Create a free Manufacturing.net account to continue

Toyota Promises Cheaper Prius Model

New 2010 Prius hybrid will cost the same as current model when it goes on sale in the U.S. in late May, and an even cheaper version will be released later in the year.

TORRANCE, Calif. (AP) -- Toyota says the 2010 Prius hybrid will cost the same as the current model when it goes on sale in the U.S. in late May, and will release an even cheaper version later in the year.

The Japanese automaker says the third-generation Prius will start at $22,000, the same as the 2009 model. It says a more basic model will be released starting at $21,000 later this year, but did not say what features it will or won't contain.

Toyota Motor Corp.'s much-anticipated 2010 Prius is expected to compete head-on with the Honda Insight hybrid. Honda recently reintroduced the Insight and has priced it in the U.S. under $20,000 as it aims to reach economy-minded buyers.

More in Supply Chain