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In a remarkably short period of time, especially for a relatively new automotive technology, drivers in North America have embraced Toyota’s hybrid vehicles, the Toyota Prius Hybrid and the Toyota Camry Hybrid models in very respectable numbers.
Ballwin, MO (PRWEB) November 17, 2008 -- In a remarkably short period of time, especially for a relatively new automotive technology, drivers in North America have embraced Toyota’s hybrid vehicles, the Toyota Prius Hybrid and the Toyota Camry Hybrid models in very respectable numbers. Right now, only 2.3% of the cars being driven in the U.S. are hybrids, but that number is expected to climb steeply over the next several years. Toyota is selling Prius Hybrids just as quickly as they can build them and expects to step up production by 60% when a new Prius plant opens in Mississippi in 2010.
The Prius Hybrid, having made its worldwide debut in 2001, was the world’s first mass-produced hybrid automobile. With over one million of these vehicles on the road, it would appear that any initial wariness on the part of buyers has been dismissed by a combination of Toyota’s reputation for building very dependable cars and the many glowing word-of-mouth reviews from Prius owners. The Toyota Camry Hybrid entered the North American market in May of 2006. Despite its late entry into the hybrid scene, sales are climbing steadily with loyal Camry drivers appreciating the Camry’s improved mileage and its roomy, comfortable interior.
Toyota Hybrid Sales Figures:
To put things in perspective, for the 2000 model year, only 9,400 hybrid cars of any kind were sold in the U.S. By 2004, that number climbed to just over 83,000 units sold. By 2007, that number soared to over 330, 000. These numbers represent staggering growth in the segment with Toyota Prius Hybrid sales leading by a wide margin. Worldwide, Prius Hybrid sales climbed from 29,500 units sold in 2001 to 126,000 in 2004 to 281,000 in 2007. From January to April of this year, over 107,000 Prius Hybrids were sold, and that number would likely have been even higher if production had kept pace with demand. At the time of this writing, the waiting list for new Prius Hybrids averages around six months, especially in states along the west coast where demand is highest.
Comparatively, sales of the Camry Hybrid are more modest but still very respectable given its shorter time on the market. In January of 2008, Toyota sold 3,750 Camry Hybrids, up 34% over the previous January and representing 12% of all Camrys sold in the U.S. Considering that the Toyota Camry has been the best-selling midsize sedan in America for 9 of the past 10 years, the number of hybrid units sold as well as the percentage of overall Camry sales is expected to climb steadily for the foreseeable future.
There have been recent reports that Toyota is considering making the Prius a separate brand as they did with the Scion President of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. James Lentz, III, is supposedly pushing for this and has mentioned the possible introduction of a Toyota Prius compact, a Prius wagon and a Prius crossover vehicle to diversify the brand and meet the growing demand for Toyota hybrid vehicles.
People living in the St. Louis area who are interested in placing a pre-order for a 2009 Toyota Prius Hybrid or a 2009 Camry Hybrid are encouraged to visit Toyota of West County in Ballwin, the St. Louis area’s premier Toyota dealership, to view their options and select trim packages. They can call the St. Louis Toyota dealership toll-free at 1.800.669.7185 or visit Toyota of West County at 14700 Manchester Road, Ballwin, MO, for more information.
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