Toyota expands Prius hybrid car brand (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

By Jorn Madslien
Business reporter, BBC News, Detroit motor show

Japanese carmaker Toyota is adding new models under its Prius petrol-electric hybrid label.

The move aims to capitalise on the green image of the Prius, which even rival carmakers say has become synonymous with hybrids.

"In the US, hybrid means Prius," said Jim O'Donnell, chief executive and president of BMW of North America.

"No other manufacturer sells significant numbers of their hybrid vehicles."
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With new models being launched, the Prius brand should evolve into a subsidiary marque, similar to the way Toyota's luxury subsidiary Lexus is widely seen as separate from its Japanese parent company.
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more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12159469

[DCKit]

1. A plug-in and a full electric version for now.

The van (which is simply bigger and looks almost identical) will probably be out next year.

[Kolesar]

2. 34 mpg from my last tankful in my Chevy Cobalt

If a Prius cost $20,000 and achieved 40 mpg, it would take 20 years to make up for the price differential of a $15,000 Cobalt.

The Prius would have to get 86 mpg to break even in 5 years.

A new battery for the Prius would be needed eventually.