By FITSNews || Finally … somebody said it!
Egged on by a Washington political establishment that decided to get into the car business with our money (but against our will), America’s mainstream media is now overplaying Japanese-based Toyota’s troubles in an effort to drive up domestic auto sales.
At least that’s what the Japanese think … and we believe them.
From Business Week:
Despite the criticism of Toyota over car safety, Japanese citizens still largely view the world’s largest automaker with pride — so much so that some people here wonder whether pressure on Toyota in the U.S. is a ploy to boost American auto producers and undermine Japan Inc.
“I think the Americans are going overboard,” said Hiroyuki Komiya, 40, a Tokyo restaurant employee. “Maybe it’s Japan-bashing because the trouble at Toyota, which has the world’s No. 1 share, is a big opportunity for its American rivals …”
… some in Japan have criticized Toyota as slow to respond to the safety problems and people acknowledge that the brand — and Japan’s image — has taken a hit. But the prevailing mood is that Toyota — the flagship of Japan Inc. — has been unfairly singled out …
… some Japanese suspect U.S. political forces are behind the criticism of Toyota, coming at a time when the U.S. government owns 60.8 percent of General Motors following its bankruptcy reorganization.
Of course, there’s an easy answer to all of this … buy a Ford.
The lone major American automaker that didn’t take bailout billions, Ford is producing quality cars at affordable prices – which is what capitalism used to be all about.
By PasserBy February 6, 2010 at 3:03 pm
FITS:
This story is a black eye on Toyota, but the ’24 hour’ news cycle certainly hasn’t helped. Looking back on the history of the story, though, Toyota did NOT help their PR at all ~ they first denied any problem, then said it was a floor mat problem, then said it was a sticking accelerator problem. Then after at least one highly publicized fatal crash in California a few months back, finally said “ooops, we have a problem”. Now, the latest seems to say the problem may be on more cars than originally thought (software? who knows?).
In my opinion, it hits harder not so much because of the Fed’s owning GM, but because Toyota has had such a good image for as long as I can remember, really.
By Mike Reino February 6, 2010 at 3:03 pm
No doubt, Will. Having been an Auto Service advisor for 9 years, and at 8 different manufacturers, Toyota is definitely being piled on. Not that Toyota doesn’t have a bit of arrogance for denying safety issues previously, but I was last at a Hyundai dealer where the subframes on eight different models were rusting out completely, and letting a little thing called THE WHEELS fly off the car, but Ray LaHood doesn’t seem to be too concerned about that.. Meanwhile, my 2005 Avalon keeps driving just fine, thank you. When the oil is due, I’ll get it fixed then.
By aion kinah February 7, 2010 at 1:33 am
Toyota is definitely being piled on. Not that Toyota doesn’t have a bit of arrogance for denying safety issues previously, but I was last at a Hyundai dealer where the subframes on eight different models were rusting out completely,
By Bob February 7, 2010 at 6:36 am
Funny you mention Ford. If I am right on this, and Toyota is being piled on by Govment Moturs, then Ford will be next.
Let us patiently watch.
By Ynotfirst February 7, 2010 at 7:32 am
it actually sounds like sabotage
By James A February 7, 2010 at 8:10 am
There may be no excuse for Toyota but this is being magnified by the owners of General Motors,our government. This is what happens when government is in control and competing with others. Look at Fannie/Freddie and all the cover ups there. Government hides their crimes and tries to magnify others faults or short comings. When will America wake up to these politicians in DC?
By larrie February 7, 2010 at 9:13 am
Mr. Saul Alinsky’s “Rules for Radicals” principles applied to polarizing a company instead of a just a political party.
It’s worked remarkably well thus far.
After all, Toyota’s are made in non-union states.
Who or what will be next?
By dirtbogger February 8, 2010 at 9:19 am
Its actually legit critizem from the MSM this time. We had an 07 Camry 4 cilonder that would first stall and then surge on takeoff, and I remember one time that it actually started speeding off after I let off the accelerator, I stomped it and let up and it slowed back down. I don’t think it was a mechanical issue though. I think it has some thing to do with the drive by wire system, there is no mechanical linkage between the throttle body and accelerator now. We now have an Avalon and it is well worth the price diffrence, I love that car!
By Skooter Huk February 22, 2010 at 4:37 pm
US News Media have clearly magnified this story beyond rational limits, but that is typical of them. All automobile manufacturers have vehicles with as many or more recalls, and which are also related to safety. My perception is that some in the US are reacting to this particular media amplification as an opportunity to attack a foreign auto-maker in light of current domestic economic problems, to tip the balance of trade toward US auto-makers. I don’t think current Toyota customers will be affected much, but prospective customers may certainly be lost. From a US economic perspective, such targeting of a major import brand may actually be good for the economy in some long term ways, reducing dependence on foreign manufacturing for example. It would make much more sense to me however, if people were to express their national economic bias by targeting foreign -energy- producers and doing everything imaginable to encourage local energy development instead. Energy is the more essential and long term problem.