Toyota NZ to end local Prius sales?

Toyota New Zealand has admitted the decision as to whether the Prius range will stay in the New Zealand market is set to come soon.

The launch of the new Yaris gives the brand hybrid options in every segment, passenger and SUV, up to the Camry. Incoming hybrid options in Highlander and Hilux will expand this further. 

Prius, which acted as a test bed for the technology, has been outshone on a sales basis. Hatch sales have been incredibly low, while there has been some growth for the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model.

Toyota has already quietly dropped the light C and seven-seat V versions.

Chief executive Neeraj Lala says the time for a decision on Prius is coming.

“The requirement for a hybrid test platform is gone – considering hybrid is now considered normal,” says Lala.

“Our sales would certainly suggest it is going to be a challenge to keep it going,” he says. “We are going to make this call soon, but we have not made it yet.”

Prius has been a huge success as a Japanese import model, a market TNZ itself plays in, particularly with PHEV units.