Given the drop in sales of the Matrix in the U.S., Toyota is reportedly considering the permanent removal of the model from the line-up. However, the disparity between the Canadian and American markets poses a bit of a conundrum.
According to Bob Carter, president and CEO of Toyota’s American division, a decision still hasn’t been made yet on whether the overhaul of the Corolla, whose platform the Matrix is built on, planned for late 2013 will go ahead.
A quick look at sales figures explains a lot.
In the United States, 66,836 Matrix models were sold in 2002, the all-time record. That number dropped to 49,567 in 2009 and then to just 14,492 the following year.
In Canada, it’s the complete opposite. Although the Corolla is still by far the most popular model, 5,418 Matrixes were sold in the first four months of 2011.
If the trend continues, 16,254 units will go to new homes in 2011. That would be 1,762 cars more than in the U.S., in a much smaller market in terms of demand.
According to Carter says the Matrix is at the heart of the automaker’s Canadian strategy. The four-wheel-drive model is particularly appreciated in the winter months.
Toyota executives will have to take this into account when it seals the fate of the Matrix, assembled in Cambridge, Ontario.
Will it simply get the axe? Will it become an exclusive Canadian model? Would a redesigned version boost U.S. sales, considering that most competitors offer hatchback and family-oriented models (Ford Focus, Mazda3, Subaru Impreza, Volkswagen Jetta)?
Anyone have a crystal ball?
Source : Ward's Auto
According to Bob Carter, president and CEO of Toyota’s American division, a decision still hasn’t been made yet on whether the overhaul of the Corolla, whose platform the Matrix is built on, planned for late 2013 will go ahead.
A quick look at sales figures explains a lot.
In the United States, 66,836 Matrix models were sold in 2002, the all-time record. That number dropped to 49,567 in 2009 and then to just 14,492 the following year.
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| Photo: Toyota |
In Canada, it’s the complete opposite. Although the Corolla is still by far the most popular model, 5,418 Matrixes were sold in the first four months of 2011.
If the trend continues, 16,254 units will go to new homes in 2011. That would be 1,762 cars more than in the U.S., in a much smaller market in terms of demand.
According to Carter says the Matrix is at the heart of the automaker’s Canadian strategy. The four-wheel-drive model is particularly appreciated in the winter months.
Toyota executives will have to take this into account when it seals the fate of the Matrix, assembled in Cambridge, Ontario.
Will it simply get the axe? Will it become an exclusive Canadian model? Would a redesigned version boost U.S. sales, considering that most competitors offer hatchback and family-oriented models (Ford Focus, Mazda3, Subaru Impreza, Volkswagen Jetta)?
Anyone have a crystal ball?
Source : Ward's Auto