Why Was the Toyota Prius Discontinued?
1 Answers
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 double that of conventional fuel-powered vehicles, approaching the price range of mid-level models. Factors such as low production volume, poor sales performance, lack of subsidies, and high pricing ultimately led to the discontinuation of the Prius. Below are some relevant details: 1. Vehicle Overview: The Toyota Prius, launched by Toyota Motor Corporation in 1997, was the world's first mass-produced hybrid vehicle. By 2001, it was sold in over 40 countries and regions, with Japan and North America being its largest markets. 2. Design Philosophy: Long before the energy crisis and environmental issues became prominent, Toyota had the foresight to incorporate hybrid technology into its long-term development plans. After dedicating over 40 years of effort, the Prius was the first to perfectly execute avant-garde design concepts with future-oriented craftsmanship and was ahead of its time in incorporating a series of highly intelligent technologies.