Content area
Toyoto Motor Corp will introduce a lower priced version of the Camry in an effort to improve dealership profit margins for the mid-sized sedan. The Camry is America's best-selling car, but dealers have complained that it delivers only a tiny profit margin. The 2004 Standard Camry relieves price pressure from entry-level buyers on the LE grade, the former base model that is trimmed and priced similar to the midgrade Honda Accord LX.
LOS ANGELES - Toyota Motor Corp. will introduce a lower priced version of the Camry this month in an effort to improve dealership profit margins for the mid-sized sedan.
The Camry is America's best-selling car, but dealers have complained that it delivers only a tiny profit margin.
The 2004 Standard Camry relieves price pressure from entry-level buyers on the LE grade, the former base model that is trimmed and priced similar to the midgrade Honda Accord LX.
Compared with the Camry LE, the Standard Camry lacks keyless-remote door locks and a full-sized spare tire. It sells for $18,560, including destination, $1,000 less than the Camry LE.
Honda's lower grade Accord DX gave its dealerships more flexibility in dealing with lower income consumers. That has made it harder for Toyota stores to compete profitably for entry-level buyers with the Camry LE.
Some dealers say they will market the Standard Camry as their fleet vehicle. Savvy customers had used the fleet pricing on Camry LE models to drive harder bargains on retail sales.
-Mark Rechtin
Copyright Crain Communications, Incorporated May 3, 2004