The auto industry is still reeling in shock after the earthquake and tsunami. All manufacturers have been affected at some level; from American GM all the way to Honda but none have been affected as much as Toyota. There is a possibility of shortages of the Prius hybrid in the states. Many Japanese auto companies also have plants in the United States, however the Prius and its EV battery is manufactured solely in Japan. Since the cost of gas is currently at an all time high in the States, many folks seem to be quite keen on owning a hybrid for the monetary savings. It’s only been a short while after the Tsunami and dealers have already increased the price of the Prius by around $1500 at some dealerships. Many automotive managers are apprehensive of facing a shortage within the coming weeks and months.

Opening the factories again and resuming business will prove to be extremely difficult. Frequent aftershocks disrupt the assembly process while roads are still destroyed which makes it difficult to export goods. In addition, electricity is very limited and there have been lots of power outages.

The Prius is by far the top selling hybrid across the world. Many celebrities have given this vehicle thumbs up; many eco conscious actors and actresses also drive a Prius. The most attractive feature about this car is that it easily reaches the 50 mile per gallon mark; it is the most efficient hybrid available for sale.

The interior is contemporary and sleek and all the music and temperature controls are housed in the center console which is a bit different from the more traditional cabin layout. The back seat are spacious with plenty of room and there is also a Smart Key available which allows you to easily open up the doors. The upper level trim includes Bluetooth compatibility which allows you to make calls while keeping your hands on the wheel. Since it is a hybrid, it’s powered by a traditional engine and an electric one. The V4 1.8 Liter engine supplies power as does the sixty kilowatt electric motor for a total of 134 hp. It may be a bit slow when it comes to speeding up but people buy this car due to its mileage, definitely not for its speed or sportiness. There are three driving modes available; Eco, Normal and Power.

Drivers can easily change the songs they are listening to or turn up the temperature by simply touching the steering wheel’ it’s completely touch sensitive. Additional sweet options include a navigation system and XM radio. When it comes to safety, the Prius really shines; it earned an impressive five stars in safety crash conducted by the NHTSA. Additional safety features include air bags, Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control. An emergency system is also in place which notifies emergency responders in case of a car crash or accident. Lane Assist works to keep the car safely in its intended lane. Pricing for the Prius is around $23k but dealers predict that it might increase if the supply chain is disrupted for a long period of time.

Author Bio: Written by Jacqueline Star: For great prices visit Toyota Prius Riverside, Jaguar Las Vegas also carries many hybrids, Kansas City offers Kansas City Infiniti.

Category: Automotive
Keywords: cars, autos, vehicles, automotive, green cars, hybrid cars, prius, toyota prius