The next-gen Prius, due in 2010, was to have been the first version built in North America. Previous models were built in Japan, but as demand for the compact hybrid sedan grew in North America, building the car in the U.S. became an increasingly sensible idea.
As such, the car was to be built at an all-new plant in Mississippi - and it may still, should a task force charged with reviewing product spending approve the measure. Chaired by Toyota's president, Katsuaki Watanabe, the panel was formed following Toyota's losses in the first half of 2008, and is reviewing all capital investments.
If the plan remains approved, assembly of the next Prius could possibly be delayed until 2011.
Source: Automotive News