Toyota (TM, Financial) Camry, the top-selling North American model in the midsize sedan segment, is going for a complete overhaul. The car was last given a facelift in 2011. The 2015 version of the car was revealed at the New York Auto Show. It showed how much the automaker has worked towards its designing --bringing about a remarkable praiseworthy upgrade.
The Japanese company, although the global lead automaker, has been criticized on several occasion of offering boring and conservative cars. The carmaker ultimately realized that it’s high time to modify this image. It could hurt the company’s sales volume in the long run as competition is intensifying.
Matching Up with Competitor’s Styling
Although Camry’s been the highest selling model in the U.S. in the past 12 year, competition is tightening as Ford (F, Financial), Nissan (NSANY, Financial), Honda (HMC, Financial), and Hyundai (HYMTF, Financial) are luring customers with their stylish offerings. Honda last redesigned its Accord in 2013, and this year it’s Hyundai, which unveiled the all new 2015 Sonata. What’s challenging for Toyota is that German luxury giant Mercedes-Benz has introduced cars within the $30,000 range that invades the territory of the Camry. Ford Fusion and Nissan Altima have earned positive response from buyer and critics as well. Credit goes to the car engineers who have paid great attention in designing the car, making it look stylish.
So we see that rivalry for higher market share is intensifying, and Toyota can’t afford to stay behind to keep its global lead intact.
In 2013, Toyota sold as many as 408,000 Camrys in North America, reporting lion’s share in this category. The next closest in sales in this segment was domestic rival Honda’s Accord, which registered sales of 365,000 units during the year. The midsize car segment is a big attract to the carmakers as it sees robust demand. This is precisely why automakers are giving high importance in the designing of these cars as they know that this could bring them big bucks.
A Complete New Look
The Camry has been a reliable car for many American. It has the minimum curves with no extra frills and flares. In simple words it’s a very simple looking solid model. But the 2015 Camry is defying all that to give a totally new, more comfortable, modish, and premium experience to its buyers.
The automaker has put in whole lot of effort in the cars styling, which was visible at the New York Auto Show. Toyota claims that it made the car go for a complete makeover, and that there’s nothing in similarity with the previous model other than the roof. The auto giant has absorbed ideas from the changing tastes and preferences of customers that it’s becoming increasingly important to make vehicles more and more visually attractive if you want to sell them.
Bill Fray, Toyota U.S. division chief said that the carmaker has tried to be more outgoing and daring with the Camry styling this time. The 2015 Camry would give a better balance between the car suspension and firmness, along with a comfortable steering. This would enhance the driving experience.
If Toyota can impress critics and car fanatics, there’s going to be no stopping the auto major from earning massive money. Every Camry, that costs around $23,965, pours in $2,500 to $3,000 as profits in the pocket of the company. The redesigned Camry could boost volumes remarkably, help Toyota earn huge amount, and stay atop.
Last Thought
Toyota is working hard to go for a complete shift in image from being branded as the maker of boring cars to the one that offers fantastic cars in terms of both styling and substance. The company has also gone to the extent of shuffling its management in the recent past to provide better styled cars. The Asian auto giant looks poised to maintain its lead with the all new Camry.
