Is the Next Toyota 4Runner going to happen, Mahindra coming to the USA and Chevrolet Sonic’s future? [Ask Nathan]

2015 Range Rover Evoque vs 2015 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro

    • Will they build the next Toyota 4Runner – or kill it?
    • Mahindra is coming to America?
    • Chevrolet Sonic’s future?

The first question comes from a fan who wants to know if there will be a next Toyota 4Runner, or will it be killed off.

The Toyota Fortuner (sold overseas) may hint at the next generation 4Runner.

Q:Greetings Nathan and crew! I have a big question for you.

Is it true that Toyota will stop building the 4Runner!? I am a huge 4Runner fan and between me and my brother, we own six! I was thinking about heading to Colorado and showing you guys my favorites. Anyway I head the rumor from more than one source that the sales are tanking and they are seriously considering cancelling it like they stupidly did with the FJ Cruiser.

Thanks Nathan and GO STEELERS!

Wayne

2015 toyota 4runner trd pro white
[Photo: TFLcar]
A: Hi Wayne!

Thanks for the email!

I haven’t heard a single peep out of Toyota regarding the 4Runner. There have been no official statements one way or the other. Usually, something this big would be regurgitated throughout the internet.

A few folks are saying things on boards, but there’s no validity to anything they speculate.

Here’s what I do know. In 2017 thus far, Toyota is selling more 4Runners than they did during the same months in 2016. They are easily selling around 10,000 every month. That ain’t too shabby.

Why kill something that’s selling so well? I think, at the very least, the Toyota 4Runner may be updated soon. It’s possible that they may change the running-gear to make it more efficient or perform better. It’s such a damn good performer, maybe they will update some internal goodies as well.

The TFL team will be in California for the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show and we’ll have a chance to talk to the Toyota folks in person. Maybe we can glean more information about the 4Runner then.

As for your Toyota 4Runner collection; we would love to see it! Send some information to info@tflcar.com. Please include your contact information and a few photos would be nice.

Cheers & go Steelers!!

N

This next question comes from a longtime fan who heard India automaker Mahindra is coming to the United States.

Q:Did you hear about Mahindra coming to the States?

I don’t mind, drove a Mahindra Loadking for a while and was chuffed by its ability.

Via Twitter (Nathanadlen@Twitter.com)

A: Thanks for the email/Tweet!

That’s a good question. It looks like Mahindra will build a 400,000 square-foot manufacturing plant in Detroit. This will be one of the first “new” plants in the city for decades. While it’s a welcome concept, there are a ton of questions.

About a decade back, Mahindra looked at bringing their mid-sized pickup truck to our market. It never happened. After that failure and the subsequent lawsuits from dealers who were going to sell Mahindra trucks, I thought they were finished with the USA.

Apparently not.

Mahindra has scheduled a press conference for Monday, November 20th (tomorrow) and we should have a better idea what product(s) they are planning on building. There is a rumor that Mahindra is considering building South Korea’s Ssangyong vehicles alongside its own in Detroit as well.

It would be great if they brought a competitive small truck here. It might force other automakers to compete in a less expensive market. One can hope!

N

The last question comes from a fan who thinks the Chevrolet Sonic will be replaced soon.

Q:HI! I think you guys are the meowing cats!

So I had a thought. With Chevy going gung-ho for electric cars, will they kill the Chevy Sonic? My sister loves hers and I like it too. Why kill a good car like this? I mean I know that Ford is killing their smallest car, wont Chevy follow suit?

Electric cars are too expensive Nathan! It’s still easier to own a gasoline car right?

Yours very truly

Luna

 

A: Hi Luna!

You’re right about Ford removing the Fiesta from our market, but I don’t think Chevrolet will be so quick to kill off the Sonic. Last year, GM sold around 60,000 units in North America (the USA and Canada). The Ford Fiesta sold a lot less.

I truly like the Chevrolet Sonic and it represents a good bargain considering what you get for the money. Still, it will need a significant update soon. Perhaps GM will reset the G2XX platform and build something we’re not expecting.

We’ll see.

N

Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and name will be omitted – leaving your initials or nickname, your preference.

From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that, as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.

Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com.