More than half of the Toyota Prius buyers surveyed by CNW Marketing Research say the main reason they purchased their car is that "it makes a statement about me." Only one-third of Prius owners cited
that reason just three years ago, according to CNW, which tracks consumer buying trends.
The Prius has enjoyed sales of more than 400,000 in the United States, while most other hybrid
models have struggled to find buyers. It was built from the ground up as a hybrid, and is sold only as a hybrid. By contrast, the main way to tell that a Honda Civic, Ford Escape or Saturn Vue is a
hybrid version is a small badge on the trunk or side panel.
Unlike the original Prius buyers, who wanted to be first with its innovative technology, the latest owners are far more
conscious of foreign oil dependence and global warming, says Doug Coleman, product manager for Prius. Sales for the first six months of 2007 are up 93.7% from last year, to 94,503.
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