Synonymous with ‘hybrid,’ Toyota Prius hybrid electric vehicle [HEV] is the most popular HEV in the US, and according to global sales numbers, the third-most-popular vehicle in the world for the first quarter 2012. Having sold nearly 10,000 Prii in October alone, Toyota isn’t resting on its laurels.
Prius’ newest neighbor in the hybrid segment is apparently giving some stiff competition, and Toyota doesn’t look like it wants to allow the Ford C-MAX hybrid to steal the show.
Toyota Prius certainly has a lot to worry about from competitor C-MAX. The C-MAX offers up to seven mpg higher fuel economy than the Prius HEV, with a much smaller price tag, better than $10,000 cheaper. The C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid electric vehicle [PHEV] also might be a little more attractive than the Prius PHEV, touting 100 mpg-e to Prius PHEV’s 95 mpg-e.
Again, the Ford is a cheaper option, but are you getting what you pay for with the cheaper vehicle? Ford rooting around the bottom of the JD Powers Initial Quality Study [IQS] doesn’t paint a pretty future.
In any case, Toyota, until December 3, 2012, if offering discounts up to $5,000 on the Prius PHEV and up to $4,000 on the Prius HEV. This is in addition to the federal HEV tax rebate program up to $2,500, which could bring the price of a new Prius closer to the $30K marker.
Additionally, credit-worthy buyers can also benefit with 0% APR interest rates for up to 60 months. Toyota quality at a great price won’t last for long, but should certainly bring Prius’ sales numbers up for the end of the year.
