Actually - the news anchor was correct in that the local dealers were also inflating the cost of the car with their own add-on packages that would increase the "out-the-door" price by many thousands.. The Camry Hybrid was not yet available when the broadcast I'm referring to was made.
Face it - when you just look at the size of the vehicle, seating room / capacity - the Prius, with another 3-4k added on top of the MSRP is not a great deal over something else that gets 15-25% less fuel economy for 30-40% less money than the Prius.
The manufacturers have placed a fair MSRP on these cars. It's the dealer network and the slow manufacturing and distribution channels that drive the cost up.
This inflated cost drives a negative impression of the technology.
That's why you need to look at this in a slightly different perspective than you normally would.

Regards - Randy




If there's one thing I've learned in online forums its this:
Never argue with an idiot, they'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience!