05 Jun 2009
Toyota's iconic Prius, beloved by environmentalists and right-on movie stars, saw its mainstream status well and truly cemented this week following reports from one dealer group that it was the best-selling car in Japan during May.
The figures show that Japan's attempts to kick-start its flagging economy and car industry may be working – for Toyota at least – with the Prius topping sales charts from the Japan Automobile Dealers Association, having sold about 10,915 cars in May.
Close behind the Prius was Honda's Fit compact with sales of 8,859 cars, with another hybrid, Honda's Insight, in third place with 8,183 cars sold.
The Prius's success was attributed to the release of a new, cheaper model last month retailing at about $3,000 (£1,850) less than the previous model.
However, while Toyota may be enjoying mainstream success in Japan, it is continuing to struggle in the US, where the company has been hit by the slump affecting the entire auto industry.
Despite claims that Americans turning their backs on gas-guzzlers have contributed to the present dire straits faced by GM and others, Toyota's latest sales figures point to a stagnant market for more efficient Japanese models as well.
Sales of the Prius in the US were down from 15,011 in May 2008 to just 10,091 for the same month this year. For the year to date, sales of the Prius in the US stand at 42,753 compared to 79,675 in 2008 – a drop of more than 45 per cent.
However, despite falling demand, the company remained optimistic about the outlook for the US market. "The big jump in consumer confidence in May translated to a solid gain in retail vehicle sales compared to April," said Don Esmond, senior vice president of automotive operations at Toyota Motor Sales.
"We are encouraged that consumers are beginning to return to showrooms and that the industry continues to show signs of stabilisation," he added.
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WHAT DO YOU THINK? Add your comment
Maybe sales of Prius down due to lack of demand...
The one thing your article misses is that - although it is correct in pointing out that the lagging economy has decreased auto sales across the board - Americans do NOT want little, economical, toy cars. Americans are (counterintuitively to environmentalists everywhere) buying bigger even now, particularly given their fears, well-founded or not, that Obama's administration seeks to make larger SUVs, sedans and minivans harder to purchase in the future. Americans do not want hybrid cars. By that I mean the real Americans in the majority of the country, not the idiots in Hollywood and the limousine liberals in NYC, but the vast majority of the country. Japan is not America. The undersigned has lived there for over two years, and though I own three large American cars, when in Japan I only drive tiny cars and motorcycles - why? Because the roads are narrow, the gas exhorbitant and the likelihood of being hit in an accident by a large car very low. In the US, it is inconvenient to say the least to drive tiny cars. Greenies never understand this...
Posted by Matthew Chase, 09 Jun 2009
No surprise
First wave of buyers won't need another Prius for 6 - 7 years. Simply not enough green buyers to support current production schedule. Market simply not big enough (yet). Same as with Hummers. Everyone who wanted one got in early. It only caters to a specific buyer and there aren't enough of those buyers to support production levels which were based on the early movers. Car companies never seem to learn. They are unable to manage production to match annual demand for a particular model. They always ramp up production based on the first wave. Watch GM and Chrysler going to make the same mistake again.
Posted by Dutch, 09 Jun 2009
Prius Fantasy car?
I will never go green until it pays! This car costs too much. it is not built by an American Company. Little cars do not make any money for companies. SUV and Luxury Cars make money! I am staying with my Focus,that is dependable and worth the money. Go Green and go broke!
Posted by Scott M Martin, 09 Jun 2009
Not so "green"
This car is a bigger pollutant than the gasser versions. Here is why: - battery: manufacturing process is very, very dirty - from extraction of raw materials to production, and distribution - power: uses more KW power than a regular car for the same mile ran (includes battery and gas used) - battery; did I mention that - no, not the production, but the disposal and the price of replacement; Not for me. Biodiesel seems more promissing and is very green too.
Posted by Ronkato Marson, 09 Jun 2009
Not to worry Toyota
All this does is reaffirm the short attention span of most Americans. When gas once again goes above $4/gal. Prius sales will rebound. Most Americans don't spend a lot of time thinking ahead. Hopefully, the domestic manufacturers will have better competition for the Prius than they did during the last $4/gal. time period.
Posted by BOB, 08 Jun 2009
Problem Prius
I was excited about being green. Turns out ethanol makes my car run like crap. Trucks threaten to blow me off the road when they pass going in the oposite direction. I lived in fear that someone would run into me in that little thing. I got rid of mine and when people ask my advice is don't bother it's not worth the agrivation. I installed Rain Harvesting at my home instead. No operating costs, rain is free. Catch it use it.
Posted by Medula.Zepllin, 08 Jun 2009
Know your customer
As much as the Obama administration would like to believe they can speak on behalf of the custoemrs, they cannot. As long as the goverment is making auto companies offer some percentage of their products to meet some standard that those actually buying cars do not care about, then their product will continue to sit on lots, unsold. If buyers wanted tiny cars run on batteries that have better milage performace over actual vehicle performance, then that market trned would have made it to the innovators long before the governement declared it to be so. Memo to Washington: Let companies build products for their customers, whome they know best, and you continue to run the government "by the people" as we tell you to, and all will be fine.
Posted by Andrew, 08 Jun 2009
Prius Sales Fall in U. S.
Finally, people are beginning to understand the big scam perpetrated on them by Al Gore and the nuts on the environmental side. Let the slide continue. Bring on nuclear power--the real saviour for our energy shortage and blackmail by Venezuela and the Middle East. And, it's CLEAN and SAFE.
Posted by W. L. Kelly, 08 Jun 2009
Americans have short memories...
...no surprise there.
Posted by Mark Carlton, 08 Jun 2009
Ugly
Perhaps if the Prius was not so ugly it would sell better. It is about the ugliest car Toyota has ever made, the only reason it sells is because it is seen as thrifty with the gas. If they would put a little work into a restyle it would probably sell much better.
Posted by Dave, 08 Jun 2009
Waiting for 2010?
I think a lot of people aren't buying the 2009 due to the fact that EVERYONE who's interested knows a complete redesign is coming in the 2010 model. I would look for the new model to stoke interest. Drudge just loves pissing on hybrid cars
Posted by Nealo, 08 Jun 2009
Prius
Oh don't worry the government will directly or indirectly force Americans to buy these things. From GM, of course.
Posted by Bosco, 08 Jun 2009
Prius factor
Quelle surprise?
Posted by Bob, 08 Jun 2009
Are two better than one/
Quetion: For large families that can't fit the whole family in one Prius, or for when there are families and friends visiting, is it better to have 2 cars driving everywhere or to buy one car where the whole family can actually travel together? Environmentalists never address the practicalities of everyday life where a family of 4 or 5 or 6 needs to hold not only a family, but also groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. Who has to stay behind so they can feel good about themselves and own a Prius to stop the global warming that doesn't really exist anyway except in the minds of those who benefit from it financially or otherwise?
Posted by Lukuj, 08 Jun 2009
The Prius in the USA...
...will never be a big hit. No matter what the state-run media try to tell you, the American consumer likes the vehicles they drive now. Why do you think the auto firms were building big cars and trucks?
Posted by Cogs, 08 Jun 2009
Prius Sales
I'm not too surprised sales are falling. Gas prices not withstanding, they are expensive and BUTT UGLY! You couldn't give me one!
Posted by Greg, 08 Jun 2009
(GM)Government Motors
And yet Obama with remake GM into a company building car nobody wants. at 10k units a month GM would go bankrupt again in months. And that is what to expect if BHO does not let the car guys run the show and kill the unions while they can.
Posted by JustaDad, 08 Jun 2009
Prius "beloved"?
That's funny. I never see Al Gore, Leo Decaprio or any other big name "environmentalists" in these cars. They stick to private jets and limos. No one wants these cars. The SUV will remain a big seller in the US because its safe and practical. Now that the gov. is calling the shots with "improved" C.A.F.E. standards, GM is doomed. It's very sad.
Posted by Steve, 08 Jun 2009
auto demands down in US
Americans are going to keep driving older cars in this economy. With no trust of the government's intention regards energy policy, and with no trust in the ability of auto mfgrs to survive and for warranties to be honored, Americans are voting on "green" vehicles with their checkbooks. "NO TINY BUGS ON OUR HIGHWAYS" With questions about sufficient raw materials to create batteries, and questions of how to dispose of the hyper expensive energy storage devices, many question the entire "green" movement as merely another new car sales ploy.
Posted by RUFUS, 08 Jun 2009
prius envy
The reason is that noone wants to buy this tin can car. Most of all, its UGLY. It screams "Look at me, I'm so different, I help the environment". It also does so in the most douchey manner, letting EVERYONE know they drive a prius. Can't Toyota just put the engine in a normal car?
Posted by John, 08 Jun 2009
Greenie do gooders
Lets face it. With all the new elec. coming out in the near future, why buy an ugly car. Only greenies with money that want to feel good about themselves would buy a thing that looked like that
Posted by Muscle car guy, 08 Jun 2009
bobc
When will auto mfgs. get the message? Autos cost too much, while we are being taxed for everything, thanks to the Obama adm.! We will be lucky to afford groceries once he is done! As for green cars, no one has even decided on which new fuel to use!
Posted by bobc, 08 Jun 2009
Why Prius is falling.
Car Companies have all kinds of measurements of population. Truth in the US is the un-mentioned problem of "NO MONEY" to buy and unless forced to buy by the Obama Dictatorship we can't.
Posted by john smith, 08 Jun 2009
Toyota Slump
It's not about Green Cars or Gas Guzzlers It is about the JOBS being lost across the country. Unemployment is soaring small business are failing at a record rate jobs are needed on Main Street in order to sell anything. The so called stimulus is only a tax burden placed on a already stalled economy.
Posted by HonestAbe, 08 Jun 2009
Prius sales off
It is no coincidence that sales of the 'popular Prius' are off significantly. Due to the car's popularity, Toyota dealers several months ago began to stick to the MSRP, no deals whatsoever; stick it to the consumer. In response, buyers are going elsewhere or not buying. Sales will increase when Toyota dealers become less greedy. As one told me, "finding a Prius is like finding money in the street!" Not quite....two months later that car is still on his lot, not my garage.
Posted by Az Sin, 08 Jun 2009
100MPG Prius
Toyota couldn't build them fast enough if they rolled out the 100mpg version, we know they have it but the Government will not allow it, nor will the oil industry. Cheaper batteries now can easily allow doubling the storage capacity, among other improvements that make 100mpg affordable. IT?S HERE, so lets see what happens, or what excuse they give that it is not feasible. The watchful eye.
Posted by Karl, 08 Jun 2009
Green Things
Global Warming, I mean Climate Change is a big lie, a fraud and a joke. If you want to know the truth about this stuff, just follow the money. There is lots of money to be made after screwing the oil and coal companies. And then the Government will begins to reward these little green companies. Don't get me wrong going green is the way of the future, but let it pay for itself. Little green cars suck. They are dangerous to drive. The batteries are horrible both in price and for the environment. Our economy is hurting due to this recession. Now is not the time to commit economic suicide. I will believe in this climate stuff once they build wind mills behind the Kennedy Compound in Martha's Vineyard. You know this will never happen. Just like Algore not flying in private jets, or living in a small house and driving one of your little green cars. It will never happen.
Posted by milt, 08 Jun 2009
GEE ARE YOU SURPRISED?
PRIUS DOES NOT SALE? Go figure? I just read a head line saying enemployment out runs GOVT. expectations....well by golly gee whiz.....no income, HOW ON EARTH CAN YOU SALE A CAR?
Posted by BROADWAYBILL, 08 Jun 2009
Prius sales
The sales are falling because a.) the Prius is needlessly expensive, but more importantly b.) a growing majority of people in this country are coming to understand that so-called Global Warming is hooey.
Posted by StephenRex, 08 Jun 2009
BS car for BS global warming hoax
Ask the dealer how long the bateries in a Prius will last before they need replaced, then ask them how much they cost. Most likely they will sidstep both questions and often outright refuse to answer. It's a bogus car and a bogus technology for a bogus global warming hoax. We have a company right here in Ohio who is making gas enigines that get 110 miles per gallon with the air cond running and have 400 HP. This is real advanced technology, not impractical, expensive jokes. http://tinyurl.com/ndyskt
Posted by Rick, 08 Jun 2009
Environmental religion might be idiocy but...
The environmental religion might be idiocy, but there are other benefits to the fuel saving efforts. Oil prices will spike again, sooner or later. Driving a fuel saving car will feel really good when this happens. Its too bad the arguments to keep more of one's own money and reduce the flow of money to those that wish us ill will are over-shadowed by the shoutings for environmental extremism and central planning - the latter failing everytime its tried. If you want to keep more of your own money (maybe having more for when social security doesn't kick in) and if you want to strengthen the American economy - you might give a high mileage car a try.
Posted by Bill, 08 Jun 2009
SUV's are safer
It doesn't surprise me that the Prius isn't selling like it once did. People will buy a car/suv based on their needs. Many of the individuals who purchased the Prius bought it to make a political statement-I care more than you do about the planet. I don't care if someone wants to drive a tiny death-trap but I'm not going to and I don't want my kids in one either.The bigger issue isn't the car but the global warming hoax , attacks on capitalism and freedom. As more and more people recognize this movement for what it is the environmentalist are losing credibility and support. Environmentalist are associated with radicalism and their efforts to reduce American's standard of living is backfiring.Mark my words-this movement is going to fail.
Posted by Constitutional Guy, 08 Jun 2009
The Prius?
What a hunk a junk!!
Posted by Norinos, 08 Jun 2009
The Prius?
What a hunk a junk!!
Posted by Norinos, 08 Jun 2009
It's an ugly car
In or our culture, ugly eventually loses. Toyota can do better.
Posted by Bill, 08 Jun 2009
Subsidy is over for Honda and Toyota
The government tax credit to offset the overprice of hybrids is over for Honda and Toyota. http://tinyurl.com/ls5ou6 "Credits for Toyota and Honda hybrids no longer qualify at all for tax credits. Ford hybrids are still eligible, but the credits will be cut in half from amounts listed below starting April 1, 2009. In October 2009, the credits will be cut in half again, and will completely phase out on April 1, 2010. " The number of vehicles allocated for the tax credit is quite limited.
Posted by rakster, 08 Jun 2009
Prius sales fall WHY?
One the Prius is ugly. Really ugly, throw some styling at it and you may have something. Toyota needs to send some of their design staff to Italy, I'd buy a Fiat 500, or the new Alpha any day and they get comparible mileage AND look great
Posted by Paul Harrison, 08 Jun 2009
"Down" is not "out"
Of course the figures are down; last year was an all-time record. But the figures are still pretty good.
Posted by Morris, 08 Jun 2009
Imiagine This
Nobody want to buy theese overpriced cars all built on the sham that is called climate change, what will they call it next month. Since these car's aren't selling just wait Obama will force Government Motors to build them. Let the marketplace determine this and not just scams and a socialist in the White House.
Posted by Paul, 08 Jun 2009
misleading
What about other cars? This is misleading. You are a fool if you don't want to buy the most fuel efficient car available.
Posted by Fred, 08 Jun 2009
No thanks
Would't have one even if you gave one to me.
Posted by Geo. White, 08 Jun 2009
Duh.
Drop the price down to about 14k and sell thousands.
Posted by Onswa, 08 Jun 2009
Dear Valued Hybrid Customer
Dear Valued Hybrid Customer... We at the Toyota Motor Corporation are writing to address certain misconceptions that have arisen about your Toyota Prius model, which we are proud to note is driven by many celebrities, including Prince Charles and HBO's Larry David. Our pioneering gasoline-electric hybrid, introduced in 1999, has become an object of adoration to the world's enlightened car buyers. Our competitors, including America's Big Three, are rushing out hybrid vehicles of their own. Unconfirmed media reports say that we at Toyota intend to double our hybrid output to 500,000 vehicles next year. Along with other members of the auto industry, we will be lobbying for tax breaks and HOV privileges for hybrid vehicles. However, any romance entering its seventh year tends to go stale. Some purchasers have begun to question the practical value of our Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. You may be aware that a survey by Consumer Reports found that our vehicles achieve considerably less mileage (some 26% less) than the sticker rating implies. This has led to some unflattering media stories. Let us assure you that the Prius remains one of the most fuel-efficient cars on the road. Toyota applauds your willingness to spend $9,500 over the price of any comparable vehicle for the privilege of saving, at current gasoline prices, approximately $580 a year. And should the price of gasoline rise to $5, after 10 years and/or 130,000 miles of driving, you might even come close to breaking even on your investment in hybrid technology. We recognize that our customers have an "emotional" relationship with their vehicles. This transcends even the regrettable truth that driving a fuel-efficient car does not yield any substantial benefits for society if it doesn't save the owner money. Contrary to any loose statements made by our marketing partners in the environmental community and media, petroleum not consumed by Prius owners is not "saved." It does not remain in the ground. It is consumed by someone else. Greenhouse pollutants are released. Also, please note that the warranty and owner's manual say nothing about reducing America's dependence on foreign oil. This is not an oversight. The Prius is an "oil-dependent" vehicle. It runs on gasoline, supplied by the same world market that fuels other vehicles. The Toyota Corporation regrets any misunderstanding our marketing may inadvertently have caused (or may cause in the future). We share your belief that the days of the internal combustion engine are numbered. Further research by our economists suggests this will happen when the price of gasoline rises high enough to make alternative technologies cheaper than gasoline-powered cars. We at Toyota want you to know we recognize this effect and have taken steps to compensate with the rest of our vehicle lineup. Our 2006 Tundra pickup will be equipped with Toyota's new eight-cylinder engine, making it every bit as much of a gas guzzler as any American pickup. We are also redirecting our efforts to use our Hybrid Synergy Drive to increase power output rather than reduce gasoline consumption. Take our new hybrid SUV, which produces 38 more horsepower but gets the same mileage as our conventional version. A New York Times reviewer wrote, "One question lingers after driving the 2006 Lexus RX400h: How did it come to this, that Toyota is now selling a hybrid gas-electric vehicle with no tangible fuel economy benefits?" We hope this corrects any misimpression caused by our latest slogan ("Commute with Nature"). Hybrid technology is not "green" technology. Like heated seats or flashy exterior trim, it's merely an expensive option that generates large markups for the Toyota Corporation and its dealers. You will share our pride in the latest figures from J.D. Power & Associates, which show that the Prius continues to move off a dealer's lot in just eight days, compared to 36 days for a Honda Civic hybrid. Clearly, our customers are willing to pay handsomely for the privilege of showing themselves behind the wheel of so conspicuously virtuous a vehicle. But we are also a far-seeing corporation. We recognize that the Prius's distinctiveness may be a wasting asset for reasons outlined in this letter. Other motorists may see the Prius operator and think "sucker." Our lawyers advise us this may affect your car's resale value. Toyota regrets any inconvenience. We want you to know that Toyota remains committed to advancing hybrid technology just as long as our customers are willing to make it worth our while. Our esteemed competitor, Nissan's Carlos Ghosn, was recently quoted saying, "There's such a buzz today that no CEO of a car manufacturer dares to say his real opinion of hybrid because he's accused of being retarded." Another esteemed competitor, GM, has suggested that hybrid technology is best deployed in city buses, where large fuel consumption and stop-and-go driving might actually make it economically sensible. These are just two examples of the short-sighted, stick-in-the-mud marketing instincts of our fellow automakers that are helping to make Toyota the largest car company in the world. Yours Truly, the Toyota Corporation
Posted by Arttow, 07 Jun 2009
another possible reason?
Could it be that more people are learning the long term problems of owning a Prius. We have a 2001 Prius, we were concerned about the big hybrid battery in case some-thing went wrong, and they assured us when we purchased it that if a cell went out, that individual cell (1 of 38) in the hybrid battery could be replaced. Also, the hybrid battery was supposed to last 250,000 miles, according to what the background was in Japan. Both wrong: Our hybrid cell battery lasted 137,000 miles, and they refused to replace individual cells. Cost of replacing the whole hybrid battery? $4,200.00!! We would never have purchased it in the first place if we had known the price of the vehicle would be jacked up so high because of battery life and lies. Just another factoid that isn't what they advertise - real mileage is from 43 (winter) to 49 (summer) mpg.
Posted by Jem, 07 Jun 2009
too darn costly
Wife and I looked at the Prius, but decided to get a couple of 2009 Kia Spectra's. In the difference in price between the Prius and the Spectra, it would take us 9 + years of driving, just to pay the prius off on the fuel savings. Pass
Posted by paul, 07 Jun 2009
Clown Cars
To Heck with your Global Warming nonsense, Americans prefer muscle. 35,000 Meteorologists cannot be wrong: http://www.petitionproject.org/
Posted by Ray, 07 Jun 2009
Get real
This car is an ugly POS. I luagh at the GREEN suckers driving them.
Posted by shaggy, 07 Jun 2009
BAH HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
The Prius is proof that the 'Greenies' are illiterate morons...Each Prius contains three hundred pounds plus of lead and acid core batteries. They will be an ecological disaster in a few short years. Each Prius will cost thousands of dollars to dispose of 'properly'. But most will be dumped somewhere. Creating a nightmare for the taxpayers. Just like the green mercury filled lightbulbs. Another ridiclous idea that we will live to regret. Oh well at least Al Gore is getting rich off the looney left maggots.
Posted by Jackal, 07 Jun 2009
Silly car
It's a silly looking Japanese car. Buy American!
Posted by Clement, 07 Jun 2009
bad stats
to compare prius sales for all of 2008 to just 6 months of 2009, and then claim a drop is extremely misleading. at this year's rate, prius will sell almost as many, if not more, models this year than last year. who checks this stuff?
Posted by mike, 07 Jun 2009
THANK GOD!
Believe me, the fact that fewer Prius' are selling in this country is good news. The people who drive them are the worst drivers on earth! I'd rather have a road full of beer guzzlers running around than these brain-dead losers.
Posted by Eric Robinson, 07 Jun 2009
Prius in the US
My partner and I both drive the Prius (one purchased in Dec. 2007 and the other in Nov. 2008). Previously, he drove a F150 and I had a Mazda Miata. When we thought about new cars, we simply felt that it was time to make purchases that involved more than just an immediate economic decision -- It is the only sensible, adult purchase we could make. We drive an average of 700 miles a week. Both of the cars work like dreams, we feel confident that we have reduced our carbon footprints tremendously, and we save (on average) about 400 dollars a month on gasoline. What's not to love about that?
Posted by DM, 07 Jun 2009
The Prius Is U-G-L-Y!!
The design was a hit with self-righteous enviro-nuts... and they have already bought theirs. That's the only reason the care became an "icon". Now, normal people don't want it. Even more ludicrous, the new (3rd generation) "redesign" looks virtually identical to the previous body. America has rejected this UGLY car.
Posted by Myron Monk, 07 Jun 2009
Who wants to own a toy car?
Same thing will happen to GM. Green cars will never be popular with the majority of Americans.
Posted by Brad, 07 Jun 2009
Prius
DIE Prius, DIE!
Posted by DRH, 07 Jun 2009
Pious Prius Dog Butt Ugly
I like most American males I have a love for my autos " and trucks" And we are free thinkers who can spot a line of BULL a mile away like the man made globalwarming hoax.And we would never buy a pious prius cause the thing is dog butt ugly.
Posted by Globalwarmer, 07 Jun 2009
Reality
I would imagine if we had the same population to land ratio that the Japanses have we might have higher Prius sales but when the vast majority of Americans have to drive more than a mile to get to any store or to work, they do not wish to drive an inside out aluminum soda can with about the same amount of interior space as a telephone booth. The most reassuring thing about the US sales figure is it shows just how few lefist wingnuts there really are in the country. Now if we can get them to turn down their lobbying and campaign volumes maybe we can get the country back to what it began as. A wonderful place for individual achievenment with little or no government intervention.
Posted by joe tumeroll, 07 Jun 2009
US Buyers Vote Their Pocketbooks
US car buyers aren't buying Prius (or other hybrids) because gas prices remain relatively low and buyers have a choice. Given a choice, most US car and truck buyers would rather buy large cars, SUVs and light trucks instead of little gas-sipping clown cars. Maybe Obama and his cabal of liberal do-gooders should take notice.
Posted by Patrick C., 07 Jun 2009
sales drop
The sales are dropping because everyone is realizing the climate change thing is a hoax thought up by liberals to control the economy. Now more people are realizing that!!
Posted by EB, 07 Jun 2009
Prius price
First, do the math. The high cost of the car more than cancels out any savings achieved through better gas milage. Second, I was in a major accident years ago without suffering severe injuries so my main concern is always safety.
Posted by Frank, 07 Jun 2009
well???
OK, let's say it's not the economy...I'd say people are just waiting for the new model.
Posted by JW, 07 Jun 2009
2010 Around the Corner
I believe most are waiting for the 2010 Prius to become available before they buy.
Posted by Richard Alexander, 08 Jun 2009
BUY AMERICAN
BUY AMERICAN...that's my comment!
Posted by mike, 08 Jun 2009
Green is for suckers
Americans will never bow to the green god willingly. Barack will need to force us into hybrids and minicars or public transportation (this only applies to the common man, the rulers and elites will still get to use their limos, SUVs, and private jets because they are better than us).
Posted by Wilbur, 08 Jun 2009
We don't like tin cans
We don't like these unsafe tin cans in the United States, the market has spoken
Posted by Bob, 08 Jun 2009
Missed one big fact in this story.
The story neglects the fact that the new model Prius has yet to release in the United States. The large drop in sales before the release of the new model is expected. Maybe not 45%, but it is a very significant contributor.
Posted by Chris, 08 Jun 2009
Why the surprise? '10 Prius
If I was in the market, I would certainly wait for the Gen3 Prius. I bet the 2010 Prius will be a record-breaker ...
Posted by Rick, 08 Jun 2009
you just compared apples and oranges
Uh, hello. You stated that the new Prius is out in Japan and so sales are big. The new Prius is NOT out in the U.S. - its coming next week. People like myself are avoiding the old model waiting for the new one - just like what happens to any car line. So, this is a terrible comparison. If, at the end of the year however, sales are the same - then you have a good point.
Posted by muyblue, 08 Jun 2009