Not satisfied with its current share in the U.S. car market, Toyota is increasing its presence in the country by adding more models into its car line up. It is projected that by 2017, there will be as much as 30 new Toyota car models that will be sold in the United States.
This comes at a time when the Japanese carmaker has folded its Scion car lineup. All the models in this particular car lineup and some variants of the current car models on sale will be part of Toyota's offering to car consumers in the country.
Toyota has seen its U.S. car market share dropped from its peak of 17 percent four years ago. The third largest selling carmaker in the United States hopes that with the addition of new car models, it will regain its market share which usually ranges from 14 to 17 percent.
According to Jim Lentz, Toyota's Senior Managing Officer, its market share for five months to May last year was 14.2 percent.
"I think we had some tailwinds that were very, very unique, so I'm not sure if 17 percent is a realistic number," said Lentz to reporters in Nagoya, Japan. "But somewhere between today's 14 (percent) and that number, I think we will continue to grow," he added.
The car models confirmed to be included in the new Toyota line up include Corolla, Prius and Camry, the regular offerings of the Japanese auto maker.
Other cars models that will have their new variants are 4Runer, 4Runner TRD Pro, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Mirai, Prius C, Prius V, Rav4, Rav4 Hybrid, Sienna, Tacoma, Tacoma TRD Pro, Tundra, Tundra TRD Pro and Yaris.
There are car models that may also be offered although Toyota has not yet confirmed the possibility. These include the Land Cruiser and Sequoia. Rumored to come out by next year as well are the Supra, Rav4 TRD and a small convertible.
