Why Was the Toyota Prius Discontinued?
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At that time, domestic production of the Prius was extremely limited, with only a few dozen units manufactured each month. Toyota was unwilling to use domestically produced hybrid core components, opting instead for imported parts, which significantly increased costs—nearly doubling the price compared to conventional fuel-powered vehicles and approaching the price range of mid-level models. Factors such as low production volume, poor sales, lack of subsidies, and high pricing ultimately led to the discontinuation of the Prius. Below is an overview of the model: Car Overview: The Toyota Prius, launched by Toyota Motor Corporation of Japan in 1997, was the world's first mass-produced hybrid vehicle. By 2001, it was being sold in over 40 countries and regions worldwide, with its largest markets being Japan and North America. Design Philosophy: Long before the prominence of energy crises and environmental concerns, Toyota foresightedly incorporated hybrid technology into its long-term development plans. After more than 40 years of dedicated effort, the Prius became the first to embody avant-garde design concepts with future-perfected craftsmanship, pioneering a series of highly intelligent technologies ahead of its time.