The Wait Is Over for Consumers as Toyota Picks Up Prius Production

Washington DC November 6, 2006; The AIADA newsletter reported that for the first time since the current version of Toyota's widely popular hybrid Prius sedan went on sale in October 2003, there are enough vehicles to fill customer orders, thanks to added production from the company's Tsutsumi, Japan plant.

Toyota Group Vice President Jim Farley said Toyota never intended for Prius shortages to develop: "We had no idea it was going to be a hit," he said. Now, "It's a family jewel."

According to USA Today, Priuses now sit on dealer lots an average 17 days, up from as low as five or six days a couple of months ago – still an extremely quick turnover rate compared with the 64-day national average for a new car.

Toyota USA now expects to import 122,590 Priuses this year, up from a previous forecast of 110,000, Toyota spokesman Bill Kwong said.