GM, Contra Toyota
The car industry is in the toilet. It’s been one of the worst fiscal years on record, with GM and Ford on the verge of complete collapse. While there is validity to the argument that these mismanaged companies should have been left to go bankrupt and correct themselves, it seems governmental regulators and the Federal Reserve disagreed. In fact, they disagreed to the extent that the Federal government became the single largest shareholder in the American automotive industry.
With regards to foreign automakers, it was an even worse year for the once-beloved Toyota. Where once their darling of the hybrid world, the Prius, could do no wrong, cialis 100mg you would be hard-pressed to find someone willing to buy this infamous used Toyota. Between sticking gas pedals and unintended acceleration, it seems the vehicle’s reputation could well be passed the point of no return. It would seem this may bleed beyond the Prius to include Toyota’s luxury line, Lexus. Recently, the GX460 has been condemned for its propensity to roll over while making high-speed turns.
Not surprisingly, GM initiated an incentive plan that would reward Toyota owners up to $1,000 in leasing fees if they traded their vehicles in for a new GM vehicle. This also included zero-percent financing to qualified applicants and an additional $1,000 for customers paying with cash. Unfortunately for GM, it seems the deal has not been sweet enough to deter the majority of Toyota owners. In fact, in light of what Toyota executives are calling a federal witch-hunt for the sake of boosting sales for the government’s newly purchased car company.
For the Toyota faithful, something is indeed rotten in Denmark — and it has nothing to do with unintended acceleration or rollovers. In fact, the thinking is that Toyota is indeed the victim of a witch-hunt. How is it possible that the premiere automotive manufacturer in the world could have fallen so quickly and so far? Is Toyota’s safety record that different from the safety records of Dodge, Ford, or Cadillac? The Toyota faithful are not buying it.
It should be noted that Consumer Reports ranked Toyota first in its annual Car Brand Perception Survey. This survey was not based on any tangible features of the brand, simply on its perceived qualities of safety, quality, value, design, performance, and environmental safety. It outpaced both Ford and Honda, and still, despite the negative press, remains the most trusted manufacturer in the world.
If you happen to make one of the faithful and would like to buy a new or used Toyota, make sure to do your research online first.
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