Although some of Toyota’s models like the Camry and Corolla continue to sell well, the brand is also seeing its buyers ditch traditional cars for crossovers and trucks. While Toyota has no plans to follow Ford’s plans to kill off its car lineup, Toyota has revealed that it is currently evaluating its car lineup, which may see some models disappear.
Speaking to Automotive News, Jim Lentz, Toyota’s North American CEO revealed that some of Toyota’s passenger cars may get the axe. “We are taking a hard look at all of the segments that we compete in to make sure we are competing in profitable segments and that products we sell have strategic value,” Lentz stated.
Obviously the Camry and Corolla aren’t going anywhere, but what about other slower selling models, like the Yaris, 86 and Avalon? Sales of the Yaris hatchback are down 38 percent this year and even the Yaris sedan, which is a rebadged Mazda2, isn’t selling that well, which means it could be on the chopping block.
The 86, which has been Toyota’s only sports car since it debuted in 2013, isn’t exactly flying out of showrooms, with sales off by 40 percent this year. Toyota’s desire to add more sporty models to its lineup, could keep the 86 alive, but it’s a toss up.
The Avalon competes in the dying full size sedan segment, which Hyundai has already abandoned. Ford will also soon leave the segment as well when the Taurus is discontinued, but Avalon sales are actually up this year. Sales of the Avalon are up 4 percent this year, which means it could stick around, especially since Toyota just introduced an all-new Avalon for the 2019 model year.
Over at Lexus, models like the GS and RC could also be on the chopping block. It’s already expected that the GS will soon disappear with the arrival of the new ES. Sales of the RC coupe are also off by 52 percent this year.
Source: Automotive News
