The Prius will be $500 more in 2009, according to this article today. Toyota Motor Corp.'s U.S. sales unit said Friday that the Prius' suggested retail price will rise 2.2 percent. Base prices will range from $22,000 for the standard Prius, to $24,270 for a touring model.
Toyota's press release. Toyota/Lexus/Scion Pressroom: Toyota And Scion Announce Prices On Select 2009 Models Ken@Japan
The hybrids got the biggest cost increase: SERIES PRICE CHANGE % CHANGE Corolla +100 0.6% Matrix +100 0.5% Prius +500 2.2% Camry Gas +225 1.0% Camry HV +500 1.9% Avalon +520 1.7% FJ Cruiser +275 1.1% Sienna +100 0.4% 4Runner +225 0.7% Highlander Gas +47 0.2% Highlander HV +518 1.4% Land Cruiser +655 1.0% Scion xD +100 0.7%
Probably to pay for construction of the new factories. If it was simply "opportunistic markup," it would probably be more than just 500 dollars.
