Since a devastating earthquake struck Japan last March, Toyota and Honda dealers have been screaming for more cars and trucks.
Now they are finally getting their wish. Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. will lead a second-quarter production surge in North America.
The increase will let Japan's two top automakers gain ground on the Detroit 3, whose production in the second quarter will be largely flat.
Toyota and Honda are expected to more than double North American output from depressed 2011 levels, according to IHS Automotive. The surge will return second-quarter production to slightly above 2010 levels for the two companies.
Meanwhile, Chrysler Group expects to boost output 7 percent in the quarter, and General Motors and Ford Motor Co. plan modest decreases that reflect changeovers to some new models.
Bob Carter, Toyota Division general manager, said Toyota will launch a barrage of marketing support when most of the inventory arrives. Big campaigns for the Camry, Tundra, Prius and Corolla will follow Toyota's traditional spring sales event in March.
"What you shouldn't expect is a great departure in either our incentive strategy or fleet strategy," Carter said. "There won't be trucks with $7,000 in the bed. Our product has too much value for us to market it that way."
John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president, said Honda expects inventories to grow about 10 percent each month starting in February. Honda said it gained 40,000 units of inventory in January, but is still off 30 percent from this time last year.
"It feels good to have inventory on the ground for a change. It's a nice return to normalcy, where dealers can't see as much blacktop as they were," Mendel said. "There's still a lot of pent-up demand."
Monday, February 27, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
2012 Toyota Prius V Hybrid vs Mazda5: Saving Money On Wagons
However, you're also looking to get a good mix of practicality and gas mileage, as gas prices aren't making those long vacation trips any easier.
Your eye may have been caught by the 2012 Toyota Prius V wagon - you know the Prius name stands for low emissions and high economy, but there's now a bit more space. But what could it save you over a typical wagon rival, like the 2012 Mazda5?
We're comparing the Prius V and the Mazda5, the latter fitted with the automatic transmission. It's no less economical than the manual option, and easier to drive when the kids are kicking the back of your seat, screaming, "Are we there, yet?"...
Economy and performance
No guesses on the most economical here. Thanks to its gasoline-electric full hybrid system, the Prius V sets new standards in the class for gas mileage.
The EPA quotes city mileage of 44 mpg - over double that of the Mazda's 21 mpg city. Highway mileage is 40 mpg versus 28, and that all results in the Prius V managing 42 mpg combined, versus the Mazda's 24 combined.
If we use the EPA's figures of 15,000 miles per year, 45 percent on highways and 55 percent city, the Prius will cost you $1,243 in fuel, at an average of just under $3.50 a gallon. By comparison, the Mazda would guzzle $2,175-worth of gasoline - $932 more.
The Prius V would also require less frequent stops as a result. Even though its 11.9 gallon gas tank is smaller than the Mazda's 15.9 gallons, you'll get an estimated range of 450 miles, rather than 343. All the better for making progress to your destination.
The 5 hits back with better performance from its 157-horsepower 2.5-liter engine. The 5-speed auto lets drivers have some control over when they shift too, so it may suit those looking for a sportier drive.
Read More: http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1072944_2012-toyota-prius-v-hybrid-vs-mazda5-saving-money-on-wagons
Chicago Toyota Prius
Friday, February 3, 2012
Consumer Reports - Test complete video: 2012 Toyota Prius V
Toyota has expanded the coveted Prius brand by introducing this larger wagon, and it will soon flank the original Prius hatchback with the introduction of a smaller hybrid, the Prius C. The Prius V certainly seems like a good idea: Take a proven powertrain and fit it to a roomier vehicle, offering current Prius owners a step-up vehicle, well suited to growing families. But does it work? We bought a Prius V “Three Model” ($28,217) to see if Toyota got the formula right, or if it proved to, literally, be too much of a good thing.
The Prius has routinely done well in our tests, with good safety marks, impressive reliability history, and of course, outstanding fuel economy. Likewise, the new Prius V performed admirably and stands tall within the wagon category.
The Prius V returned an impressive 41 mpg overall in our fuel economy tests, compared with 44 mpg for the regular Prius. Naturally, its fuel economy is impacted by the V’s heavier weight and less aerodynamic shape. These factors also put a damper on acceleration. The V shares the Prius drivetrain, adapted to this application with lower gearing. Despite this modification, the motor and engine still have to work fairly hard, especially when the car is loaded or scaling large hills at highway speeds.
A true five seater, the Prius V provides good access to the second row, with comfortable space for all riders. Rear passengers have generous leg and head room. The tall design provides significantly more cargo space than the Prius, and split-folding rear seatbacks allow for flexible configurations that can swallow a fair amount of stuff. The wagon body style is more conducive to traveling with adult companions than the Prius, and it significantly improves outward visibility.
The dashboard quirks carry over, with the center-mounted digital instruments, awkward shift lever, and push-button Park. While there is a slight learning curve for first-time Prius drivers, previous owners will feel right at home.
In the end, we think the strong fuel economy and improved interior packaging more than make up for the sacrifices in performance and powertrain noise.
Watch the video to see the Prius V in action, and read our road test for more detailed findings.
Read More: http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2012/02/test-complete-video-2012-toyota-prius-v.html
The Prius has routinely done well in our tests, with good safety marks, impressive reliability history, and of course, outstanding fuel economy. Likewise, the new Prius V performed admirably and stands tall within the wagon category.
The Prius V returned an impressive 41 mpg overall in our fuel economy tests, compared with 44 mpg for the regular Prius. Naturally, its fuel economy is impacted by the V’s heavier weight and less aerodynamic shape. These factors also put a damper on acceleration. The V shares the Prius drivetrain, adapted to this application with lower gearing. Despite this modification, the motor and engine still have to work fairly hard, especially when the car is loaded or scaling large hills at highway speeds.
A true five seater, the Prius V provides good access to the second row, with comfortable space for all riders. Rear passengers have generous leg and head room. The tall design provides significantly more cargo space than the Prius, and split-folding rear seatbacks allow for flexible configurations that can swallow a fair amount of stuff. The wagon body style is more conducive to traveling with adult companions than the Prius, and it significantly improves outward visibility.
The dashboard quirks carry over, with the center-mounted digital instruments, awkward shift lever, and push-button Park. While there is a slight learning curve for first-time Prius drivers, previous owners will feel right at home.
In the end, we think the strong fuel economy and improved interior packaging more than make up for the sacrifices in performance and powertrain noise.
Watch the video to see the Prius V in action, and read our road test for more detailed findings.
Read More: http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2012/02/test-complete-video-2012-toyota-prius-v.html
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