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How Toyota Became a Juggernaut

Agent009 submitted on 01/15/2007 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 6:17 PM
from: www.autonews.com

[161] user comments | category: Spy Shots

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How Toyota Became a Juggernaut

Toyota cracked the Big 3 in U.S. auto sales in 2006, passing DaimlerChrysler and closing in on both Ford and General Motors.

But a half-century ago, America was still a gleam in the eye of a few optimistic Toyota executives in Japan. Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. set up shop Oct. 31, 1957, in a former Rambler dealership in Hollywood.

Sales began in 1958. That year's total: 288 vehicles - 287 Toyopet Crowns and a Land Cruiser. Last year in the United States, the company surpassed 2.5 million sales of Toyota, Lexus and Scion models. Toyota also built 1.6 million vehicles and 1.4 million engines in North America in 2006.

It has been quite a ride, one of the most phenomenal business success stories of all time.

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Sauceboy01 - 1/15/2007 6:37:48 PM

-2 Boost

Because they're the Juggernaut BITCH!

reply to this comment

EL34 - 1/15/2007 6:38:15 PM

+1 Boost

R-E-L-I-A-B-I-L-I-T-Y

reply to this comment

VinnyP - 1/15/2007 10:23:17 PM

+1 Boost

Lol no Doubt

dohc106 - 1/16/2007 1:43:05 PM

+2 Boost

Well spoken. Progress belongs to the steady not necessarily to the quick. The Big 3 owned the market for years and personally do not have any excuse for not producing great cars. I personally think american cars were better at least 10 years ago and older, but the japanese were always more efficient. Chrysler cars are over complex beasts with a level of cheapness throughout their line up. The Viper is probably the only example of consistent craftsmanship they have. GM claims greatness with their warranty package, but their level of quality is not consistent throughout their line up and it takes more than 90 days of on the JD Power Report to prove that. Ford at one time was kicking both Chrysler and GM's butts, but decided the shareholders were more important than the customer. Especially considering they have leveraged their assets against their recent loans. Ford like the others waited too long to improve and finally decide to try to gain back customer loyalty. The Big 3's recalls levels far exceed Toyota whether together or by individual brand names. Executives and the UAW also contributed to the downfall of the auto industry by not being more flexible in the manufacturing process in terms of cost and quality. One reason by Toyota enjoys such success is because their standards are so much higher in manufacturing that the Big 3 will never catch up. Case in point: worker attendance. The UAW allowed workers to be late, but Honda and Toyota have a stringent tardy policy which means automatic termination for poor attendance. Executives have lived a lifestyle under bloated salaries and bonuses which do not reflect their lack of leadership. Re-investing into your infructure in the long term produces more results. Toyota saw this market over 25 years ago and more than any other auto manufacturer, has created a variety of vehicles in virtually every class which meets and exceeds the needs of the consumer. Last note for all haters out there: the Toyota Corolla has not been re-designed in 6 years as of this model year and lacks certain features possessed by its competition, but still sells well.

BMW740Z4 - 1/16/2007 7:05:00 PM

0 Boost

EL34,

You've got it half right. The real answer is:

C-H-E-A-P R-E-L-I-A-B-I-L-I-T-Y

If you want a reliable car look no further than the old mid-century Merc Diesels or BMWs.

Heck, my cousin has a 1976 633Csi with over 400,000 MILES same engine/ same transmition and he uses it as a COMMUTER.

Dave - 1/15/2007 6:59:41 PM

+5 Boost

Looking back, it's a classic case of the old story where the hare and turtle had a race. The hare felt it was a no contest. So early on, it became complacent and stopped running. it fell asleep and the turtle slowly kept going and eventually one.
Toyota was the lowly underdog decades back, with the US automakers very complacent. Toyota relentlessly kept the quality and reliability, as well as fuel economy. The US steadily kept falling behind in technology(they're still using push rod technology), reliability, and quality. It kept worsening with the US to the present situation. Toyota is not going to end up like the rabbit though. It's concept of Kaizen, or continuous improvement and it's awareness of not being complacent will keep the fire burning for a long time.

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delan - 1/15/2007 11:27:49 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

God, what an idiot!

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Lexus - 1/15/2007 7:31:21 PM

0 Boost

The last time they did a realiability by J.D. Power Associates, if I remember right Toyota has the most realible vechicle. Where most German and American cars did really bad compare to Japanese cars.

Hate all you want, their nothing can do about. And the other funny thing is that Asian are not the only one buying Japanese cars, the whites folks buy it too. Where I live, many white folks would rather drive the Lexus LS than the Cadillac or the buick.

Lexus

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S4cabriofoxone - 1/15/2007 8:56:01 PMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

Whoever WOULDN'T rather have an LS460 than a Buick or Cadillac is either a blind American car enthusiast or an idiot... or both.

Agent009 - 1/16/2007 2:15:24 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Typically the German ranked about 1 to 2 more issues overall, per vehicle over three years vs Toyota/Lexus.

To many it is significant, but also insignificant to many others. There is also no distinction on the severity of the defect a major flaw in correctly ranking brands.

Lexus - 1/15/2007 8:44:36 PM

+1 Boost

fantastic, the LS is not that cheap, it may not cost as much as the BMW, Audi or MB, it still cost a decent amount of money. I figure most people that buy Lexus and Audi are very educated and has good job. They want to drive Lexury car without being name as a "SNOB". Many people who buy BMW or MB to be a snob not for it performance.

Lexus

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S4cabriofoxone - 1/15/2007 8:56:31 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

I agree.

rocker - 1/16/2007 9:34:06 AM

+2 Boost

Don't agree with you but nice comeback.

BMW740Z4 - 1/16/2007 7:14:01 PM

0 Boost

Sorry guys if you drive a BMW into the ground like me, you are not a SNOB. Just a person that appreciates quality, value, and DRIVING.

I would call a person who pays $10,000-$15,000 more for a car just because it's got an "L" on the front and leather seats, the biggest SNOB out there.

FOR EXAMPLE: ES is to Camry as LX is to Land Cruiser as GS is to Avalon

Ironman273 - 1/17/2007 1:56:52 PM

+1 Boost

First of all let me say that according to JD Powers the Lexus customers actually have the highest income compared to MB and BMW (yes, I was surprised too).

Secondly to say that an ES is a Camry is extermely uneducated. The fact that they share a drivetrain does not make them the same vehicle. LX and Landcruiser? I'd agree more with that. As for GS and Avalon... ROFL They're not even on the same pltform, much less share anything between them.

changomo - 1/15/2007 8:49:52 PM

+5 Boost

As EL34 put it so simply, in a word - RELIABILITY, is why Toyota is #1. It's consistently considered the most reliable car in the world.

As for German, US car lovers that pooh pooh on this news...take heart, only competition and the fact your opponent raising the bar will allow you to improve your own game.

The only true losers are the companies that fail to adapt and make a better product, in the end the best thing about this is that we (the consumers) all win from increased competition.

reply to this comment

dohc106 - 1/16/2007 3:27:20 PM

+2 Boost

For the record the Japanese are not perfect and they have had their share of problems, but their point of view is the long term not the short term. How well a car is built and received, determines its service life in the market. It is true Toyota has not been able to crack the luxury car market in Europe because of brand loyalty, but in the Yaris has made big bucks in a market crowded with competitors. Lexus is the no. 1 luxury brand in the usa, period!!!!! None of the big three have a flag ship sedan to match lexus period!!! Toyota easily makes 10 billion a year. In fact they make more money than the Big three and several other automakers combined. GM was the first to create the hybrid technology, but the executives were too impatient and greedy to try to make it work, but Toyota saw the potential and now is the best seller. It is nothing wrong with being loyal to the brand, but lets look at facts not fiction: Toyota is the wealthiest, most well rounded auto manufacturer in the world and has been recognized as one of the best in the world. The Tundra is the highest quality pick-up truck on the market period. Toyota is investing billions in this country, but the big three have abandoned it. It is true Toyota gets assistance from its government and in the United States, but everyone likes a winner and will even support an underdog. Politically speaking Toyota's growth is good for the US especially when you consider the joblessness of the manufacturing sector. I support those who support me.

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S4cabriofoxone - 1/16/2007 9:56:49 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

Who cares if the Fusion won some JD Power award? The Camry still sells better- and as much as I don't like to admit it, Toyota makes much better passenger cars than Ford. Another reason why they surpassed Ford to become the second-largest automaker last year.

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Lexus - 1/15/2007 9:09:37 PM

0 Boost

S4cabriofoxone, that was a long time since you actually agree to what I post. Hey S4cabriofoxone, I think Audi is going to take the #1 spot for the German brand with all the new cars that coming out lately.

Yeah man! Buggati Veyron is an absolute monster for sure 1001 hp and the Audi R8. Yeah I definitely have to gave Audi credi for that for sure.

As far as Lexus goes I think they will stay as the number #1 brand from Japan for awhile for sure. I mean look at them, they will release the IS-F with over 400 hp soon, than the GS-F, LS-F and Lexus LF-A.

Lexus

reply to this comment

Lexus - 1/15/2007 9:15:18 PM

-3 Boost

whatever you say syclone, the last time remember the Hyndai rand higher than American cars.

American cars has recently come out with much better design do to copying Japanese design. Just look at the Ford Fusion and the old gen Honda Prelude. Secondly, their design got better but reability they need to work on more. The Ford Fusion just came out not to long ago, what about 1 year or so. They need to do a long-term test to first. Hey everyone has different taste, if you don't like the taste of Japanese flavor go buy American.

Lexus

Lexus

reply to this comment

Duffman - 1/16/2007 6:46:50 AM

+4 Boost

...wait a minute, did you say that GM and Ford are richer than Toyota? Last I checked, both GM and Ford were down-sizing, cutting their workforce and selling off their stock in different companies to reduce their losses - all while Toyota was pulling in record profit margins with each passing quarter. That's a good reason why Toyota has been more successful with hybrid technology than anyone in the Big Three - because they have the extra capital to invest in the technology. If it tanked, they still had a profitable product line. Also, Syclone... come back when you have something valid to add to a discussion.

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EL34i - 1/16/2007 12:38:17 AM

+5 Boost

Such an asinine comment.

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Lexus - 1/15/2007 9:36:50 PM

+1 Boost

LOL:) is that why, the Big Three almost when Out of Business and than cry to Mr. Bush?

Since the debute of the Toyota Corolla in 1966, to the present day more than 35 millions Corolla has been sold. The Ford T-model only sales 16.5 millon vechicles, the VW Beetle sold just little more 21.5 millions Vechicle, VW Golf sold more than 24 millions vechicles, Ford F-Series sold 25 millions vechilces.

This the top 5 world's most successful cars ever

#1 Toyota Corrola
#2 Ford F-Series
#3 VW Golf
#4 VW Bettle
#5 Ford T-model

Lexus

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paul3230 - 1/15/2007 9:41:54 PM

0 Boost

Although it would help if Japan didn't undervalue their currency so much to help exports :)

Lexus - 1/15/2007 9:46:45 PM

-1 Boost

fanstantic, are you and syclone the same person? I swear you guys sound the same to me? Why don't pull your mouth out of the American brands. American brand suck except the Cadillac CTS and STS, but I would rather buy the Lexus, Acura, Infiniti, or the Audi instead of the CTS or STS.

By the way, I "Don"t want to drive around in the in Cadillac XLR-V and pretend that I'm a pimps,playas,or the Mafia. See.. I don't need to be a pimps or a playas wanna be to get laid if you know what I mean playas ;)

reply to this comment

Lexus - 1/15/2007 9:49:45 PM

+1 Boost

here is the link go check it out, this the last time posting this because I don't talk idiot who has no proof. Here is my proof automotoportal.com/article/Top_5_Worlds_Most_Successful_Cars_Ever

Now where your Proof? sorry you failed this

Lexus

reply to this comment

Lexus - 1/15/2007 9:51:18 PM

0 Boost

First of all you dumb Jack, I'm not Japanese, I'm French and Spanish do some research, you dump F$$$$$$

Lexus

reply to this comment

Lexus - 1/15/2007 9:53:24 PM

+1 Boost

Where your proof? and stat? hey I posted the website with all my the proof and where I got my information.. Where is your proof playas that right, freakin loser...go get life.

Lexus

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Lexus - 1/15/2007 9:56:10 PM

0 Boost

See you ya loser..., can't back jack up to what you says, do not come back here until you do your research and post stupid common remark and waste eveyone time pimps wanna be.

Lexus

reply to this comment

Lexus - 1/15/2007 9:58:25 PM

+1 Boost

I'm still waiting for your proof pimps wanna be :) LOL

ah...ha...ha...ha... all that talks and has nothing to back it up. I'm done here.

Lexus

reply to this comment

Lexus - 1/15/2007 10:01:15 PM

0 Boost

Hey! if you want to play it that way, that not what your Girlfriend says last night, :) LOL ah........ha...ha...ask her.

Lexus

reply to this comment

Lexus - 1/15/2007 10:02:49 PM

-1 Boost

Gogo, fantstic your girlfriend were also their last night, two can play that game.

Lexus

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Lexus - 1/15/2007 10:03:18 PM

+1 Boost

ah...ha...ha...ha....

Lexus

reply to this comment

S4cabriofoxone - 1/16/2007 9:59:10 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

ah...ha...ha...ha...ha

Audi

I bet that extra "ha" caught you off guard!

Lexus - 1/15/2007 10:04:46 PM

0 Boost

Hey! I did not started the insult, it was playas wannabe, fantastic and you gogo.

Lexus

Seriously I'm going to the C-class post and see what going on over there.

reply to this comment

trd1 - 1/15/2007 11:20:11 PM

+3 Boost

y you guys insulting each other over this. everybody knows that toyota will rule the world in like 5 years and all the other companys would be paying to suck the weener. so why you insulting peoples weener, when you know your favorite car company is going to be sucking on in a couple of years.

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cynic - 1/15/2007 11:32:47 PM

+3 Boost

Wow, I'm so impressed by the level of sophisitcation on this topic. Let's see: name calling, racism, childishness, stereotyping. Now I know who the credible people are on this forum.

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Bill - 1/16/2007 5:24:14 AM

0 Boost

Wow this thread is hilarious!

reply to this comment

OBSERVER1984 - 1/16/2007 5:52:50 AM

+5 Boost

The secret of Toyota is the quality. Toyotas don't look better than "americans", but it's more quality!!!!

reply to this comment

OBSERVER1984 - 1/16/2007 5:55:39 AM

+5 Boost

The problem is not that Toyota is number automaker in USA.
A big problem will come soon when Toyota became 2nd, Honda 3rd and Nissan is closed behind to Ford and Chrysler!!!

OBSERVER1984 - 1/16/2007 4:21:24 PM

+1 Boost

More and more people all over the world believe in Toyota. And still when Toyota win the european market and China, it will become number one. But I'll say again, not taht's a problem, the big problem will come in few years, when Honda and Nissan come too close to GM and Ford!!!

reply to this comment

trd1 - 1/16/2007 11:33:37 AM

+2 Boost

hey syclone are you still talking. it looks like you've been talking to yourself for the past 10 comments. you can stop now everybody knows that toyota has way better quality then both gm and ford. ya and lets see who makes the most money, toyota makes way more money then ford and gm. the only reason people buy gm or ford is, because its cheaper then toyota.

reply to this comment

mynecksonfire - 1/16/2007 3:36:00 PM

+1 Boost

FORD
-----
Found On Road Dead
Fixing Or Repairing Daily

P.S. I actually like the fusion and f150, great american cars, unlike anything gm has to offer

reply to this comment

dusty - 1/16/2007 12:04:48 PM

+4 Boost

syclone, why don't you go away and come back after puberty? (also buy a dictionary and learn to use it.) That's a good boy. bye bye

reply to this comment

trd1 - 1/16/2007 12:05:14 PM

+2 Boost

ford
-----
fix or repair daily

dude your stupid, i didn't say that toyota sells more cars. GM is #1 for slling the most cars, and if you dont know yet ford is going to give up nuber #2 spot up to toyota for 2007. i said that toyota makes more money, you can go to toyota and ford.com right now and you could see that almost every model of the ford is cheaper then the toyota. go check for yourself.

reply to this comment

AUTO_UNION - 1/16/2007 12:10:01 PM

+4 Boost

I think some people should be banned.All that racism. And toyota is doing really good lately.

reply to this comment

trd1 - 1/16/2007 12:16:59 PM

+3 Boost

lol, hey syclone have you checked the recall king of 2006. look at the top five, i dont see toyota in the top five, oh but look whos there. check it for yourself and maybe you will stop talking about toyotas racalls. OK?

reply to this comment

trd1 - 1/16/2007 12:22:48 PM

+3 Boost

wow our dumb, thats because for focus is in the toyota corolla's class. do some research, before you want to say something ok?
PWNED!

reply to this comment

trd1 - 1/16/2007 12:24:57 PM

+2 Boost

and buddy the artcle is right their, its the most recent and it says The figures are out: who was the recall king of 2006. click on that and you'll see.

reply to this comment

trd1 - 1/16/2007 12:29:15 PM

+2 Boost

dude thats from july 6th click on the article below that i told you about and you'll see. ok?

reply to this comment

trd1 - 1/16/2007 12:31:28 PM

+2 Boost

dude your dumb, your suppose to compare class to class and if you see in every class fords car is cheaper then toyota. And so what toyota made that car just for prople who can't afort brand new toyotas to have a chance to buy 1 stupid.

reply to this comment

trd1 - 1/16/2007 12:33:35 PM

+2 Boost

here is the link buddy
http://www.autospies.com/news/The-Figures-Are-Out-Who-Was-The-Recall-King-of-2006-11712/

you fail, is that like the only you know, thats probably because you heard alot of people say that to ford and gm and now its stuck in your head.

reply to this comment

trd1 - 1/16/2007 12:35:50 PM

+3 Boost

oh look somebody is a little speachless, finally huh?

reply to this comment

trd1 - 1/16/2007 12:40:47 PM

+3 Boost

see syclone this is what you do you go to every toyota article and just say same stupid things and you do not stop until somebody proves you wrong. then you stop with that artilce and you go to another one and say the same things. you really need to stop.

reply to this comment

dusty - 1/16/2007 12:47:17 PM

+3 Boost

syclone, quit embarrassing yourself. Just trying to help you, little guy.

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dusty - 1/16/2007 12:49:18 PM

+3 Boost

good boy. take a nap now, little feller.

reply to this comment

dusty - 1/16/2007 12:53:00 PM

+3 Boost

sshhhhh, li'l syclone has gone to bed now.... The adults can come back online now.

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trd1 - 1/16/2007 12:57:55 PM

+2 Boost

wow first of all i went to do something, you know i have a life unlike you, who just sits down and talks trash all day on the computer. i mean really your like on 24/7 talking trash. you know what im going to call you 24/7 trash talking gm machine. just stop and get in the real world.

reply to this comment

trd1 - 1/16/2007 12:58:50 PM

+2 Boost

lol good one dusty, that is so true, lol

reply to this comment

JUGNU - 1/16/2007 1:17:25 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Agent009 will be very happy now.He got the response which he was looking for.

Now stop this fuc***.Syclone. or he will die crying.

JUGNU

reply to this comment

jon21 - 1/16/2007 1:30:41 PM

+3 Boost

syclone is an ADD kid.

reply to this comment

S4cabriofoxone - 1/16/2007 9:57:53 PMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

I doubt it. GM is not on the rebound, yet- a new Malibu design isn't going to garner a million more sales overnight. Toyota will quite easily de-throne it, and I feel like you're denying it for the cause of a fanboy.

reply to this comment

Fan1234 - 1/16/2007 10:55:21 PM

+2 Boost

can someone please ban mr. syclone. He is an embarassment to this website. Thank you.

reply to this comment

toyotasucks - 1/16/2007 11:17:21 PM

+1 Boost

Toyotas are garbage!

reply to this comment

toyotasucks - 1/16/2007 11:25:51 PM

+1 Boost

Agent009 explain to everyone why you are so biased for Toyotas, and why you hate American cars?

reply to this comment

toyotasucks - 1/16/2007 11:26:39 PM

+1 Boost

www.streetfire.com A REAL CAR WEBSITE!

reply to this comment

trd1 - 1/17/2007 6:13:12 PM

+1 Boost

i know can someone ban syclone, he just messes this site up.

reply to this comment

huu76 - 1/17/2007 10:10:53 PM

+1 Boost

I'm not even going to try reading all these comments, but I'll just assume its the usual mud-slinging.

157th comment on a forum about Toyota the company, not its cars. Wow.

reply to this comment

toyotasucks - 1/17/2007 11:35:10 PM

+1 Boost

huu76 as you can tell Toyota is overhyped by many many jerkoffs in this forum, and I'm here to put em in check! I have no problem doing it.

huu76 - 1/18/2007 10:20:00 PM

+1 Boost

You haven't met me yet.

reply to this comment

toyotasucks - 1/19/2007 11:23:36 AM

+1 Boost

Don't want to meet you!

reply to this comment

huu76 - 1/19/2007 9:56:43 PM

+1 Boost

Don't want to end up like Chewy, MDalle, Dieselrules, MrOmar and Bill by being proven wrong over and over?

Speaking of which, anyone know whatever happened to PlanoA4 and BMW530i (he was good to debate with)?

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