In preparation for the 2012 market launch of its new Prius Plug-in hybrid (PHV), Toyota‘s U.S. division announced the introduction of a new online order system that will kick off later this year.
Customers who are interested in the Prius Plug-in hybrid are invited to register on Toyota’s website in order to have first access to the online order system when it becomes available later in the year. Appropriately, the first phase of the online order program, called Priority Registration, will launch on Earth Day, April 22, 2011.
The online order system will allow Toyota customers to configure their own vehicle from any web browser, select their preferred dealership within the 15 launch states, and track their order through production, distribution and delivery.
“We feel the Prius Plug-in target customer will expect a purchase experience that is as advanced and convenient as the product itself,” said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. “The Online Ordering System is designed to meet those expectations.”
The Prius Plug-in Hybrid vehicle can be fully charged in approximately three hours from a standard 110-volt electrical outlet, or in 90 minutes with a 220-volt connection. Fully charged, the car has an all-electric driving range of around 13 miles (21 km), at speeds of up to 62 mph (100 km/h). For longer distances, the PHV reverts to its hybrid mode, operating as a regular Prius.
The Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid will arrive in select dealerships in spring 2012 with a nationwide launch to follow in 2013. The selected launch states include Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. The Prius Plug-In online ordering system will not be available in Hawaii.
By Dan Mihalascu
PHOTO GALLERY
