7 February 2011
The Model T was once described as 'ubiquitous'. At the time the popular Ford was to be seen on every street corner and dominated car sales in the early 1900's.
Fast forward 100 years and the same word could be used to describe Toyota as it continues to increase and dominate sales on a global scale.
Toyota is expected to become the world's largest seller of motor vehicles within the next 12 months, according to Toyota New Zealand executive chairman Bob Field
"Toyota's global sales of new vehicles have been growing by about 10 per cent annually since the year 2000, and by 2010 will exceed 10 million per year."
In the first quarter of this financial year, Toyota's global revenue was up 13 per cent and net profit was up 39 per cent on the previous year. Here in New Zealand Toyota had been the new vehicle market leader for the past 18 years in succession, and after the first six months of this year new vehicle sales had been the highest in more than 15 years.
So what is the secret recipe that keeps the brand on a continual upward spiral in sales and profit?
One answer may be the historical fact that the Toyota product is renowned for its reliability and for the majority of motorists that is more important than style and prestige. A day would not pass without the Tech Advice team at the AA singing the praises of Toyota simply because of the reliability factor. Win lotto and things change to a vehicle based on passion and desirability, but for many a more practical decision is made when purchasing a motor vehicle.
Another answer is maybe Toyota's ability to read the market and continue to produce high quality vehicles which change with the times and meet customers and environmental needs better than their competitors.
The all-new Camry may be such a car. In times of rising fuel costs this vehicle may well appeal to a much bigger audience that ever before. Toyota designers have also woken up to the fact that reliability and good looks can go together with the new version a welcomed departure in the beauty stakes from the previous model.
Three models of the new Camry are available. The range consists of a base model GL, the only model to offer a five-speed manual ($36,500) as well as a all new five-speed automatic transmission ($38,000), a Sportivo which has a specially tuned suspension package ($41,000) and a top of the range GLX ($46,000).
Toyota has decided not to continue with a V6 option for Camry, instead introducing a new six-cylinder high-performance vehicle to their model line up later this year called the Aurion.
In comparison to the outgoing model the new Camry is 25mm wider and 10mm lower, with the wheelbase being increased by 55mm. Overall length has been increased by 10mm.
All models are powered by an improved all-alloy four-cylinder 2.4 litre engine, which at 117kW @ 5700rpm is producing 5kW more than the outgoing model. Torque figures of 218Nm @ 4000rpm ensure the transmission and engine package work well together and help with the claimed fuel consumption figures of 8.9 litres per 100kms for the manual and 9.9 litres per 100kms for the automatic. No better than the outgoing Camry however, owners are not penalised at the pumps for that extra five kilowatts of power and extra kit either.
High levels of specification and refinement have been incorporated in the new models including cruise control, an MP3/WMA-compatible compact disc player with audio controls on the steering wheel, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, air conditioning with pollen filter, new projector headlights with auto on and off functions, and power lumbar adjustment for the driver's seat
All models have dual-stage driver and passenger front airbags, front-seat side airbags and front/rear curtain-shield airbags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution.
GL and GLX models have a 60/40 split folding rear seat, which creates a generous 535 litres of boot space. To help rigidity, the Sportivo is fitted with a rear brace behind the rear seat, which eliminates the 60/40 option and reduces boot space to 504 litres.
To further enhance driveability and looks Sportivo has unique spring, damper and stabiliser bar settings as well as running on 17-inch alloy wheels with low-profile Michelin tyres, and features a black mesh front grille, front and rear spoilers, and body kit with side and rear skirts and front fog lights. Non-Sportivo models are fitted with 16-inch wheels.
Interior differences for the Sportivo include dark grey sports seats, a sports-type metallic interior finish with metallic sports pedals.
Top-of-the-range GLX has leather seats, a woodgrain-style interior finish, climate control air conditioning with individual driver and passenger temperature controls, a power-operated rear window sunshade, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, a tilt-and-slide power sunroof, alloy wheels, front fog lights, traction control and vehicle stability control.
All models are fitted with anti-vibration sub-frames front and rear and a reinforced front cowl panel to increase rigidity between the front suspension towers. These design features no doubt contributed to the overall driving experience on press day as being well balanced and as good as anything else in its class.
By the way the name Camry is based on the phonetic pronunciation of the Japanese word kammuri, a general term for a crown and hence a symbol of leadership.
Who would have thought a Model T Ford and Toyota had anything in common?