FutureWatch: Toyota Confirms Prius Brand Expansion, "Zoned" Dealerships
Underscoring what we’ve been hearing for some time already, Toyota Motor Company is actively considering a Prius sub-brand. But rather than operate as a stand-alone marque, the Prius nameplate might be affixed to a range of hybrid vehicles within specially zoned areas in Toyota dealerships, likely in much the same manner as Toyota has done with Scion.
According to a new article in Reuters, Toyota’s North American sales chief, Jim Lentz, has disclosed that there is a “definite desire” to market “a series of derivatives under the Prius brand name that would allow you to market product at a much lower cost.” This lends further credence to previous NextAutos reports that Toyota is planning a family of Prius hybrids, including models like a wagon and a convertible. An all-new Prius is expected to debut at the 2009 North American International Auto Show this January in Detroit, and a smaller, less-expensive hybrid is also rumored to be in the cards.
According to Lentz, dealerships are already being constructed with a multi-zone theme, including space earmarked for the Prius, Scion, and the Toyota’s trucks.
+ Reuters: Toyota sees opening for Prius brand (via Autoblog )
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