As program manager, I can state quite definitively that side air is not currently available as a factory installed option. Due to liability issues (while anything is possible for a price)we will not even consider a dealer/port installed kit. We'll put a call into the SF office so that they can counsel with their SJ area stores/salepersons. On another front a cruise kit is under study, so those that are interested be patient, (rather than buying the whole steering assembly just to get the pre-drilled cover). Issues include separation of cover from the assembly, packaging, tech compliance, internal certification and supplier agreements etc.....If the spec carries an est. MSRP of $250, a kit if available would be $250+ +(if labor incl), but certainly less than than the $700+ in parts at the current configuration.....On tires, we're working through the national dist - our dealers don't normally stock tires--the fact that many of you post you geographic location really helps with the tire mfgr and pinpointing issues with their distributors. On mpg we're publishing some documents on driving tips and epa ratings etc that would go to all existing customers, on the web site and some sort of showroom piece....the lawyers are checking the words now we hope to get it out before the end of the month. PM

Thanks very much for the updates,nice to know someone listens. Now what about a split rear seat,and 15" wheels like the home market.Right now a Honda Insight has more road clearance than the Prius. Thank you !

Priusman,<br>Thanks for the timely info. The cruise kit update was music to my ears.<br>Mitch

Thanks for the response. Sigh...

Did you say that the Side Air bag option would not be available to order until May 2002??? What is SOP? GPS?

Just an FYI. We were able to get side-air bags, CD Player, and Cruise Control (although we didn't order CC) for our Prius that we ordered back in September(and received in November).<br><br>Now, here's the catch. I was working at Toyota as a contractor (software) at the time I ordered our car. So the options where there from the begining. However, while I was there I heard some customer's (normal ones) asking for leather seats (side air bags, etc)!!! They paid through the nose, but they got them. So if you want anything bad enough, that Toyota puts on their cars (and if it is possible at all), they're willing to do it for a price. You need to call the headquarters.<br><br>We were just able to get a discount :-) <br><br>Hope that helps.<br><br>Justin

&gt;typically SRS is a low demand feature<br><br>Priusman, thanks for another informative response. These are *really* appreciated.<br><br>Speaking as a customer, I was so eager for side air bags that I almost bought from Hawaii to get them. I admit I'm an unusual car buyer, but then so are most of your Prius customers. I suspect it would be worth Toyota's time to accelerate the introduction of side air bags.

I might as well weigh in on the other side (heh). I, for one, am glad that if there was only one ordering option it was to not install side air bags. The last thing I need is more explosives in my car. I frequently carry kids in my car and I'm already restricted from allowing them in the front seat. I certainly would not want to be restricted to one kid in the center of the back seat.<br><br>Robert Snyder<br>NJ-PIKACHU -- hmm, maybe I shouldn't be in the front seat either :-)

I have been assuming that the side airbags are for the front only. As you say, they aren't safe for kids, so cars that have them in the back have to include a cutoff switch to disable them.