The Toyota Prius transformed the auto industry

Kinda doubt it. They also suffer from large company inertia where their hybrid powertrains gave them a market leadership, similar to German cars and diesel engines, making difficult to pivot to a market where there's much stronger competition and they don't have the crown anymore.

Re: The Toyota Prius transformed the auto industry

#7

Post by hedora » Sat, Jan 18, 2025, 1:48 PM UTC

Cumpiler69 wrote: post #6

blackoil wrote: post #4

Hope Toyota get their mojo back for EVs.

Kinda doubt it. They also suffer from large company inertia where their hybrid powertrains gave them a market leadership, similar to German cars and diesel engines, making difficult to pivot to a market where there's much stronger competition and they don't have the crown anymore.

My German EV was introduced a decade ago, and it’s still great!

I think a better comparison is to the Italians.

Stellantis bought up a bunch of iconic brands when they got Chrysler and then integrated a bunch of new technology from Fiat. Since then, they’ve focused on creature comforts and margin expansion, but neglected everything else.

They recently realized their sales projections are headed for a cliff and unceremoniously fired their CEO.

Re: The Toyota Prius transformed the auto industry

#8

Post by pfdietz » Sat, Jan 18, 2025, 1:49 PM UTC

blackoil wrote: post #4

Hope Toyota get their mojo back for EVs.

Maybe if their solid state batteries work out? How has that Hail Mary move been going?

Re: The Toyota Prius transformed the auto industry

#9

Post by hedora » Sat, Jan 18, 2025, 1:52 PM UTC

epolanski wrote: post #2

Probably the most influential vehicle in the last century along the Model S.

Also, the minvan (suv), and probably other body styles. When were pickup trucks introduced?

Re: The Toyota Prius transformed the auto industry

#10

Post by CharlieDigital » Sat, Jan 18, 2025, 1:53 PM UTC

blackoil wrote: post #4

Hope Toyota get their mojo back for EVs.

I'm kinda OK with them just dominating hybrids; especially plugins.

I own a 2024 Prius Prime (PHEV) and the setup works great. No range anxiety, no special charging infra (I just plug in on a normal 120v overnight). I got the car in Feb 24 and maybe pumped gas a total of 8 times? If I didn't make two longer trips, it would have been 6.

But also, the power output is pretty great and an upgrade over the hybrid only model.

It feels like the sweet spot for most Americans and doesn't require any real lifestyle change.

Big shame is that dealers aren't necessarily charging them on the lot. So if you test drive one, you might only feel the hybrid and not the EV mode.