Toyota NZ takes swipe at large cars

[The Stylist]

I think Bob Field may have his head up in a certain place regarding some of the statements that he's made. Here is an article from stuff.co.nz regarding the high share of large cars in the fleet market.

From Stuff.co.nz

Toyota slams big car mentality
31 August 2006

Toyota New Zealand has taken a swipe at what it says is a disproportionately high share of large cars in the fleet market. The company has used the launch of its latest-generation Camry to attack again the dominance of Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore, with their six-cylinder and V8 engines.

Thirteen years ago Toyota NZ chief executive Bob Field used the introduction of the 1993 "wide body" Camry to criticise "meat pies and Aussie cars" – a reference to Toyota's view that the Australian vehicles were lacking in sophistication.

This time the basis of the attack is fuel consumption and depreciation. At a media function in Palmerston North this week, Field said Camry was now a serious alternative.

The fleet market for new passenger vehicles is almost double the size of the private buyer market. And while the new Camry is pitched at both, Toyota expects the main growth in sales to be in the fleet market.

"In particular, fleet users have a disproportionately high share of large cars which they are looking to address because of fuel costs and accelerating depreciation," said Field.

"With fleets looking to lower their overall vehicle costs, the new Camry is extremely well positioned. The only compromise for drivers downsizing from a large car to a Camry is the acceleration away from the traffic lights – but it is a short-lived thrill as we still have a 100 kmh speed limit – and we still have heavy congestion on our most frequently used roads."


My response - Rubbish! There are areas on the open road where a 2.4L 4cyl in heavy bodied won't cut it. Hills, Safe overtaking, In gear acceleration etc, etc,. I could go on for months before I even start pointing out the fuel consumption of the new Camry. Having said that I do agree to certain degree about depreciation.