Let me preface this by saying: If you want a Prius, you should definately persue it. I'm sure that you can find one if you search for it.
However:
Today, in response to the usual sales followup letter, I called the salesperson that sold me my Prius last month. He said that he was glad we managed to complete the transaction. He said that, currently, he has a 2 page waiting list for the Prius. He is quoting 1 - 1 1/2 year delivery. Apparently, in addition to high demand from the public, some rental car companies have placed an order with Toyota for 70,000 Prii. I certainly hope that Toyota can ramp production pretty fast. They are probably accelerating the movement of hybridization into their other models also.
I knew demand and wait times were up, but I had no idea they had gotten this far.
OK, like I said, don't let the above deter you. There may be other dealers with far better supply chains than my dealer in western Virginia.
Paul