The Toyota Prius design has failed to lure US consumers. However, its consumer base in Japan seems to be loving it.
The 4th generation Prius is hurting US sales figures. But, the Japanese market is loving the new design.
With the fourth-generation Prius hybrid, Toyota focused not only on improving efficiency, but on making its halo car more appealing to a wider range of consumers.
Some of the US consumers, who bought the car, find it "kind of ugly."
Toyota established the gas-electric hybrid to be an environmental leader a couple of decades back. The company wanted to provide a highly stylish exterior to its consumers. The polarizing design has, however, failed to impress US customers.
Some are comparing the new Toyota Prius design with 2005-era SUV Pontiac Aztek. Interestingly, many consider the design as the worst auto design in history. Many believe Toyota should never have changed the design.
Sales Drop in USA
According to Bloomberg, Toyota has sold 93,083 Priuses in the United States through August 2016. This is a 26% drop, compared to the figures in the same period in 2015. This brings the model line to the worst sales figures in the last five years.
Some believe Toyota opted for an "anime" design to lure the Japanese market. Its focus was less on the US market, they think. A number of design elements are considered to be inconsistent with the theme. Some compare it with "flying buttresses" because of neon-red lights through tail lamps.
Toyota Defends The New Toyota Prius Design
US Toyota Head Bill Fay, nevertheless, defended the new Toyota Prius design. The company, however, faces tough competition from SUVs and trucks due to cheap gasoline.
According to Green Car Reports, the standard Prius Liftback faces tough competition from hybrids, plug-in hybrids and all-electric cars as well.
In Japan, the Prius remains to be the top-selling car. The difference of opinion regarding the design may be strictly a cultural thing.
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