August 26th, 2009
Toyota’s Scion brand has been a runaway hit for the Japanese automaker ever since being launched in 2003. Designed to appeal to Generation “Y” buyers, the vehicles are popular, edgy - some might say ugly - and have given Toyota an important toehold with young buyers. GM, Ford, and Chrysler are making ready to reply to Scion, but in other ways. GM is intending to import more vehicles from its Daewoo subsidiary while Ford and Chrysler are expected to build all new Scion fighting automobiles in Mexico, good news for motorists looking for affordable and quality automobiles. Let’s take a look at what’s coming down the pike.
For the record, Scion isn’t the sole auto made for the Generation Y crowd. Honda’s Element and shortly to be released Fit subcompact are Scion rivals while the Chevy Cobalt, Dodge Caliper, and Saturn ION are also aimed toward youthful drivers. With that said, Dodge [Chrysler] and Ford must reply and it would appear that both automakers will be fielding Scion fighters in the next two years.
The Dodge Hornet
Lo and behold, Dodge is nearing the finalization of its plans to build the Dodge Wasp . According to industry sources including Edmunds, the Hornet will be based on the VW Polo, a subcompact automobile built by Volkswagen and favored in the EU market. This deal is fantastic as Volkswagen and Mercedes [a DaimlerChrysler division, as is Dodge] compete fiercely, particularly in Europe. VW has a plant in Mexico that likely will produce the Wasp as the Firm has excess capacity and the price tag advantage that no Yankee producing plant can offer. For its part, VW gets to sell rebadged versions of the Dodge Caravan minivan.
If based on the Polo, the Hornet is anticipated to use the Polo’s 1.6L engine and be paired with a VW transmission. Beyond that, look for the automobile to be closer in appearance to the Scion xA design, sport a 5 door hot hatch design, and seat five passengers. Currently, the xA sells for just over $13,000, so expect the Dodge to compete at or below the Scion price.
The Ford Bronco
Don’t expect Ford to relax and watch from the sidelines as the market trends toward more Scion-like autos. In 2004 a concept Ford Bronco, taking styling cues from the 1966 Bronco truck, made its appearance at vehicle shows. Now, Ford seems good to go ahead with the Bronco which will be built in Mexico.
Featuring a boxy design, the Bronco will be similar in design to the xB and to the Hornet and will probably be built on the current Fiesta platform to hold costs down. Indeed, Ford is hoping that a budget Bronco will sell for less than $10,000 as it battles cheap imports expected from China as well as other Generation “Y” autos on the market.
Yes, the car wars never end and more battles are certain to ensue. Both Nissan with its Versa and a little Toyota by the name of Yaris will shortly be released and competing on the market before the Wasp and Bronco arrive in 2008 as 2009 models.
What are the most expensive and fastest cars in the world? To find out, visit thesupercars.org and check it out for yourself. Also, have a look at buy Ford Explorer.
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