Prius sales fall 25% in April :(

[corporate_mike]

Sales of Toyota’s popular Prius took a big dip last month, falling nearly 25 percent compared with the same month last year. Year to date sales for the Prius hybrid are also about 10.4 percent behind last year’s pace.

[Renew Deal]

1. I'm surprised considering the bonuses.

It could be the wait. I got mine in January so I am very happy.

[JVS]

2. LOL!

For real? I heard that they're getting hard to find. Over in the lounge we have a person who's being dicked around by a dealer because they're supposedly selling like hotcakes.

[mod mom]

31. I bought one in April. The dealer had 1 available the day we came in. I

turned it down because of color (and we were expecting to have to wait and didn't decide what to do with our existing car -donated to NPR). A week later we got another call, again wrong color. We ended up waiting 2 1/2 weeks for the exact car I wanted. I am still riding with my original tank of gas, almost a month later.

ps it is runnier inside for passengers than my Saab station wagon!

[havocmom]

3. Ever work in retail? Generally, all sales hit a slump in April

Folks who have to write checks on the 15th don't do much shopping for the weeks prior to it ;)

[Craig3410]

6. Touché.

That would explain it, would'nt it? :D

Nothing to worry about.

[Atman]

18. No, it doesn't help explain it at all..."SAME MONTH SALES."

They would have been writing checks LAST APRIL, too. The snippet specifically mentions sales decline compared to the same month, as well as YEAR-TO-DATE decline of over 10%.

[Jane Austin]

10. And maybe some of those people who got hit by the Alternative

Minimum Tax this year had been planning to use their - - now nonexistant - - refunds to buy a gas-efficient car.

[havocmom]

12. That's highly possible too

Then there are the folks who can read the writing on the walls and just plain don't see a point in signing a contract to make payments for several years when the economy is going down the tubes, social unrest seems on the horizon and political realities are somewhat untrustworthy.

It's a good time to re-think a lot of old habits.

[okieinpain]

22. wow, you really think.

[Jane Austin]

93. That's a very good point.

Thanks, bush.

[wtmusic]

17. It's compared to last April

Surprising. Short supply, maybe?

[Billy Ruffian]

28. But the drop isn't from April compared to March

It's April 2006 compared with April 2005. Same check writing time.

[LostinVA]

82. Took the words out of my mouth

People don't usually make unnecessary purchase during tax motnh...

[Jane Austin]

4. Maybe people don't have enough money to buy a new car.

If you've taken a downgrade or lost a job or a paycut, how are you supposed to buy a car under those circumstances?

[Norquist Nemesis]

9. That's the case with us

Wish we could get a new one. It's just not possible right now, nor in the near forseeable future. :(

[Jane Austin]

91. I know exactly how you feel.

And we've had our cars broken into 3 times in the past two weeks.

Windows smashed in and much personal stuff stolen.

The first time, they got my purse and everything in it.

Insurance doesn't cover near all of that, and certainly doesn't pay for the many days of unproductivity as I (unsuccessfully) try to get things replaced.

I still don't have a drivers' license, because . . . I don't have a drivers' license.

Brilliant.

Anyway, between the gas prices and supporting some sociopath's habits, we are getting farther and farther behind.

[corporate_mike]

38. Mercedes-Benz USA sales climbed 13 percent to 21,270

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D8HBR0EG9.htm?campaign_id=apn_home_down&chan=db

[SoCalDem]

84. Rich folks have more money..no surprise

$3 gas is just something to talk about with their pals the next time they go to a *² fund-raiser.

[Jane Austin]

92. Yep, the already wealthy got moreso and bought themselves some

nice cars.

That's probably why SUV's and Hummers are still doing all right.

[ComerPerro]

5. No suprising. Most people who would by a Prius

have done so already

[nickinSTL]

19. no, not most people who WOULD, most people who CAN...

I would, in a second, if I didn't still owe 3 years of payments on my current vehicle - which, of course, isn't worth what I still owe.

[havocmom]

29. BINGO

People are not doing well and they know it, even if D.C. won't admit it.

[ComerPerro]

41. Well, that's what I mean.

[nickinSTL]

48. sorry, not how I read your post

n/t

[ComerPerro]

60. its cool

[insane_cratic_gal]

7. Price might be a factor?

22k starting price.

That's a hefty new bill for an extra 20mpg.

Maybe if we just started to insist that Chevy and ford started marketing to us like were in Europe we might get a better conservation and gas mileage.

http://www.chevrolet.co.uk/info/our_models/index.htm

http://www.ford.co.uk/ie/all_cars/-/-/-/-/-/-


Now go to the regular Ford or Chevy site it's enough to make your head explode.

[kittenpants]

11. That was the problem my husband and I had. Even a used Prius

was around $20K. We ended up getting a used Civic for about half the price of a Prius, but I wish we could have afforded a hybrid.

[Buck Rabbit]

54. Bingo

We looked in to one as our son is coming back from a couple years in Korea and we sold his car while he was gone.

It made no economic sense. He rides his bike and takes the bus when the weather is reasonable so he puts low mileage on a car.

Just doesn't drive enough to make up for the premium price you pay.

[CornField]

8. It probably has to do with the realization that

it is doubtful the extra money you have to fork out for a hybrid, especially a Prius, can be made up in cost savings over the life of the car.

Prius has held a large share of the market, by and large, because it is a statement just as much as a car. It says, "Look at me, I'm using less oil... the environment is important to me... the current world affairs are important to me... I'm doing something about it." Not that such a statement is necessarily a bad thing.

If, however, one wishes only to make that statement to his or herself, there are other less expensive options available. That is, there are other hybrids which aren't readily recognized by the public as being hybrids -- and thus have a lesser up-front cost. Unfortunately, buying trends have shown that the public is mostly about the "look at me" factor and haven't gravitated toward those vehicles not readily recognized as hybrids.

[RufusEarl]

16. It's a smug alert!

What the gas mileage on the Prius, city & hwy. I don't remember seeing what the gas mileage of the Prius was, but at this point any saving would help if you're in the market for a new car.

[CornField]

24. No, not necessarily

While many may be able to afford the monthly payments on a Corvette, not everyone would be able to afford both the payment and the added insurance cost.

Middle class families are moving away from SUVs and other vehicles with low gas mileage because they know they cannot afford the total cost of the vehicle (payment, taxes/title, insurance, maintenance, fuel costs, etc.)

By that same token, most people like the idea of extra miles to the gallon; however, their budget cannot support the additional costs in monthly payments. Now, if fuel prices continue to spiral upward, you'll see more people move to either the Prius or other hybrids (or maybe their bicycles), because the overall cost of owning the vehicle will then become more competitive.

[Ksec]

13. Chevy 's huge trucks sales fell 40% in the same period

[librechik]

14. Yet hybrid sales are up 68%

statistic just flashed now on MSNBC.

There's more than Prius. And some bugs are emerging in the Prius that should be fixed--why can't we plug them in to recharge, for example.

Anyway, fear not--this year people were iintrigued with the hybrid SUVs just now coming out. Prius is a little bit yesterday.

[Beaverhausen]

40. HEY!! Are you dissing my Prius?

:spank:

[librechik]

50. no, man, I'm just a little envious

my husband is into classic 'merrkan cars, and my mustangs are cute but costly

[Beaverhausen]

51. Ooh- Mustangs!!!

Yes they are cute but with the price of gas now I am very happy with my Prius. I traded in my 92 Civic for it last year. It was very good timing.

[Bozita]

15. ... and Cadillac Escalade sales are up by 127% -- WTF?

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/05/02/005476.html

"Given that the industry came in somewhat below our initial expectations, we are pleased that our retail sales were in line with the targets established in our North America turnaround plan," said Mark LaNeve, General Motors North America vice president, Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. "Consumers continue to respond very favorably to our new products, particularly the all-new Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade, resulting in a combined 15 percent sales increase compared to last month."

Total sales of all GM launch vehicles were up 5 percent compared to March and accounted for 28 percent of GM's total deliveries for the month. The success of GM's launch vehicles is another critical component of GM's North America restructuring plan.

Despite increases in fuel prices and contrary to industry trends, GM posted a 2 percent improvement in total truck deliveries, driven by continuing strong sales results for its all-new full-size sport utility vehicles and full-size pickups. Chevrolet Tahoe sales were up 35 percent in April. Of the 13,138 total deliveries, 10,607 were 2007 models. GMC Yukon posted a 36 percent sales gain in April, with 5,978 total deliveries. There were 4,862 2007 Yukon deliveries. April sales of the 2007 model were 48 percent greater than March results. Cadillac Escalade sales improved dramatically, with a 127 percent improvement over last year. There were 4,109 total sales, of which 3,258 were the all-new 2007 model. 2007 Escalade sales in April rose 23 percent compared to March.

Chevrolet Silverado deliveries rose 9 percent in April, and GMC Sierra sales were up 4 percent. The continuing strength of GM's full-size pickups is noteworthy, given that the product is approaching the end of its lifecycle. The new full-size pickups begin arriving in dealers' showrooms in the fourth quarter of this year.

more...

[Ksec]

25. Escalade buyers are usually wealthy

Gas prices dont bother them.

A better barometer would be the middle of the road (cost) trucks and SUVs.

[depakid]

76. There's also a MAJOR market distortion

that corporate types don't like talk about.

Take away the INSANE tax incentive, and sales would drop off like a rock.

http://www.selfemployedweb.com/suv-tax-deduction-6.htm

Americans may be ignorant and wasteful- but they love their tax writeoffs.

[bleedingheart]

20. They are kind of pricey...if they were in the $14K range I think

that they would dominate the market...

[Caution]

21. Most likely short supply. With the new Lexus hybrid in manufacture

Toyota's Prius manufacturing capacity is probably lower this year than last.

[Gormy Cuss]

43. Supply problem: correct

It's a supply problem according to Toyota. They are also producing the Camry hybrid now and in March introduced the Yaris(sp?.)
http://www.toyota.com/about/news/

[DoYouEverWonder]

23. There is a big demand for the Prius

Used ones are still selling more then new ones.

Supply is a big issue. We looked a few months ago and the local dealer didn't even have one on the lot.

Second, the hyrid Camry is coming out 'soon' and many folks, myself included, are waiting for the new Camry's.

[Billy Ruffian]

26. But why?

Is the drop necessarily a terrible thing? There could be many explanations.

There are more hybrids available on the market. Toyota, for example, introduced a hybrid Camry this year.

Some folks may holding onto their current cars longer. You can usually drive a LONG way on the amount of money it would take you to buy a new vehicle, of any type.

Sales of other small, economical, but non-hybrid, cars, may be picking up.

Earlier sales rates of the Prius may have been due to the early adopter interest. Few of those early adopters need to replace their Prius, so sales rates might be dropping to levels competitive with vehicles of comparable size or price.

[Ready4Change]

27. Result of mixed effects, imo.

It's popularity has dealers increasing its price.

It's popularity has decreased stock levels. (Hard to buy a car you can't find.)

Other options have given people a reason to not put their names on waiting lists. (Other hybrids, cheaper conventional cars.)

Currently, Prius's are being delivered to people who paid up to get on a list months ago. New buyers in April choose to buy something else, rather than enter the list and wait.

[AllieB]

30. Link?

How come there's such a long wait list at my local Toyota dealerships if sales are down? :shrug:

[corporate_mike]

58. sure

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/02/AR2006050200862.html?nav=hcmodule

[leftchick]

64. you should have included this in the OP....

but then it would have given it a whole different meaning.

<snip>

Toyota Motor Co. said it couldn't produce its Prius hybrid fast enough to keep up with demand.

And....

<snip>

In the hybrid market, signals were mixed. At Toyota, Prius sales dropped 27 percent, to 11,345. But Toyota said sales slowed because the automaker had to slow production of the car to make room for the hybrid Camry, which arrived at dealerships last week.

[ShortnFiery]

32. I want a Prius more than words can say, but my 95' Honda is

still running strong and gets excellent gas mileage. Damn Japanese who tend to make excellent cars with stellar reliability. :P

[SoCalDem]

85. So's our 91 Accord Ex

I think that car will outlive ME :scared:

[ShortnFiery]

99. Yes, ours is a 95 Honda Odessy ...

You think, but what about the gas mileage?

Guess what? It's great especially for a van. About 24-28 MPG because it was the FIRST and only year they made a 4 cylinder (four doors too instead of those sliding thingies) model of what they called wagon but it's really a van with 4 doors. :-) My motor head brother who, with my nephew races cars in Las Vegas told me, "Don't buy that four cylinder, it has NO GUTS!" Well, it has good pick-up to this day,i.e., but don't drag race to the next light - you'll lose big! We've always kept up with preventative maintenance and I love this Van almost as much as I loved my 74 Super Beetle. Our family seemingly *adopts* automobiles and keep them until we donate them to charity.

But yes, it would be grand to win a few thousand because I know that it probably will run till 2010 and it's great to haul extra trash to the dump. :P

Yes, I love those HONDAS and TOYOTAS (had an excellent Camry in the late 80s).

[LisaLynne]

33. Check out this link ...

http://wardsdealer.com/ar/auto_rare_occurrence_toyota/

Toyota says it's because they're having trouble keeping up with the demand. They can't sell cars they haven't made. And there are more hybrid choices coming out all the time. People might be waiting for the other models.

[Skidmore]

34. Are people less able to make large purchases now?

[paparush]

35. We pick ours up this Saturday!! WooHOO!!

Its not perfect..but its a start. Its doing SOMETHING... ya know!

[NNN0LHI]

36. Ford hybrid vehicle sales up 50 percent in April

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/12581393/

DETROIT - Ford Motor Co. said Monday that U.S. sales of its hybrid vehicles rose 50 percent to nearly 2,800 last month, boosted by aggressive incentives.

Preliminary numbers indicate Ford's hybrid sales were up 75 percent compared with March, Ford spokesman Monte Doran said.

[lectrobyte]

45. Right, they basically threw in the same incentives as the regular

Escape models, i.e., basically a $3000 price cut. So instead of the hybrid being $6K more than a discounted conventional Escape, it's only a $3K differential again.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

97. The OP doesn't seem to like Ford very much.

Or else he wouldn't have replied to this

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=1003551&mesg_id=1003551

with this

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=1003551&mesg_id=1013071

[NNN0LHI]

100. Nice catch n/t

[SidDithers]

37. It's Chavez's fault...nt

Sid

[LSdemocrat]

39. Perhaps because people have more hybrid and high MPG choices?

[lutefisk]

46. Can buy a Toyota Yaris for $11,000-$15,000.

Can buy a Civic for $15,000. It's hard to justify the extra $10,000-$15,000 or more for the Prius if money is a factor.

[erpowers]

42. Variety

It could be that people have more choices this year then last year in terms of buying hybrid vehicles. A number of different types of hybrid models have come out in the last few years. Honda has a hybrid version of both it Accord and Civic. The accord hybrid has 300hp so some people may want to buy the accord instead. Also Lexus has put out his RX 400h, which is a hybrid SUV. This SUV also has more hp than its gas only counterpart the RX 330. Ford has put out the hybrid Escape while Mercury has also put out a hybrid SUV. This year Toyota and Lexus are adding at least one new hybrids to their line-ups. Toyota will add the Camry hybrid, which I think will be made in America. Lexus will had a hybrid version of the ES 350. I think Lexus will be coming out with another hybrid car this year, but I am not sure. I read a car magazine which talked about two Lexus car models, but the second model the magazine talked about might have been a gas only model.

[lectrobyte]

44. Maybe folks are waiting for the hybrid Camry? I still like my Prius,

but I can see where it wouldn't suit everyone.

[derby378]

98. That's a good thought

I've got a traditional gas-powered Camry. I love it, but if I hadn't been under a time crunch to get a new car, I would have held out for a Prius, myself. I've been very pleased with Toyota automobiles.

Next car will definitely be a Toyota hybrid of some sort.

[Downtown Hound]

47. It's a supply issue

I bought a Prius last November and was lucky to be able to find one right away. Most of the time there is a 4-6 month wait. They can't sell these things fast enough. If Toyota had been able to build a Prius for everyone who really one in April, I guarantee you there would have been no downturn in sales, and probably would have been a large increase.

[leftchick]

49. do you ever include a link? Here is the reason....

I have yet to see one in any of your posts.

on edit: I found a link and it appears your post is out of context. The demand for the Prius outweighs supply. What a shock... :eyes:

<snip>

Toyota Division's passenger cars posted all-time best-ever sales in April of 114,670 units, an increase of 6.3 percent over last year. The completely redesigned 2007 Camry, which went on sale in late April, recorded best-ever April sales of 40,203 units, an increase of 3.3 percent. Arriving in showrooms the last week of April, the all-new Camry Hybrid had early sales of 86 units. Demand for the Prius gas-electric hybrid continues to outweigh supply, with sales totaling 8,234 units for the month. Making its U.S. debut in mid March, the Yaris subcompact posted robust sales of 6,393 units. The Corolla enjoyed all-time best-ever sales of 36,155 units in April, up 9.3 percent.

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/05/02/005418.html

[TheWatcher]

52. He can't because there probably isn't one to provide

I've scoured the Web this morning trying to find a source for this, and I can't.

Where did you get your information Mike?

[leftchick]

53. re-read my post I edited

Toyota sales figures for April are High. Very high.

[corporate_mike]

55. I bought my Prius 2 years ago and waited 7 months for it

Waiting lists have become shorter in my area.

Try a better explanation.

[leftchick]

57. I provided a link with the information

which is worth a lot more than a post from an anonymous person on a message board.

[SidDithers]

59. How about the explanation in the article you linked to...

oh wait, that's right, you didn't provide a link.

Sid

[leftchick]

72. lol! it is typical

I posted a link and I am guessing the reason the OP did not is because the article explains quite clearly why. It is not for lack of demand.

[corporate_mike]

81. I forgot to post the link - it was a mistake

how many more times do you have to point it out?

you like conspiracy theories, don't you?

[Coastie for Truth]

56. Prius sales - not total hybrid sales

Toyota's Camry Hybrid was announced (I don't know if was delivered); Toyota announced a Lexus SUV hybrid, the Honda Accord hybrid is in the market. The Ford mini SUV hybrid finally started shipping.

Only Bob Lutz and Rick Wagoner take solace from this.

[corporate_mike]

61. Honda Accord hybrid sales fell 69%

Sales of Honda's hybrid Accord fell 69 percent in April from a year earlier. Dealers say the $31,000 price of the car is scaring away customers.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/02/AR2006050200862.html?nav=hcmodule

[SidDithers]

63. From the article in your post...

"Toyota Motor Co. said it couldn't produce its Prius hybrid fast enough to keep up with demand."

Surely a sign of declining sales.

Sid

[corporate_mike]

66. Hey, I just posted the sales stats

As a Prius owner, I was hoping to see a huge increase in sales (due to high gas prices) and was shocked to see a significant drop.

That's all.

[leftchick]

68. selective reading

or posting. :eyes:

[corporate_mike]

73. No, As a Prius owner, I care about Prius sales

If you don't, why do you bother posting on this thread?

[leftchick]

74. I own two!

for gods sakes if you really cared you would read the article you posted (very belatedly??) and learn W H Y the sales fell. I am not going to spell it out for you.

[Name removed]

79. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Coastie for Truth]

65. I am waiting to buy my 2nd Prius

for GM or Toyota to assemble them in the GM-Toyota "NUMMI" plant in Fremont CA where they do the Matrix-Vibe and used to do the Corolla/Prism. That has been the local rumor for two years.

[Coastie for Truth]

71. Other econo cars jumped

Ford Escape-Merc Mariner hybrids doubles.

New Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris came on the market (my wife was thinking Prius - is now thinking Scion Xb or Yaris at half the price).

Camry hybrid actually on sale.

[corporate_mike]

78. Ford's gain did not make up for Prius' loss (in units)

stats can be tricky :)

[insane_cratic_gal]

80. the demand is still up.. right from your article !

<snip>

Consumers reacted sharply to rising gasoline prices last month and turned away from large sport-utility vehicles and other trucks in favor of small cars and gas-electric hybrid vehicles.

Ford Motor Co. said sales of its two hybrid models -- the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner -- more than doubled in April from the previous month, while sales of larger SUVs and pickup trucks tumbled. Toyota Motor Co. said it couldn't produce its Prius hybrid fast enough to keep up with demand.


so while more hybrids enter the market with a competitive price tag, shares and units will drop plus a used Prius is 20k starting price for one is 22k!

also from the article

In the hybrid market, signals were mixed. At Toyota, Prius sales dropped 27 percent, to 11,345. But Toyota said sales slowed because the automaker had to slow production of the car to make room for the hybrid Camry, which arrived at dealerships last week. Sales of Honda's hybrid Accord fell 69 percent in April from a year earlier. Dealers say the $31,000 price of the car is scaring away customers.



the 69 percent drop isn't Toyota it's Honda

[corporate_mike]

83. Ford sold 3,420 units - keep than in prospective

It doesn't matter if it increased 1 million percent. It's still 3,420 units.

[corporate_mike]

89. I hope Ford hyrbids increase by 1000% next year

[ContraBass Black]

62. Maybe they bought hybrid Civics instead.

:D

[benburch]

67. Could be because there is now a Lexus Hybrid?

Some people simply want a "luxury" car.

[leftchick]

70. if you read the link I posted

and the one the OP put in in the middle of the thread it is for several reasons,

Not enough Prius for the demand, Ramping up production of the Camry Hybrid and yes indeed the Lexus Hybrid is now out. The overall demand for all Hybrids is huge.

[benburch]

75. Good.

Thanks!

[corporate_mike]

77. wow -- do you actually read the articles you post?

While I wish you were correct, a few facts:

Ford had to offer interest-free loans and $500 rebate to move their hybrids. They sold less hybrids the entire month than they sell largest SUVs in 10 minutes.

Accord hybrid sales are down 69%

Prius hybrid sales dropped 25%

The more people get interested to buy alternative fuel vehicles the brighter future we can have for a less polluted world. UNfortunately, the demand is not yet "huge"

[SidDithers]

69. Sheesh...It's a supply issue, not a demand issue...

"Toyota Motor Co. said it couldn't produce its Prius hybrid fast enough to keep up with demand."

and

"In the hybrid market, signals were mixed. At Toyota, Prius sales dropped 27 percent, to 11,345. But Toyota said sales slowed because the automaker had to slow production of the car to make room for the hybrid Camry, which arrived at dealerships last week."

Was there a point you were trying to make?

Sid

Edit: Forgot link http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/02/AR2006050200862.html?nav=hcmodule

[insane_cratic_gal]

86. Tax season is bound to bring it down

I'm sure Toys have nothing to worry about except staying competitive. A starting price of 22k for 50mpg (which you can get on some regular smaller Euro cars) is a bit much.



In the hybrid market, signals were mixed. At Toyota, Prius sales dropped 27 percent, to 11,345. But Toyota said sales slowed because the automaker had to slow production of the car to make room for the hybrid Camry, which arrived at dealerships last week.

[onenote]

87. US Hybrid Sales Over 21,000 In April -- Second Highest Month Ever

http://www.greencarcongress.com/2006/05/index.html

And for what its worth, Prius sales were up over the number sold the previous month. Yes, the overall number is down compared to this point last year, but that, as others have pointed out, is more of a supply issue than a demand issue.

onenote

on edit: you'll need to scroll down to the sixth article dated May 2, 2006 for the report on hybrid sales.

[corporate_mike]

95. Thanks -- great site

[madokie]

88. I heard this morning they are selling them faster than they can build them

something here doesn't sound quite right mike

[leftchick]

90. ya think?

it is called selective posting and/or reading comprehension. Sad isn't it?

[madokie]

94. I have been noticing a pattern

a few more and the ignore button will be used.

[corporate_mike]

96. Chart of all April hybrid stats

[Coastie for Truth]

101. My kids are waiting

They are "prosperous" - and they are waiting - with their 8 year old BMW's - for the Plug In Hybrid EV Lexus line up. I think the talk of "newer, better, plug in hybrids next year" and "what will BMW and Mercedes and Volvo and Saab do" is maing some people wait.

(This is the voice from Si Valley).