FJ 1 and done, New 4runner in 2010

[Ryanmb21]

Not sure if this is old news, but interesting none the less:

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-10015459-48.html

from the story:
"FJ Cruiser: The swooning body-on-frame SUV segment means there isn't room for the FJ and the 4Runner, so the FJ is one-and-done.

4Runner: The 4Runner will be re-engineered and restyled for the 2010 model year; lower sales volume is expected. The new 4Runner will be shown next year at the Chicago or New York auto show. "

do you guys think it's true?

 

[riverguide]

Wow this would be shocking. Not sure if it's true or not. Anybody got info?

 

[Rallyroo]

from the story:
"FJ Cruiser: The swooning body-on-frame SUV segment means there isn't room for the FJ and the 4Runner, so the FJ is one-and-done.

do you guys think it's true?

I say no way. Toyota spent so much time and effort on the FJ that it can't be ditched.

But yes, I can see Toyota needing to get rid of a suv/truck to reduce the number of models in their lineup.

 

[ChuckB]

I find it hard to believe they are going to get rid of the FJC.

 

[Overland Hadley]

I find it a little hard to believe all the information in that article.

Does anybody know if Toyota would let that kind of info out (what they are planning on doing for the year 2013)?

I could see the FJC being a one generation vehicle, but I think it will be around for a few more years.

 

[Overland Hadley]

From Automotive News (source of the C Net article)

Toyota's U.S. sales chief said today that he's confident the U.S. pickup truck market will rebound and continue to make up a large part of total sales.

Robert Carter, general manager of Toyota Division at Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A.

 

[mountainpete]

First thought: What the heck does CNET really know about vehicles other then how many watts RMS each amp has...

Second: What countries is the FJ Cruiser selling in? I might be mistaken, but isn't it only marketed to the USA and Canada? Why would you buy a FJC when you can get a 70 series?

The market is getting smaller. I could see it disappear. Kill the FJC, Highlander and 4Runner and adopt the UK model. A single LC with loads of options.

 

[jatibb]

fj is indeed a nice and well built truck but i think toyota totally blew it in the looks dept. looks like a vw bug on steroids. singlehandily won the "ugliest tailights of all time" award. like i said, well built and widely wanted, 4 runners have turned into mall queens in the last few years. gas prices will affect sales on both but. i believe toyota should retool the fj more towards the outdoorsy set, discontinue the 4runner. rav 4 and highlander sales are and will continue to be better and sizewize a highlander seems to have more room than a 4runner anyway. these are my opinions and we all know what people say about opinions. and these are coming from an x toyota employee that used to desire a 4runner over a land cruiser (1989-1994)

 

[Sojourn]

I work in a sales/marketing function for a major North American parts supplier to Toyota. The future model information that CNET has listed is readily available from several industry forecasting services such as Global Insight (the information is generally very accurate). It is well known that Toyota is reconsidering their complete line up in North America as a result of the recent unprecedented drop in their SUV/truck sales. It would not be surprising for Toyota to drop the FJ after a single generation. The platform is shared with their Landcruiser Prado (that's how they were able to bring it to market so quickly after the FJ concept unveiling at the Detroit Auto show in 2003) and many parts and components with the 4 Runner and Tacoma, so there were no huge development costs. Industry insiders have the FJ going away... I agree.

 

[Overland Hadley]

I work in a sales/marketing function for a major North American parts supplier to Toyota. The future model information that CNET has listed is readily available from several industry forecasting services such as Global Insight (the information is generally very accurate). It is well known that Toyota is reconsidering their complete line up in North America as a result of the recent unprecedented drop in their SUV/truck sales. It would not be surprising for Toyota to drop the FJ after a single generation. The platform is shared with their Landcruiser Prado (that's how they were able to bring it to market so quickly after the FJ concept unveiling at the Detroit Auto show in 2003) and many parts and components with the 4 Runner and Tacoma, so there were no huge development costs. Industry insiders have the FJ going away... I agree.

Thanks for the info.

 

[Sojourn]

I should have mentioned that the A-BAT will be built in North America for the NA market, it will launch in 2012

http://trucks.about.com/od/conceptcars/ig/Toyota-A-BAT-Hybrid-Truck/index.htm

 

[mcm4090]

I have always hoped that Toyota would make the FJ SUT.

I guess it will never happen.

 

[Overland Hadley]

I should have mentioned that the A-BAT will be built in North America for the NA market, it will launch in 2012

http://trucks.about.com/od/conceptcars/ig/Toyota-A-BAT-Hybrid-Truck/index.htm

Is it a car or a truck? It's an A-BAT!

 

[ttora4runner]

I'd say Toyota needs to ditch either the highlander or rav 4 and the Sequoia. Keep the Landcruiser, 4runner and one of thee above. Offer more options on the remaining models to make up the differene.

 

[4307]

I hope Toyota seriously reconsiders scrapping the A-Bat thingy. In my eye its Fugly. To bad Toyota feels they have to develop trucks for the North American market, they could really streamline by simply supplying us with the international platforms that meet North American spec. I think we could all agree on that.

Can you picture a A-Bat ute? Whip out the plasma cutter and box full of consumables.