Prius to become Toyota sub-brand from 2012
September 21, 2009 by Matt Brogan
Toyota have given official confirmation to the rumour that Prius will become a standalone sub-brand of the manufacturer in an announcement made to a Las Vegas gathering of US Toyota and Lexus dealers over the weekend.
The new Prius range will not be a full-fledged brand, like Lexus or Daihatsu for example, but rather a brand of subset vehicles within the Toyota range that will apply only to models with a strong environmental focus.
Possible models for inclusion in this new range include the Prius Hybrid, Camry Hybrid, or even the A-BAT Concept.
Although Toyota did not lock-in a release date for the new sub-brand, sources at the event say the manufacturer is aiming for early 2012.
Print it: 
I hate that A-Bat Concept soooooooooooo much!
I was so confused when many people were saying it was good-looking! It’s the ugliest concept ever made! You would expect better from the world’s leading car maker.
lol A-BAT concept is so ugly!
I like it apart from the grill.
“Diahatsu”?
Is it too much to expect journalists to check their spelling?
Enviromental focus is very subjective. And I would hardly call a Prius environmentally focused.
It looks like someone at GWM designed it.
I’ve seen better looking vomit.
Toyota is dedicated to remaining on the top of all mass produced technology. As far as creating a sub brand from Prius; I think that is not a well thought out plan. Toyota is fortunate enough not to have 23 brands to market for. They should try to have as few tags as possible, and it will allow for lower overhead across the board.
Adam Luneau
E-Commerce Manager
Handy Toyota
888-352-5749 ex.35
aluneau@dt.handycars.com
i think that it is great with solar panels on the roof, tech these days, i hope they make a more fuel effecient prius in the future.