Toyota has too many models—and it’s not just me who’s saying it. Newly appointed CEO Kenta Kon recently came out and said that the Japanese automaker’s lineup is too crowded. Looking at the number of vehicle offerings, both locally and abroad, it’s easy to see how one might come to that conclusion.
In the US alone, Toyota has 21 unique nameplates. That doesn’t even include a handful of plug-in-hybrid, off-road, or performance variants. In Europe, depending on the country or region, that number is anywhere from 15 to 20 unique nameplates. Factor in Japan, Australia, and a handful of other continents, and there are nearly 80 unique Toyota models worldwide.
Looking specifically at the US for this exercise, I played a bit of backseat product planner in an effort to help Toyota trim its lineup. Of the 21 models the company offers here in America, these are the ones worth keeping—and the ones that can probably exit stage left.
Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter
Photo by: Andrew Link | Motor1
