Toyota dropping Camry Solara coupe?

Midsize coupes have fallen out of favor with consumers in the US and companies such as Toyota see no reason in staying in the segment. In an interview with Ward’s Auto, Toyota Motor Sales executive Jim Lentz admitted the company would rather invest its research and development money in “better places.” There have been rumors that Toyota would drop the Camry Solara coupe from its lineup, and although Lentz wasn’t willing to admit it, his negative statements about the market overall come close to confirming it.

Rival Japanese automaker Honda sees differently. At the Detroit Auto Show last week, the company unveiled its Accord Coupe Concept and its Vice President John Mendel claimed research shows there’s 34% growth in the segment between now and 2011. Honda believes its new coupe, which is set to debut in the second half of next year, will be popular with young male buyers but most consumers are moving towards crossovers.