Latest statistics from Malaysian Automotive Association shows that Nissan Teana and Hyundai Sonata have both outsold Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, in the month of January.
Nissan has sold 1,394 units of Teana and Hyundai sold 532 units of Sonata. Camry and Accord have no mention in the chart at all.
Could it be an indication that the monopoly of Camry and Accord in the D-segment market is over? With the introduction of Teana and Sonata, one's need to be differentiated can now be fulfilled. People no longer buy a car for its practicality; they start to think of it as an emotional need.
Some main reasons I could figure:
1) People are getting bored with Camry and Accord.
2) A person who can afford a D-segment car generally does not care about after sale service/ resale value.
3) The Toyota's global recall (2009-2010) has resulted in a decrease in sales.
4) Nissan is finally making a come back by introducing a D-segment car, after its Cefiro went obsolete. For years, Camry and Accord have been dominating the D-segment market.
5) Teana has almost the same specs as its competitors. But in addition, the interior introduces a totally different luxury experience. It is a class higher. (But some people do find that the level of luxury equals to an old man's car, which I do not disagree...)
6) Without a big ad spend nor a big brand name, Sonata's design speaks for itself. It is not that kind of car you would buy simply by just hearing the name. However, a visit to the showroom and a test-drive would change how you feel.
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