Comments on: Toyota Prius faces supply shortage, no batteries

By: observa

observa — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 03:17:00 +0000

This is really the sign of things to come with those pinning their hopes on full electric plug-ins. Any serious spike in demand for battery operated vehicles will drive battery raw materials prices through the roof, killing off demand. Good luck to Toyota for tapping into the boutique, world-wide, green, poser market but that’s all it can ever be unless lead-acid/lead-carbon battery technology can do the job effectively. By the way, for the price of a budget Prius you could have a similarly accomplished Mitsubishi Colt and a 2KW solar power system on your roof and that alternative resource package would wipe out the total carbon footprint of driving the Prius 16000km/yr for ten years. That’s when the Mitsi’s ‘power train’ warranty expires by the way. Mitsi should bundle it as Colt ‘Zero’ and prick those Prius prigs’ consciences with it. Might conquer Asia all over again with that famous name.

By: DesignEng©™

DesignEng©™ — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 03:14:28 +0000

Minister Carr has said that the government was also bidding to have the next-generation Camry — due in about 2012 — built here rather than in Thailand.

So taxpayers have paid over $35million to have the hybrid Camry built in Australia for no more than two years???

By: DesignEng©™

DesignEng©™ — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 01:58:56 +0000

Mike Breen, Toyota Australia Public Relations Manager, confirmed today that Australian sales of the Prius so far remain unaffected.

“At this stage, from our point of view, dealer supplies aren’t affected,” Mr Breen said.

By: Tack

Tack — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:24:02 +0000

Hi Delta,

I heard Toyota sold 180,000 new Prius already in Japan only.
(Since May this year. They sold 180, 000 New Prius within one month crazy!!!)
Most customer have to wait until next year at least or average waiting time is 8 month now!!!
So, I must say good luck Delta!!!

By: Delta

Delta — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:59:20 +0000

I’d just put down $500 deposit for a Prius i-tech. The dealer told me I may have to wait up to 3 months. This news may mean I have to wait even longer. Damn, hate the wait. If they take too long, I will probably buy something else, maybe a 2 years old BMW 3 series.

By: Captain Mainwaring

Captain Mainwaring — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 07:33:47 +0000

Even with the battery shortage, Prius in the US is apparently outselling all models from Buick, Cadillac and Saturn combined. What’s going to happen when Panasonic catches up? And what does that say for how clever GM are?

By: Pops

Pops — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 07:26:36 +0000

Say it aint so… fellow “motoring enthusiasts” sticking up for Prius articles…..

The End is Nigh.

By: Shak

Shak — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 06:30:31 +0000

Yeah i dont see what the problem is. Many Jap and european cars have 3-4 month waiting lists.

By: Casey

Casey — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 06:15:21 +0000

LOL, perhaps Pops would be more comfortable reading an issue of Country Life

On topic though, I don’t really see how it’s much of an issue. Most imported cars have a 2-3 month waiting list. My SP25 was almost 4!

By: Baddass

Baddass — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 05:57:25 +0000

On the contrary Pops, I think this article is quite interesting. Maybe you should find more creative ways of spending your time than checking up on a Prius article ‘for a couple of hours’ a day?