The Gear Shift

Monday, January 14, 2008
4:21:00 PM EST
Feeling Mischievous
Hearing the din of auto journalists

Veni, Vedi, Venza!

So we are off to see a new Toyota.  Not so fast, however, as we must wait in a line of several hundred others to get past triple thick security just for the pleasure.  I saw several folks getting bounced after waiting in line.  Not sure if I feel bad or if it serves ‘em right for being where they don’t belong. 

Finally, we pass all the checkpoints with dignity intact.  After the long line and listening to several fire marshal warnings about keeping the aisles clear, we figure this had better be good.  Now seated, we observe a gaggle of photogs trying to give Toyota CEO, Katsuaki Watanabe, a tan via flash exposure.  I guess they are glad he made the trip.  The scene is a bit surreal as he sits serenely and smiles for each of them.

Toyota Press Guru, Irv Miller, takes the stage, says a few words about Toyota’s eventual world auto sales domination, and then hands the show over to Toyota Group VP, Bob Carter.  Now Bob has the difficult job of explaining how new and groundbreaking it is for Toyota to develop this innovative, groundbreaking new vehicle that meets the needs of sedan owners who want some utility like a SUV and SUV owners who seek a more refined fuel efficient alternative.  My compatriot, Ellen, is giddy with excitement because she is in the market for such a vehicle and loves Toyotas.  Ok, so let’s see this new creation already.

In from the rear of the room drive the new Venza.  Most of us thought it would appear from behind the stage.  Now we know why we received so many warnings to stay out of the aisle!

 

The Venza turns out to be a nicely designed, right sized vehicle, but not much unlike so many others on the show floor.  Toyota expects the vehicle to be built at their Georgetown, KY plant and on sale later this year.  Now that we have all seen the Venza, I hope Toyota will consider my advice.  Call it a crossover if you need to instead of station wagon or sport wagon, but puh-lease don’t tell us it is a new idea!

Oh yea, on the way out we discover the little garage built to hide the Venza until intro time.  And that is how it is done, folks!

Tags: naias, detroit auto show, toyota, venza, crossover, wagon

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