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Prius Shortage Hurts Toyota

11.5% June drop in US sales blamed on low inventory of popular small models

By Joseph Connelly, Newser User

Posted Jul 2, 2008 4:53 PM CDT

(Newser) – Popularity is proving quite the pickle for Toyota: Dwindling supplies of hot sellers like its hybrid Prius fueled the 11.5% drop in US sales last month, Reuters reports. With a waiting list 6 months long, Prius sales fell 26%—even as rival Honda bumped its sales 13.8% thanks to record demand for its fuel-efficient Fit and Civic vehicles.

While Toyota expects to boost declining inventories of small cars like the Yaris and Corolla in August, "it is very doubtful that there is going to be a lot of recovery this year to be able to satisfy consumer demand," its head of North American sales said of the Prius.

In this March 19, 2008 file photo, the 2009 Honda Fit is introduced at the New York International Auto Show. It will cost about $1,900 more than a gas-only model. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, file)

A customer admires the Toyota Prius, in this file photo. (Getty Images (by Event) Individuals)

Toyota Employees Install Hybrid Engine Motor Unit in this file photo. (Getty Images)

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Prius Shortage Hurts Toyota

11.5% June drop in US sales blamed on low inventory of popular small models

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Prius Shortage Hurts Toyota

11.5% June drop in US sales blamed on low inventory of popular small models

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Toyota • Honda • Toyota Prius • auto industry • hybrid car • auto sales

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Honda Ready to Take On the Prius

Insight cheaper, simpler than Toyota's hybrid king

Car Sales Jumped 14% Last Month

Chrysler, VW saw huge gains

Toyota Plans Smaller, Cheaper Hybrid

It's expected to go on sale in early 2012

Nissan Leaf Wins Name Game

Not dirty, sexy, or violent, brand is 'a minor miracle'

US Automakers See Sales Increase in May

Ford, GM have best month of 2009

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Newser By Users

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