Poor Sales of Toyota GT86/Scion FR-S Likely To Rule Out New Variants

[Tt3Sheppard]

A lot of it has to due with the target market. A lot of people are in debt with college loans, etc and can't afford a brand new car. Those with money prefer SUVs, crossovers, family vehicles, etc. Small minority can afford brand new sports cars even if they are $25k. Maybe in 5 years once this car is below $15,000 then might you see a sales increase. This is not counting those like most of us who have been waiting for this car for a long time.

[DoomsdayJesus]

Originally Posted by Levi

The sportscar market is just too small. So once all the true enthusiasts bought the car, that is it.

What I don't get is they're killing it in their segment of the market. How much did they expect to sell? Their market share is pretty damn good, this almost seems like an early April fool's joke. Combined sales between the 3 makes is more than enough to make a line profitable, probably more so once they give the people what they want.
http://www.goodcarbadcar.net/2014/01...mber.html#more

[DAEMANO]

It's important to note the source reported in the Article. Auto Express UK and Gerald Killmann at Toyota Europe.

'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."

1. Gerald Killmann is NOT Toyota's European R&D boss. Killmann's current title as last reported just a few days ago was European Projects Director at Toyota’s R&D Centre in Belgium. He previously (2011) was reported to be head of powertrain development at Toyota Motor Europe. This man's position at Toyota is being somewhat inflated by the author to suggest he's the boss for all R&D at Toyota in Europe.

2. The article revolves around Toyota using more diesel BMW engines in its cars. Is it possible or even likely that Killmann might favor developing platforms that use European sourced diesel engines over Japanese gasoline or hybrid powerplants if he's spent his career developing engines and relationships in Europe? True in the U.K. as I understand diesels are preferred to gas/electric hybrids. What about in the rest of the world?

Most importantly, the thrust and context of the article seem to be that BMW diesels are better performing and more popular than Toyota's current hybrid and underpowered gasoline engines, and that they will replace all Toyota engines in Europe moving forward which I find unlikely. I also find it unlikely that the widespread acceptance of diesels in Europe will ever translate to widespread adoption in the U.S. before most U.S. new cars move to electric and/or hybrid electric in the near future. Hoping that BMW sourced diesels replace Toyota hybrid's in the U.S. is pipe.

Take this article with a huge grain of salt despite it's officialesque sounding source. It's got the author's confirmation bias subtext throughout especially give that it's a U.K. blog.

Toyota is best known for its commitment to hybrid cars, but Auto Express has learned that the company has agreed a deal with BMW to use "a whole family of transverse diesel engines" on various different platforms. The first model to emerge from this partnership is the Toyota Verso 1.6 D-4D, which uses the same 109bhp engine as the MINI Cooper D to help cut its CO2 emissions without affecting performance. However on the launch of the new Verso, Vice President for European R&D Gerald Killmann confirmed that Toyota was already developing other models in the range to use this engine, including the Auris hatch and estate, and the RAV4 crossover.
When asked how extensive this deal for engines was, Killlmann told us that "several platforms" has already been agreed, which opens up the possibility of several more BMW-powered cars, and could mean that a large 2.0-litre diesel is also on the agenda. These engines are set to gradually replace the current models in the range, and will help boost sales for the brand in Europe, where buyers are still skeptical about the benefits of petrol hybrids.
The new Auris is already performing well for the brand, as it is currently the fifth best-selling hatchback in the incredibly competitive C-segment, which includes cars like the VW Golf and Ford Focus. However the bad news for fans of sportier Toyotas is that Killmann told us that the GT 86 Coupe was flagging behind its sales targets in all major markets.
This poor performance is creating doubts about whether to develop a more powerful version, and Killmann told us, "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."
He also said that Toyota was unsure of what the main factor behind the slow sales was, especially given that the car has been a huge hit with the automotive media. "Personally, I think that engine could use a little bit more" he explained, but whether that car will become a production reality now looks in serious doubt.

Read more: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/toyota/verso/85839/toyota-plans-bmw-engine-family#ixzz2toE5YsDE

[suaveflooder]

weird. My dad just bought a prius and when he mentioned that I had an FRS the dealer told him they couldn't keep them on the lot, they were selling too quickly.

[BRZZZZZZZZZZ]

Sports car sales are totally seasonal up here in Canada, I couldn't even negotiate a penny of a FRS or BRZ in June of last year, but come December Subaru was happy to sell me a 2014 for $500 over invoice cost. But new models regardless sell easily, we can't keep C7 Vettes on our lot at work for more than a day or two, but I bet a year from now we wont be able to sell them easily for anywhere near sticker price.

[BlueDubbinTDI]

Originally Posted by Tt3Sheppard

A lot of it has to due with the target market. A lot of people are in debt with college loans, etc and can't afford a brand new car. Those with money prefer SUVs, crossovers, family vehicles, etc. Small minority can afford brand new sports cars even if they are $25k. Maybe in 5 years once this car is below $15,000 then might you see a sales increase. This is not counting those like most of us who have been waiting for this car for a long time.

13' models will be close to 15k by the end of next year I expect...

[suaveflooder]

This would be cool, honestly. The value dropped like a freakin' rock in the first year. It would be nice to see it stay on increase (although, I'm not holding my breath for an increase)

[fasterthanu]

I think its a totally bogus claim, how can a car be judged off of less than 2 years of sales. Considering how many people ,who may have just gotten into a new car or have a year or two before they can financially get out of their current vehicles. A vehicle need at least 4 years to be able to honestly judge its success. I find it hard to believe this story.Sales could surge the next 2 years.

This was the first new release I had ever purchased,I always waited for them to work the bugs out.Many people hold that same mentality.

Sales will continue to grow,this car is the new civic

[charged86]

Originally Posted by suaveflooder

This would be cool, honestly. The value dropped like a freakin' rock in the first year. It would be nice to see it stay on increase (although, I'm not holding my breath for an increase)

I hope the stop making them in 2015. would that make ours worth more?

[Kelbyat07]

Can't wait until they discontinue the car

[Kelbyat07]

Originally Posted by charged86

I hope the stop making them in 2015. would that make ours worth more?

Trust me it would make our car valuable

[charged86]

Originally Posted by PursuitOfPerfection

Trust me it would make our car valuable

sounds good to me. i have no idea what car i would buy next tho.

[Kelbyat07]

Originally Posted by charged86

sounds good to me. i have no idea what car i would buy next tho.

Maybe the Supra? I am pretty sure more nice sports car will come out!

[DoomsdayJesus]

Not to mention there's nothing as far as what this car does to draw people into the dealership. It would be nice if they could quantify how many people came in to look at these cars and drove off with something more practical for their needs.

This whole thing sounds sketchy.