When Toyota started planning the Prius, nickel cost $3/lb. Now it's $12. They have (claimed to) have engineered a lot of cost out of the hybrid drivetrain, but the big battery keeps getting more expensive.

They say it is a profitable vehicle, but I reckon the margin is slim. A business decision to put more effort into other, high-margin vehicles would not surprise me.

When they can do lithium based batteries in high volume and reasonable cost, I expect increases in Prius (or Prius-like) production. Ditto for the other categories mentioned above. Maintain technological leadership, but keep the bleeding to a minimum.

DAS