Avalon Sales & Marketing

[mickeyp]

In browsing through the Sunday paper, I noticed the Toyota dealer had a full page color ad which included all Toyota models except the Avalon. This got me to thinking about the marketing strategy for their "flagship." I don't think I've ever seen an Avalon commercial, and very little print advertising. Toyota must believe sales are OK without much advertising? A niche model that doesn't justify a large ad campaign? Does anyone know how many Avalons are sold per model year?

[pseudoluxury]

Originally Posted by mickeyp

In browsing through the Sunday paper, I noticed the Toyota dealer had a full page color ad which included all Toyota models except the Avalon. This got me to thinking about the marketing strategy for their "flagship." I don't think I've ever seen an Avalon commercial, and very little print advertising. Toyota must believe sales are OK without much advertising? A niche model that doesn't justify a large ad campaign? Does anyone know how many Avalons are sold per model year?

[pseudoluxury]

My friend who has been a Toy dealer his entire life says the Avalon is almost never advertised except for the teaser XL model with zero options which they sell for the same price as a mid-level Camry V6. I suspect they would rather sell lots of Camry's than Avalons. You are most correct in your observation. I too noticed it long before buying mine which I slug-fested a few dealers to fight over on the internet before asking my friend to match the price. He was not too happy but went along with it rather than lose a sale. Friendship has a financial limit you know.

[06avalon]

Not much Avalons are advertised here on Hawaii.

[mickeyp]

Toyota sold 72,945 Avalons in 2007, down from 88,938 in 2006. A difference of 15,993, or -18.2% They sold 418,757 Camrys in '07, up 14.5%.