....The large number of Prius sales just in the last two years have whittled away at government tax breaks available to Prius consumers.
So far this year, Toyota has sold 61,635 hybrids in the United States, up 68 percent from the first three months of last year. That includes 28,453 hybrids last month....
....In the land of small cars the Smart Car is still waiting in the wings but consumers looking at the two-seater can reserve a Smart Car production model for a $99 deposit.
The tiny car made by DaimlerChrysler AG already sells in Europe and Canada and is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. market in the first quarter of 2008.
The $99 deposit is refundable and doesn't lock a potential buyer into a particular color or trim level. Potential buyers can make changes to their order and the $99 reservation fee will be factored into the total sum for the car.
Excluding destination fees, tax and costs of added options, the entry-level Smart ForTwo starts under $12,000, the ForTwo coupe is less than $14,000 and the ForTwo Cabriolet is priced under $17,000.
More than 46,000 people have registered on the Smart Car Web site and asked to be updated on an ongoing basis as the vehicle's launch date nears.....
I am one of those people who have plunked down a $99 reservation fee for a Smart Car. I'll keep you updated on any news that develops.
If you'd like more information about Smart Cars, visit Smart Car USA.
I just can't get enough of these cute little cars!
