Toyota Prius Triumphs Despite Recall Woes, Reports Tortola Capital

PRLog (Press Release) - Mar. 5, 2010 - In Japan, the Toyota Prius remains the top selling car in spite of the recent struggles the company has faced with the global recall of defective automobiles reports Tortola Capital. The hybrid model has sold more than 27,000 units in February, and has remained the best selling model for ten straight months. The success of the Prius has been affected by the recall, however, in American markets, though to a lesser extent than other models. The Prius’ popularity chiefly stems from its superb gas mileage and attractive tax breaks and other government incentives.

"The reaction within Japan has been very calm," reports Clayton Emerson VP of Business Development at Tortola Capital, citing dealers' association spokesman Kentaro Nakata. Cancellations of Prius orders are extremely rare, he said. "There are people waiting to snatch up the car. The Prius is seen as the pioneer of hybrid technology, and its brand image is solid."

Toyota's handling of the quality lapses, which emerged in the U.S. last year, has received widespread media attention in its home market but loyalty to Toyota remains relatively strong because the other defects behind the recalls -- sticky gas pedals and faulty floor mats -- have not affected any models sold in Japan.