Who To Blame? Toyota Claims That Family Sedan Sales Are Lagging Because The Segment Is Boring

No, the midsize family sedan isn't in free fall. It's just in a midcycle crisis.

That's the view from Bob Carter, senior vice president for automotive operations at Toyota's U.S. arm. Across the segment -- which includes the best-selling car in the country, the Toyota Camry -- there isn't enough fresh iron to excite consumers and keep them from defecting to utility vehicles, he said.

"Midsize cars, midsize sedans, haven't had a lot of product news as of late," Carter told Automotive News ahead of a meeting with dealers in Las Vegas. "Product news tends to put a shot of adrenaline into segments. We see this time and time again."

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Agent009 - 9/12/2016 12:11:53 PM

+2 Boost

Interesting the king of Vanilla that defined the segment claims boring and safe bets don't sell.

TheSteve - 9/12/2016 12:40:10 PM

-1 Boost

I think the variety of form factors -- namely crossovers and SUVs -- have shown consumers that there might be something more suitable for them than a traditional sedan.

Automakers can build as beautiful sedans as they want, but in a locale (North America) where stats say approx. 1/3 of the population is obese, it's easier to get into and out of an SUV/crossover.

Vette71 - 9/12/2016 5:13:47 PM

+2 Boost

The obese comment is unnecessary and actually not accurate. The higher command seating and the ease of getting in and out are better than a sedan for many people, especially many seniors. For young families you can't beat a CUV over a sedan for all they have to haul around. Young singles = a not hatch, especially over a tiny sedan.

TomM - 9/12/2016 5:58:14 PM

+3 Boost

Actually - crossovers are nothing more than Station Wagons - an old form factor. A lot of the smaller ones are sold with 2 wheel drive too. However - the reason WHY people bought station wagons was the ability to occasionally carry the luggage required for a two week vacation - or bring home that new coffee table - BUT - still they were NOT "trucks" (In terms of ride and handling).

Fact is - Mini-vans are the original crossover - a smaller VAN which could carry lots of passengers or lots of cargo - or something in between - but are NOT trucks. ANd now - people are realizing that in many areas - a mini-van is a choice where you don't need 4 wheel drive for weather problems.

Few of either will ever be used off road - or in heavy snow conditions. But a Sedan simply is not as versatile - some have little actual trunk space if you add a spare tire - and the upright position of seating in the crossover and mini-vans allow adults to sit in seats that would have not enough leg room in a sedan. In two car families - I would expect a crossover -suv or some sort PLUS a small high mileage car for commuting - and the sedan is the odd man out.

MDarringer - 9/12/2016 7:16:31 PM

0 Boost

A Shelby Fusion GS400 would get my attention.