Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the decline of the Toyota Alphard, once considered a "god car" in the Chinese market, highlighting the factors contributing to its reduced desirability and the rise of domestic competitors [4][14][61]. Group 1: Background of Toyota Alphard - The Toyota Alphard was initially designed for Japanese family users, not as a luxury business vehicle, and gained popularity in China due to its association with celebrities and high-profile users [12][22][30]. - The vehicle's price in Japan was approximately 500 million yen, equivalent to around 300,000 RMB, making it a popular choice among middle-class families [24]. - The introduction of the second generation in 2010 marked its transition to a luxury positioning, with prices starting at 600,000 to 700,000 RMB, leading to increased demand and subsequent price hikes by dealers [36][37]. Group 2: Market Dynamics and Price Trends - At its peak, the Alphard commanded a price increase of up to 300,000 RMB, reflecting its status as a high-demand vehicle with limited supply [20][21]. - Sales data indicates that from 2017 to 2021, the Alphard sold 85,000 units in China, maintaining its position as the top high-end MPV [45]. - However, after 2021, sales began to decline, and the once significant price increases have reduced to 20,000 to 30,000 RMB [14][46]. Group 3: Competition and Market Changes - The rise of domestic brands has significantly impacted the Alphard's market position, with competitors like the Denza D9 and Lantu Dreamer offering similar features at competitive prices [65][66]. - Toyota's own models, such as the Vellfire and Lexus LM300h, have also entered the market, further diluting the Alphard's exclusivity [52][56]. - The changing consumer preferences and the emergence of new domestic MPVs have led to a reevaluation of the Alphard's value proposition, as its unique selling points are increasingly matched or surpassed by competitors [61][67]. Group 4: Conclusion on Alphard's Status - The article concludes that while the Alphard was a groundbreaking product in the MPV segment, its inflated status was not sustainable, and the vehicle's decline was inevitable due to market evolution and increased competition [69][70][71].

Group 1 - The Toyota Alphard has been both loved and hated in the Chinese automotive industry, with notable figures like NIO's Li Bin criticizing its pricing strategies [1][7] - The Alphard was initially designed for Japanese family users, but its positioning as a luxury vehicle in China was a strategic decision that led to its high demand [5][9] - At its peak, the Alphard commanded a price increase of up to 300,000 RMB, making it a symbol of luxury and exclusivity in the Chinese market [7][9] Group 2 - Sales of the Toyota Alphard in China reached 85,000 units from 2017 to 2021, but began to decline after 2021, leading to a decrease in its once high price premiums [24][26] - The emergence of domestic competitors and the introduction of models like the Toyota Vellfire and Lexus LM300h have diluted the Alphard's market position [30][33] - Domestic brands have launched their own MPV models, such as the Denza D9 and Lantu Dreamer, which have capitalized on the features that once made the Alphard desirable, further challenging its status [37][39]