Quote:
Originally Posted by Bristecom
You need data? If you sell something extra, you can mark it up a little, giving you more profit. I thought that was just common sense.
Toyota is basically competing with Subaru on the same level everywhere else in the world. They are both unique enough to compete while still benefiting both companies regardless. It's a win-win.
Perhaps they should have offered a higher trim as a Toyota in the US while making the Scion even cheaper like the base model in Japan. And it sounds like the Release Series will only be available in one unique color which will limit the appeal.
It's just, when I spend 26-30k dollars on something, I want it to be exactly what I want and to know my money was well spent. Frankly, I'm surprised at how many people compromise when it comes to cars. But I guess most of those people plan to sell them every few years anyway.
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It stills costs money to offer that additional option. A $28k FR-S might be lot-rot on a Scion floorplan. If no one is willing to spend the money on the option, it reduces the profitability of the vehicle because it has to be marked down to move. This isn't a mom and pops shop that is making things on a one-off basis. There is so much more to it than marking up the manufacturer's cost of an option and the delta to the markup. These decisions are data driven. Every single one. The companies make the choice that, in their opinion, will satisfy the customer while maintaining profitability. They know that they can't please everyone, so they try to please the most people. Most people are happy to look at a few different trims and pick a trim that best fits their wants.
If Americans were the type to actually order cars, way more options would be available. Americans want to drive on the lot the day they want a new car and drive home with a new car. Instant gratification... it is the American way. Most Japanese dealers carry practically zero inventory. You go there, test drive a demo car, and order your car. You don't buy off the lot. That makes a huge difference in how Toyota specs a car to individual countries.
We all compromise on every vehicle we buy to some degree.