The Toyota Prius — the world’s most popular hybrid vehicle — is due for a revamp early next year, but it looks as though Toyota might have more in store for the hybrid than just a new face. A new report indicates that Toyota is seriously considering extending Prius production to its plant in Fremont, California.
The Prius is currently produced in China and Japan, but Japan’s Tokyo Shimbun is reporting that Toyota will extend production of the all-new model to include Toyota’s New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. facility in Fremont, California, which is jointly run with General Motors.
“Nothing has been decided on production of Prius at the joint venture New United Motor Manufacturing Inc., even though Toyota is always seeking ways to build the most appropriate production system,” said a Toyota spokesperson.
The mention of the NUMMI raises several questions, including whether or not GM is slated to get a version of the new Prius. The NUMMI plant currently builds the Toyota Corolla , Matrix and the Pontiac Vibe which all ride on the same platform.
While a GM-badged Prius would help the auto giant with its green credentials, it could also eat into the company’s sales of the 2010 Chevrolet Volt . Whatever the case, more details should be revealed by January 2009 when Toyota will take the wraps off its new Prius.
