Honda Making The Fit To Compete with Scion
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 favored, edgy - some people might say hideous - and have given Toyota a crucial toehold with young buyers. GM, Ford, and Chrysler are getting ready to make a response to Scion, but in other ways. GM is intending to import more cars from its Daewoo subsidiary while Ford and Chrysler are expected to build all new Scion fighting autos in Mexico, excellent news for motorists looking for affordable and quality automobiles. Let’s have 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 soon to be released Fit subcompact are Scion rivals while the Chevy Cobalt, Dodge Caliper, and Saturn ION are also targeted toward fresh drivers. With that said, Dodge [Chrysler] and Ford must reply and it appears that both automakers will be fielding Scion fighters within the next two years.
The Dodge Hornet
Lo and behold, Dodge is nearing the finalization of its plans to build the Dodge Hornet. According to industry sources including Edmunds, the Wasp will be based on the VW Polo, a subcompact vehicle built by Volkswagen and favored in the ECU market. This deal is amazing as Volkswagen and Mercedes [a DaimlerChrysler division, as is Dodge] compete fiercely, especially 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 manufacturing 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 expected 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 five door hatchback design, and seat 5 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 sit back and watch from the sidelines as the market trends toward more Scion-like vehicles. In 2004 a concept Ford Bronco, taking styling cues from the 1966 Bronco wagon, made its appearance at vehicle shows. Now, Ford would appear good to go ahead with the Bronco which will also be built in Mexico.
Featuring a boxy design, the Bronco will be similar in design to the xB and to the Wasp and will probably be built on the current Fiesta platform to hold costs down. Indeed, Ford hopes that a budget Bronco will sell for under $10,000 as it battles cheap imports predicted from China as well as other Generation “Y” vehicles on the market.
Yes, the automobile wars never end and more battles are sure to ensue. Both Nissan with its Versa and a little Toyota by the name of Yaris will soon be released and competing on the market before the Wasp and Bronco arrive in 2008 as 2009 models.
What is your dream car? Check out some of the fastest and most exotic cars ever built at thesupercars.org and also take a look at used cars Ford Expedition.
Mail this postPopularity: 28% [?]
