details were disclosed to a small group of Toyota dealers today at a meeting in Washington, D.C., said the person.
“Prius has become a synonym for hybrid, it’s a huge brand unto itself,” said David Fischer, a car dealer based in Troy, Michigan and owner of a Toyota franchise. “Insight will do the same for Honda. The hybrid is no longer a boutique concept, it’s becoming mainstream.”
Through the first quarter of the year Prius sold 24,277 units in the U.S., off 43 percent from a year earlier. Insight sold 569 cars in March, when it had limited time in the U.S. market.
The new Prius is the model’s third generation, billed by Toyota as bigger and more fuel-efficient.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?p...aas&refer=home
04-20-09, 04:49 PM
#2
Lexus Test Driver
Can't wait to see the prices 
Hopefully I'll get a prius in the summer :/ hope the dealership wont be sold out. Be great to take this car on a roadtrip from Montreal to Miami and back, put it through its paces.
50 miles per gallon x 11 gallons = 885 km. I'll probably have to stop for gas a good 6-8x (on the whole trip). Plus try and do it in the 24-28 hrs its suppose to take by car lol
Hopefully I'll get a prius in the summer :/ hope the dealership wont be sold out. Be great to take this car on a roadtrip from Montreal to Miami and back, put it through its paces.
50 miles per gallon x 11 gallons = 885 km. I'll probably have to stop for gas a good 6-8x (on the whole trip). Plus try and do it in the 24-28 hrs its suppose to take by car lol
04-20-09, 04:57 PM
#3
Lexus Fanatic
I think its great that more of the masses will be able to obtain the newest technologies that will allow us the reduce our consumption of foreign oil. Kudos to Toyota and Honda
04-20-09, 05:13 PM
#4
Lexus Fanatic
April 20 (Bloomberg) -- Toyota Motor Corp., the world’s largest automaker, will cut the base price of its Prius gas- electric hybrid model by $1,000 to $21,000, as it competes with Honda Motor Co.’s Insight, said a person familiar with the matter.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/car...a-insight.html
I will review the new 2010 Prius as soon as it becomes available in my area. Should be within a couple of weeks.
04-20-09, 07:24 PM
#6
Lexus Champion
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/4419250-post17.html
Looks like the podcast I was listening to a couple weeks ago was on to something assuming this article is accurate.
If this was GM it wouldn't be 'good job GM'... it would be "it's about time the competition got their prices more in line with what's reasonable". But it's Toyota, so now we sing their praises in the light of the natural response to competition in a market where they previously have virtually none. Toyota is no saint or charity here... they're doing this only because Honda forced them to.
Looks like the podcast I was listening to a couple weeks ago was on to something assuming this article is accurate.
If this was GM it wouldn't be 'good job GM'... it would be "it's about time the competition got their prices more in line with what's reasonable". But it's Toyota, so now we sing their praises in the light of the natural response to competition in a market where they previously have virtually none. Toyota is no saint or charity here... they're doing this only because Honda forced them to.
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04-21-09, 08:54 AM
#9
Lexus Test Driver
TORRANCE, Calif., April 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the all-new 2010 Prius midsize hybrid, scheduled to go on sale beginning in late May at Toyota dealers nationwide.
The third-generation Prius will be available in one grade with a starting MSRP of $21,000. The Prius will be offered with five levels of popular standard equipment combinations.
"The 2010 Prius delivers outstanding mileage, performance and advanced technology at a great price," said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager of the Toyota Division.
Carter sees the most popular model starting at an MSRP of $22,000, equipped with a high level of standard features. "This model provides more than $2,000 added value, including the features most buyers want, at the same price as the current base model," he said.
A new base model with a lower level of standard equipment is scheduled to be available later this year. It is designed to appeal to the most cost-conscious businesses and consumers.
Celebrated as the benchmark for cars of the future, the Prius has delivered superior fuel economy and ultra-low emissions to more than 1.2 million owners worldwide for over 10 years. When it goes on sale, the 2010 Toyota Prius will once again set new standards for innovative hybrid design and technology, raising its level of convenience features and performance to new heights, including EPA fuel economy estimates of 51 mpg city, 48 mpg highway and 50 mpg combined (EPA MPG estimates, actual mileage will vary).
The third-generation 2010 Prius will offer enhanced performance and innovative design features. It will be quieter, roomier, and equipped with advanced standard and available features such as four driving modes, steering wheel touch controls that display on the instrument panel, a moonroof with solar panels, and Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA).
The Prius is equipped with Toyota's industry-leading Hybrid Synergy Drive and certified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV), emitting over 70 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new vehicle. A larger and more powerful yet more efficient 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine produces 98 horsepower at 5,200 rpm. Together with its electric motor the hybrid system in the new Prius will generate a combined net horsepower of 134, an increase of 24 horsepower over the previous generation.
All Prius models offer Toyota's Star Safety System(TM) as standard equipment, which includes enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) Systems, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Other standard features include electric power steering and four-wheel disc brakes.
Starting fall 2009, select Prius models will include Toyota's all-new telematics service, Safety Connect(TM), which will offer four safety and security features: Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Location, Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), and Roadside Assistance. Safety Connect will be available by subscription, with an included one-year trial subscription.
Adding to the appeal of Prius is an additional array of standard convenience features on most models that include automatic air conditioning equipped with an electric air compressor; AM/FM/MP3 CD player with six-speakers and satellite radio capability; driver door Smart Key system with Push Button Start and remote illuminated entry; a Multi-Informational Display with an energy monitor and fuel consumption history; six-way adjustable driver seat; power door locks; auto up/down on all windows with window jam protection; cruise control; tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel with audio and HVAC controls; color-keyed foldable power heated side mirrors; dual sun visors with vanity mirrors; and tonneau cover.
Prius also brings many new firsts to the Toyota lineup. To help increase fuel efficiency, the 1.8-liter engine is beltless, uses an electric water pump, a new exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, and an exhaust heat collection system.
Other Toyota firsts include a new Touch Tracer Display, which features touch sensors on the steering wheel switches that are designed to reduce driver eye movement for better concentration on the road; an available sliding glass moonroof is packaged with solar panels that power a new ventilation system; a remote air-conditioning system functions on battery-power alone, and allows remote operation so the driver can cool the interior temperature for comfort before getting in the car.
Also new to Toyota is an available Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system that uses advanced millimeter wave radar. The system also enables Lane Keep Assist, which helps the driver stay safely within the lane, and the Pre-Collision System, which retracts seatbelts and applies the brakes in certain conditions when a crash is unavoidable.
Base MSRPs do not include a delivery, processing, and handling (DPH) fee of $750. The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.
Standard Equipment MSRP
Prius I To be released at a later date $21,000
Prius II -- 1.8-liter Atkinson cycle engine $22,000
-- P195/65 R15 all-season tires with alloy
wheels & covers
-- Smart Key (driver's door) and Push Button
start
-- EV, Eco, and Power modes
-- Multi-Informational Display with energy
monitor and fuel consumption history
-- AM/FM/MP3 CD player with six speakers and
satellite radio capability and auxiliary
audio jack
-- Cruise control
-- STAR Safety System and active front headrest
-- Seven airbags including driver knee airbag
-- Four-wheel disc brakes
-- Tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio and
HVAC
Controls with Touch Tracer Display
-- Six-way adjustable driver seat
-- Auto up/down on all windows
-- Color-keyed foldable power heated side
mirrors
Prius III In addition to Prius II features: $23,000
-- JBL AM/FM/MP3 six-disc CD changer with eight
speakers
-- Integrated satellite radio capability
-- Hands-free phone capability via
Bluetooth((R)) wireless technology
Prius IV In addition to Prius III features: $25,800
-- Three-door Smart Key system
-- Leather-trimmed interior
-- Heated front seats with driver lumbar support
-- Driver and front passenger water repellant
windows
-- Plasmacluster(TM) ionizer
-- Auto dimming mirror with HomeLink(R)
Prius V In addition to Prius IV features: $27,270
-- 17-inch alloy wheels and P215/45 R17 tires
-- LED headlamps with auto leveling and washers
-- Integrated foglamps
Optional Equipment MSRP Prius II Prius III Prius IV Prius V
Navigation Package $1,800 NA Available Available Available
Voice-actived
touch-screen
DVD navigation system
With JBL AM/FM/MP3
four-disc CD changer,
eight speakers,
integrated satellite
radio capability, XM
NavTraffic capability,
hands-free phone
capability and music
streaming via Bluetooth
wireless technology
and integrated backup
camera
Solar Roof Package $3,600 NA Available Available NA
Includes Navigation
Package equipment
plus power tilt/slide
moonroof with Solar
Powered Ventilation
System and Remote Air
Conditioning System
Advanced Technology
Package $4,500 NA NA NA Available
Includes Navigation
Package equipment plus
Dynamic Radar Cruise
Control (DRCC),
Pre-Collision System
(PCS), Lane Keep Assist
(LKA), Intelligent
Parking Assist(IPA)
The third-generation Prius will be available in one grade with a starting MSRP of $21,000. The Prius will be offered with five levels of popular standard equipment combinations.
"The 2010 Prius delivers outstanding mileage, performance and advanced technology at a great price," said Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager of the Toyota Division.
Carter sees the most popular model starting at an MSRP of $22,000, equipped with a high level of standard features. "This model provides more than $2,000 added value, including the features most buyers want, at the same price as the current base model," he said.
A new base model with a lower level of standard equipment is scheduled to be available later this year. It is designed to appeal to the most cost-conscious businesses and consumers.
Celebrated as the benchmark for cars of the future, the Prius has delivered superior fuel economy and ultra-low emissions to more than 1.2 million owners worldwide for over 10 years. When it goes on sale, the 2010 Toyota Prius will once again set new standards for innovative hybrid design and technology, raising its level of convenience features and performance to new heights, including EPA fuel economy estimates of 51 mpg city, 48 mpg highway and 50 mpg combined (EPA MPG estimates, actual mileage will vary).
The third-generation 2010 Prius will offer enhanced performance and innovative design features. It will be quieter, roomier, and equipped with advanced standard and available features such as four driving modes, steering wheel touch controls that display on the instrument panel, a moonroof with solar panels, and Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA).
The Prius is equipped with Toyota's industry-leading Hybrid Synergy Drive and certified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV), emitting over 70 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new vehicle. A larger and more powerful yet more efficient 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine produces 98 horsepower at 5,200 rpm. Together with its electric motor the hybrid system in the new Prius will generate a combined net horsepower of 134, an increase of 24 horsepower over the previous generation.
All Prius models offer Toyota's Star Safety System(TM) as standard equipment, which includes enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) Systems, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Other standard features include electric power steering and four-wheel disc brakes.
Starting fall 2009, select Prius models will include Toyota's all-new telematics service, Safety Connect(TM), which will offer four safety and security features: Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Location, Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), and Roadside Assistance. Safety Connect will be available by subscription, with an included one-year trial subscription.
Adding to the appeal of Prius is an additional array of standard convenience features on most models that include automatic air conditioning equipped with an electric air compressor; AM/FM/MP3 CD player with six-speakers and satellite radio capability; driver door Smart Key system with Push Button Start and remote illuminated entry; a Multi-Informational Display with an energy monitor and fuel consumption history; six-way adjustable driver seat; power door locks; auto up/down on all windows with window jam protection; cruise control; tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel with audio and HVAC controls; color-keyed foldable power heated side mirrors; dual sun visors with vanity mirrors; and tonneau cover.
Prius also brings many new firsts to the Toyota lineup. To help increase fuel efficiency, the 1.8-liter engine is beltless, uses an electric water pump, a new exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, and an exhaust heat collection system.
Other Toyota firsts include a new Touch Tracer Display, which features touch sensors on the steering wheel switches that are designed to reduce driver eye movement for better concentration on the road; an available sliding glass moonroof is packaged with solar panels that power a new ventilation system; a remote air-conditioning system functions on battery-power alone, and allows remote operation so the driver can cool the interior temperature for comfort before getting in the car.
Also new to Toyota is an available Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system that uses advanced millimeter wave radar. The system also enables Lane Keep Assist, which helps the driver stay safely within the lane, and the Pre-Collision System, which retracts seatbelts and applies the brakes in certain conditions when a crash is unavoidable.
Base MSRPs do not include a delivery, processing, and handling (DPH) fee of $750. The DPH fee for vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota (SET) and Gulf States Toyota (GST) may vary.
Standard Equipment MSRP
Prius I To be released at a later date $21,000
Prius II -- 1.8-liter Atkinson cycle engine $22,000
-- P195/65 R15 all-season tires with alloy
wheels & covers
-- Smart Key (driver's door) and Push Button
start
-- EV, Eco, and Power modes
-- Multi-Informational Display with energy
monitor and fuel consumption history
-- AM/FM/MP3 CD player with six speakers and
satellite radio capability and auxiliary
audio jack
-- Cruise control
-- STAR Safety System and active front headrest
-- Seven airbags including driver knee airbag
-- Four-wheel disc brakes
-- Tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio and
HVAC
Controls with Touch Tracer Display
-- Six-way adjustable driver seat
-- Auto up/down on all windows
-- Color-keyed foldable power heated side
mirrors
Prius III In addition to Prius II features: $23,000
-- JBL AM/FM/MP3 six-disc CD changer with eight
speakers
-- Integrated satellite radio capability
-- Hands-free phone capability via
Bluetooth((R)) wireless technology
Prius IV In addition to Prius III features: $25,800
-- Three-door Smart Key system
-- Leather-trimmed interior
-- Heated front seats with driver lumbar support
-- Driver and front passenger water repellant
windows
-- Plasmacluster(TM) ionizer
-- Auto dimming mirror with HomeLink(R)
Prius V In addition to Prius IV features: $27,270
-- 17-inch alloy wheels and P215/45 R17 tires
-- LED headlamps with auto leveling and washers
-- Integrated foglamps
Optional Equipment MSRP Prius II Prius III Prius IV Prius V
Navigation Package $1,800 NA Available Available Available
Voice-actived
touch-screen
DVD navigation system
With JBL AM/FM/MP3
four-disc CD changer,
eight speakers,
integrated satellite
radio capability, XM
NavTraffic capability,
hands-free phone
capability and music
streaming via Bluetooth
wireless technology
and integrated backup
camera
Solar Roof Package $3,600 NA Available Available NA
Includes Navigation
Package equipment
plus power tilt/slide
moonroof with Solar
Powered Ventilation
System and Remote Air
Conditioning System
Advanced Technology
Package $4,500 NA NA NA Available
Includes Navigation
Package equipment plus
Dynamic Radar Cruise
Control (DRCC),
Pre-Collision System
(PCS), Lane Keep Assist
(LKA), Intelligent
Parking Assist(IPA)
04-21-09, 09:00 AM
#10
Lexus Test Driver
Full equipped Prius going to cost me like $35-$41k CDN :/
Last edited by JessePS; 04-21-09 at 09:08 AM.
04-21-09, 09:30 AM
#11
Lexus Champion
Some thoughts and questions on the pricing structure and other features:
-Beltless... does this mean there's not even a timing belt or chain? If so how does that work?
-The satellite radio 'capability' gained with Prius III... I hope means it's already built in, and not that you just get the pre-wiring for it. Pre-wiring should be standard.
-So the 17" wheels that everyone keeps saying the Prius looks ugly without are going to require the top of the line package going for 27,270.
Otherwise you can get a leather trimmed 25,800 dollar Prius still rolling on 15" wheels with covers. Seems like the 17" wheel option would have been better packaged starting at Prius IV, at least, instead of Prius V. But then what would Prius V become, really... just a headlight and fog light upgrade.
-Beltless... does this mean there's not even a timing belt or chain? If so how does that work?
-The satellite radio 'capability' gained with Prius III... I hope means it's already built in, and not that you just get the pre-wiring for it. Pre-wiring should be standard.
-So the 17" wheels that everyone keeps saying the Prius looks ugly without are going to require the top of the line package going for 27,270.
Otherwise you can get a leather trimmed 25,800 dollar Prius still rolling on 15" wheels with covers. Seems like the 17" wheel option would have been better packaged starting at Prius IV, at least, instead of Prius V. But then what would Prius V become, really... just a headlight and fog light upgrade.
04-21-09, 10:36 AM
#12
Lexus Fanatic
As far as a timing belt or chain, most gas engines today operate the cams and valves with one of those two devices. The few that don't are either Mazda rotary engines or some older pushrod designs with sprocket timing gears.
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Otherwise you can get a leather trimmed 25,800 dollar Prius still rolling on 15" wheels with covers. Seems like the 17" wheel option would have been better packaged starting at Prius IV, at least, instead of Prius V. But then what would Prius V become, really... just a headlight and fog light upgrade.
04-21-09, 10:53 AM
#13
This is good. I've always said in these hybrid topics that I'd like to see cheaper hybrids, more options, and better styles. So far we are slowing getting more options, prices are coming down a little, and styles are starting to look better.
I never understood why those that needed this type of hybrid car the most were probably the ones that couldn't afford it. The masses and the blue collar workers that has the long commute because they have to live further away from work because they can't afford to live closer to the city are the ones that need these cars. From an environmental point, they are the vast majority of cars on the road and if you get these cars into their homes it would make a bigger impact than a bunch of rich celebrities running around in their Prius.
I never understood why those that needed this type of hybrid car the most were probably the ones that couldn't afford it. The masses and the blue collar workers that has the long commute because they have to live further away from work because they can't afford to live closer to the city are the ones that need these cars. From an environmental point, they are the vast majority of cars on the road and if you get these cars into their homes it would make a bigger impact than a bunch of rich celebrities running around in their Prius.
04-21-09, 11:11 AM
#14
Lexus Fanatic
This is good. I've always said in these hybrid topics that I'd like to see cheaper hybrids, more options, and better styles. So far we are slowing getting more options, prices are coming down a little, and styles are starting to look better.
I never understood why those that needed this type of hybrid car the most were probably the ones that couldn't afford it. The masses and the blue collar workers that has the long commute because they have to live further away from work because they can't afford to live closer to the city are the ones that need these cars. From an environmental point, they are the vast majority of cars on the road and if you get these cars into their homes it would make a bigger impact than a bunch of rich celebrities running around in their Prius.
I never understood why those that needed this type of hybrid car the most were probably the ones that couldn't afford it. The masses and the blue collar workers that has the long commute because they have to live further away from work because they can't afford to live closer to the city are the ones that need these cars. From an environmental point, they are the vast majority of cars on the road and if you get these cars into their homes it would make a bigger impact than a bunch of rich celebrities running around in their Prius.
04-21-09, 11:20 AM
#15
Lexus Champion
"Beltless", as far as accessories go, means that you don't have traditional fan or serpentine belts to run things like the A/C compressor, water pump, power steering pump, alternator, etc..... They are, instead, driven by electric motors. That makes for slightly less of a load on the engine, and slightly better MPG, although it does, of course, to some extent, increase the electrical drain.....which needs recharging.
As far as a timing belt or chain, most gas engines today operate the cams and valves with one of those two devices. The few that don't are either Mazda rotary engines or some older pushrod designs with sprocket timing gears.
As far as a timing belt or chain, most gas engines today operate the cams and valves with one of those two devices. The few that don't are either Mazda rotary engines or some older pushrod designs with sprocket timing gears.
You generally don't want big wheels and tires on a car designed for high mileage. All other things equal (which, of course, that often aren't), the bigger the tire footprint, the more the rolling friction, and the harder the engine has to work to overcome it. That's why older Priuses had rather tall, skinny tires that gave good MPG but didn't grip well.