Quote:
Originally Posted by jenzan
Hi everyone,
Just read this on Motor Authority:
"A senior Toyota official has revealed that poor sales of the GT 86 sports car meant that additional variants, such as the much-hyped convertible and a possible performance version, are likely to be ruled out.
Speaking with Auto Express, Toyota’s European R&D boss Gerald Killmann said the GT 86 was behind sales targets in all major markets, meaning the American-market Scion FR-S as well, and that this has created doubts towards developing further variants of the car.
"A faster version of that car would be at the top of most people's wish lists, but like the cabriolet, it is hard to justify a business case to push either model into production based on the current sales," Killmann said.
Killmann went on to explain that Toyota was unsure why the car wasn’t selling well, especially because most reviews have been quite positive (you can read our first drive report here).
There have been plenty of rumors pertaining to additional variants for the GT 86 and its FR-S twin. They include the aforementioned convertible, a new hybrid model and even a sedan. Sadly, it sounds like none of these will be coming."
Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...t-new-variants |
This has to be one of the dumbest business case discussions ever! Well of course sales are down. Toyota's product life cycle per 86 variant is so freaking short and conflicting with itself that the consumer is left wondering what will happen next. They couldn't sell all of their 10 Series and they roll out the Monogram. WTF?
Stock holders are very likely looking at how the SCION/Toyota leadership failed on managing their 86 PLC (Product Life Cycle) and not wondering why it is not selling well.
I have to wonder who the hell made the call on the Monogram and let the consumer wishes become rumors. They should have denied all rumors of a convertible, hold any variants for at least another 6 months. And for the love of Pete... deny any power upgrades and offer them through the TRD program exclusively. Maybe even like @
DarrenDriven mentioned to me today, a national TRD circuit like IROC and Miata Spec. Tie in TRD parts sales and marketing, sponsor a Fast N' Furious mini series and you will have a winning product! Pun fully intended :-)