Its been a while since I've felt a need to post. You all have been doing a tremendous job in sorting out the facts and that I was able to keep an arms length for the last couple of months, not to mention trying to win the family back after launch. But it seems that I need to log on every so often to defend our launch strategy (options)and provide a status on the feature or dispell the myth that we're losing $$ (we're at break even), or colors or mpg, etc. I want to apologize to anyone who's listening for missing the Griffith Park get together. Part of the team was in San Diego supporting the display at the National Physics Teachers Conf. while I was in Detroit at Clean Car Press Conf. prior to the Detroit Auto Show. (The team means there's two of us). We gave Dave some trinkets for all of you as well as providing him a proto of a center arm rest attachment for your review. Thanks the input. While at the press conf. in Detroit, I had the pleasure of meeting some of you. The replacement tire issue is something we want to jump on, I noted a posting just prior to mine re: the Firestone tire - is this from the customer I met in Detroit on Sun? Let me know. We'll try to get this resolved for all of you......Over the next week we'll attempt to post the current status on a wide range of issues you've been asking about. FYI Prius ended the year with 5,562 units delivered in the U.S. and over 7,709 orders accepted since 6/29. December was the best month since deliveries began in August with 1,104 deliveries....In fact, the SF Region (Northern California) delivered more Prius 325 than Insight sold nationally 289. Thanks again to all of you for your confidence in Prius and Toyota. Stay tuned. (I figure some one will communicate to egroups - tough to be on both....)Priusman

Hi Priusman,<br>Glad to hear from you occasionally. I still love my Prius, especially the ultra-smooth transmission.<br><br>I was wondering if you think the Prius production rate will go up anytime soon since you're at break even now. It seems like you could sell more if there wasn't such a long delivery time. And if you sold more, wouldn't you be able to start making a profit. It would sure be nice to see this experiment pay off economically for Toyota so you'd be more likely to experiment further.<br><br>Robert Snyder<br>NJ-PIKACHU (since 9/27/00)

Where do I start? <br> 1. If Prius is in warm up (emissions)mode why doesn't the LCD reflect that in its energy display. The display tells me the engine is off when it is clearly running. Maybe an emissions icon with arrow.<br> 2. Where the $#^^@$^%& are the heated mirrors that are on Japanese models? Spoiled on my last car.<br> 3. Lots of posts on 60/40 fold down rear seat. Why not for US. Structural integrity for US crash test? A ski pass through would have been a welcome compromise.<br> 4.Why leave cruise control off the vehicle? It was clearly a deletion, marketing? Hard to imagine giving up $$ for whatever reason. Is it that annoying surge @ approx. 69, 70 MPH. Btw, what is that, quirky Prius confusion?<br> 5. Why is Toyota holding back the accessories that are so abundant @ gazoo.com? We would all like the opportunity to personalize our vehicles.<br> 6. Why no disclaimer on poor cold weather MPG?<br>A simple; Due too (SULEV emission requirements?) the prius gets lower MPG in colder temps. If it wasn't for the online groups help with correct info many people would be exasperated with local dealers lack of Prius and THS knowledge. The first thing taught in "special" Prius class should be; Do not make up answers. If you don't know an answer say, I don't know the answer to that question but will get back to you with the correct answer. <br> 7. If Toyotas magic book keeping says the prius is in the black then how far away are other THS equipped vehicles? RAV 4? Sienna? Matrix? or other Toyota vehicles.<br> 8. More EV PLEASE!<br> 9. What is so special about Europe that they get rear disc brakes with (EBD?)? and Japan 15 inch wheels? <br> 10. The Prius is a watershed in auto. engineering. A truly remarkable vehicle to own and operate you should be proud to be a part of it. Thanks for your support.<br> 11. Hints about next generation THS would be well received. Lithium Ion? Capacitor? both?<br> Charlie

Charlie,<br><br>Most of your questions, I'll leave for Priusman, but a couple I can handle.<br><br>Relative to cold fuel economy. All cars get worse mileage in cold than warm. On Prius the fuel economy display reminds you of this fact. The tests to measure fuel ecconomy for the label and advertising are controlled by the EPA, not the manufacturer. Toyota could not change the window sticker as it is a federal requirement.<br><br>Since I like my job, no hints about next generation, until approved by much higher levels!<br><br>Dave

Priusman - who are you?

Hey Charlie, in your misc. ramblings you mentioned the website gazoo.com for accessories. I tried gazoo and got squat. What's the real URL? I'd like to see what they got and get some goodies that Toyota's holding back.<br><br>Bruce