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I was just going to post that link to the article and I see you already have. I like this part and find it very encouraging. It is the first time i have heard about the show response to both vehicles...https://www.trucks.com/2018/01/19/toyota-sales-chief-talks-tacoma-tundra/
Would like to see Toyota announce a new SUV production at the Chicago show. But I'm not holding my breath. 2019 Rav4 TNGA reveal at Chicago is possible but they may keep it under wraps a while longer with Rav4 sales still peaking.
I'd like to see a 2019 FT-4X but I may pull the trigger on a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek as Toyota is not ready.
"You’ve debuted utility concepts – the FT-4X in New York and the FT-AC in Los Angeles. Will one of those turn into some kind of extreme lifestyle trim for RAV4?
Oh, it truly could. Our company is growing a true vehicle concept type of practice. There are elements of FT-4X and FT-AC that could make their way into RAV4. But also into multiple of our SUVs as well. Potentially, some sort of combination or modification to either one of those could be a new entry into the SUV world for Toyota.
The FT-4X was outstanding in New York. The feedback was way above our expectations. It makes you start to think like we did with FJ Cruiser. It was so popular we had to make the car. FT-4X is in that similar boat where it's like, “Wow, it's so good. Maybe that concept is the hit itself.” Then we came up with FT-AC and people said, “Wow, that may even be stronger than FT4X.”
The reason for the proliferation of SUVs, is that people see their vehicle as an extension of their personal life or desires, and so they want a little bit more utility. They want to see themselves being more active. That's not just younger people, that's all people."
I got a chuckle with this line....he is so right!....
RAV4 sold 407,600 units last year, best of any vehicle not a pickup. But it was launched in 2013, so it’s starting to age. (?)
"Well, I tell you, if it's starting to age and we keep picking up sales, I'm going let that sucker age."