Toyota Motor Corp. lowered its global sales target for the new Prius gasoline-electric hybrid, as low fuel prices reduce demand for fuel-efficient cars. Toyota now targets average global annual sales of 300,000 to 350,000, the lower end of the 300,000 to 400,000 annual sales target for the previous model.
A Toyota spokeswoman said a decline in annual sales for the hybrid cars since 2013 was a factor behind the automaker's decision to lower its sales target (!!!)
U.S. gasoline prices are now at seven-year lows and according to Toyota's monthly sales records, U.S. sales of Prius series models have fallen 12 percent in the year to November from the same period last year.
The new model Prius starts at 2.43 million yen ($19,807) in Japan or about 19 percent more than the previous model. It will be launched in North America and Asia in January, and in Europe in February. (ANE)
A Toyota spokeswoman said a decline in annual sales for the hybrid cars since 2013 was a factor behind the automaker's decision to lower its sales target (!!!)
U.S. gasoline prices are now at seven-year lows and according to Toyota's monthly sales records, U.S. sales of Prius series models have fallen 12 percent in the year to November from the same period last year.
The new model Prius starts at 2.43 million yen ($19,807) in Japan or about 19 percent more than the previous model. It will be launched in North America and Asia in January, and in Europe in February. (ANE)