Tokyo - Toyota said it expects annual sales of its newly-released fourth generation Prius hybrid to reach as many as 350 000 vehicles despite a big drop in oil prices making traditional petrol-powered cars cheaper to run.
The carmaker is claiming a consumption figure of 40.8km a liter (2.45 l/100km) for its latest version of the petrol-electric car, at least in Japan’s official tests. Real-world consumption will no doubt be higher.
Executive Vice President Mitsuhisa Kato told reporters at a Tokyo showroom, that the latest Prius made fewer driving experience compromises to achieve better consumption. “There is nothing you feel you are suffering through to get that mileage,” he said.
Improvements in the battery, engine, wind resistance and weight are contributing to the improved performance, according to Toyota. The new Prius also got a design makeover, although reaction has been divided.
Toyota has sold about 4 million Prius vehicles globally, making it the world's top-selling hybrid, but its popularity is mostly limited to the US and Japan. Toyota faced skepticism when it first introduced Prius in 1997.
“In my mind, there is no doubt that this new model will be well received,” said Max Zanan, chief executive of IDDS Group, a New York-based consulting company that specializes in vehicle retailing. “It will continue to set the pace for, and dominate, the global hybrid car market.”
Japanese sales started on Wednesday, and are set for January in North America and February in Europe.
Toyota says it's expecting to sell 12 000 Prius cars a month in Japan, with projected annual global sales at 300 000 to 350 000 vehicles.
Kato brushed off questions about how the recent drop in oil prices may negatively affect sales. Energy and ecological worries are here to stay, he said.
Japan pre-orders total 60 000 vehicles, and many of the buyers will have to wait several months for their Prius to arrive, as production can't keep up.
Prices in Japan, also announced on Wednesday, are higher than the previous model's, starting at 2.4 million yen (R300 000), up from 2.2 million yen. Overseas prices have not yet been announced.
AP
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