Toyota Japan
Q: So how are Toyota Japan dealing with the decline in sales during the recession?
A: By getting their 2200 directors to buy a Toyota car.
They said that their directors will buy a Toyota by March and that the directors are not being forced to buy one - "its completely up to them if they buy one or not."
4 years ago, Sanyo done the same hing with their employees to help get them out of a financial crisis which they never overcame as they now belong to Panasonic.
The "its completely up to them if they buy one or not" smells like a fish fresh out of ocean water to me...
Image of the Toyota IQ from Nihoncar.
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Pseudo-Graphic Designer, 触手 wrangler, H-Man
http://lightningsabre.blogspot.com/
Ah yea... even with some type of employee discount, I'm sure a car is not that cheap to buy...
Half Engineer, Half Student, All Robot
http://discombobulatedyouth.blogspot.com/
I like Toyota's. I drive a Corolla. Fuel efficient, enough power, and cost of ownership isn't that bad. I would buy a new Toyota if I had the money.
Otaku/Drummer
please don't buy that one... the IQ lol
Tech Support Officer - Network Security Engineer
http://burugureibi.blogspot.com/
I'm targeting Mercedes Smart fortwo line. Not a cheap car, but ridiculously fuel efficient
4.0L/100kms
But then again, Japanese cars are great because they have loads of cheap after-market parts which makes things easy - Euro cars are just annoying to get spare parts for ><"
btw, i drive a 1993 Mazda MPV
IT EATS PETROL LIKE CRAZY - It's like 15.5L/100kms T_______T
Otaku/Drummer
i think ur better off with a coupe or a sedan... those extra 2 seats might come in handy ;)
Tech Support Officer - Network Security Engineer
http://burugureibi.blogspot.com/
im planning for a single life... come what may
i'll be switching/trading cars with my dad when he gets his van replaced with a more 'family' car in the future (7 seater planned) if i ever get married, etc...
At that point, i'll be switching for 5 extra seats ^^
Professional Panhandler
http://theinfernoproject.com
if you plan on driving on highway/freeway, then that fuel efficiency goes down the drain. They did a comparison test in Europe between a BMW M3 and a Toyota Prius (which is suppose to be more fuel efficient than most other cars including Smart) and drove it at Highway speed. It turns out the M3 was more fuel efficient than the Prius at high speeds because it takes less effort (and fuel) for the M3 to drive at that speed. I wish I know the source to link it, but I don't since I saw this on a TV show call Motoring (which is a reliable source IMO).
But those small cars are good if you drive in city centres and don't go on the highway/freeway a lot.
Secretary
http://figured.wordpress.com/
I also have a Corolla, 2009 Corolla S to be exact ;)
US Navy Sailor
http://punynari.wordpress.com/
Same. I also have a Corolla without the bells and whistles. Love this car. No problems like I had with my old Chrysler.
Pseudo-Graphic Designer, 触手 wrangler, H-Man
http://lightningsabre.blogspot.com/
Uh yea... even with an employee discount I'm sure a car would still be an expensive purchase...
Kokoro Kotonoha's personal trainer
http://loli1983.wordpress.com
In America the only car companies suffering are General Motors & Ford.
All Japanese car companies in America are fine, they are also declining in sales but not as bad as American car companies.
Personally i think American car companies are worthless. They don't manufacture high quality engines and such like Japanese car companies do.
I have seened a lot of mid 1980's Toyota pick-up's still running compared to American pick-up trucks that were released just a few years ago.
Blogger, consultant
http://www.netharuka.com
*sigh* tl;dr version: Ford is doing ok; American cars have gotten better, but they are not without problems
Actually, it's General Motors and Chrysler. Ford is doing the best out of the Big Three.
American cars are far from worthless. Their quality standards have actually improved steadily over the years. And they've taken a page out of the handbooks of Japanese and Korean manufacturers by offering a long mileage warranty for their power trains. If their engine breaks down, they'll replace it.
This isn't to say they are not without their problems. Bottom line, they seem to be without focus these days. Their designs are not inspiring, and they seemed to have banked a little too much of big vehicles, which is fine when gas is cheap, but terrible when the economy is bad and people are looking for fuel efficient cars.
And no, I don't work for GM, Chrysler or Ford (though I did do a stint with DaimlerChrysler when they were one company), but I have casually followed the car industry for a few years now.
Just in case you're curious, I currently drive a Volkswagen. :P
Otaku/Drummer
Isnt GM facing bankruptcy? i read in the papers a while back
and something about a bailout from the government? did that go through?
Blogger, consultant
http://www.netharuka.com
GM got around 4 billion US of the total 9.2 billion it will eventually receive from the government. So yes, the bailout went through, though it is less than what they asked for.
Professional Panhandler
http://theinfernoproject.com
If I remember correctly, they asked for something around $16 billion, and the total for all three was around $32 billion or the like. I still remember watching on TV when the senate asked them the question: "Who here flew here on Commercial aircrafts? Would you sell your private jets to free up the cash flow? Please put on the record that no hands went up"
Then they drove their hybrid proto-types to Washington next time (free publicity) with big a$$ company logos on them. I literally LMAO when I saw the big shots from those companys crammed into those cars. If the senate didn't ask that question, I'm sure they would've just flown over on their cozy private jets again. I bet each of them will be giving themselves a hefty bonus just like the dudes in the banking industry who got $700 billion bailout but didn't do SH*T with that money except for saving their own a$$es. I know what they did do was give themselves a nice bonus at the end of last year.
Otaku/Drummer
ah yes 32 sounds more likely... how nice of the US government
Half Engineer, Half Student, All Robot
http://discombobulatedyouth.blogspot.com/
I think they've been on that track for a while now. I have a friend that did a summer thing with them and he was talking about how most of the employees didn't have faith in the company. Sounds like a sinking ship.
Filmmaker
http://josewritingthelife.blogspot.com/
yeah.. American cars have way improve in these last years.. it's hard for them to beat that old rap from back in the late nineties where they were awfull..
Limousine Driver
Well said. Ford is doing better that the other two. I drive Lincoln Town Cars all the time and i have to tell you they are a very impressive car. I have driven Town cars with 3,4, and 500,00 miles on them and you would never know it from their performance. Then again, i have driven new Cadillac sedans that i wanted to walk away from. I agree with you about the lack of design. American cars don't seem to have any soul in them any more. They do not inspire confidence either. I currently drive a Buick Reatta. I love the car but it is expensive to repair. I would like to buy American again but i think i will probably buy an import next.
machinery operator, eskimo, blame taker
chrysler deserves to go broke if the keep producing cars like the sebring (aussie name for the car may be different elsewhere) when i first saw one in the carpark of my company i thought they must be saving cash by replacing their design team with blind monkeys
lol it's the same thing here, government increase their own spending to boost up GNP just to look good on paper. by the way cute car
Young Grasshopper
http://miragestrike.blogspot.com
Looks like a Volkswagen with mean eyes > >.
Kokoro Kotonoha's personal trainer
http://loli1983.wordpress.com
Looks like an overweight sting ray to me.....lol
三年せいとオタク
So Toyota pays directors for their work then they go buy a car so Toyota makes money then they pay the directors? Seems like a cycle to me @.@
Engineering Student
http://www.flickr.com/photos/turkguy19/
I have a Denso manufacturing plant in my home town, they make a lot of parts for Toyota's. I would hate to see Toyota go under, because that would mean ANOTHER manufacturing plant would be closed and hundreds of more jobs would leave Michigan...
Dance Trooper: DCX-001 O.D.E. (Order of the Dancing Empire)
http://dannychoo.com.my
Well, Toyota's directors should be able to own a couple of few new cars a year, so change it to Toyota wasn't that bad, while it could save the company, why not?
Your local Otaku Cashier.
I like the design of the car in the picture.
Also, the same thing can be applied to American car companies, considering they own private jets for their CEO's and such.
Injured
Here in the USA a few news articles about cars employs drive to work at car production plants came up. They focused on someone driving a GM to work at a Ford Plant and sorta like that article listed all employs were 'encouraged' to by a new car that they build not a competitors car. I think the last one I saw was about 2006.
Student artist
http://www.requestview.wordpress.com
they should cut py of directors
Gundam
Toyota cant stand the economy..How can Proton dude?!!!
If you all don't know Proton...that is Normal..
Student.
http://www.flashflashrevolution.com/profile/Yuusuke-kun/
that looks cooler then the ones we have here. my mom has one that im getting when i get my license. ^^
Network Administrator
I prefer Honda, myself. How are "domestic" vehicles perceived over in Japan? In America, most people look down upon Fords, Chevys, etc., while praising foreign cars for their reliability and gas mileage. Is it the same way over there?
Software Consultant, Business Intelligence
http://haruji.wordpress.com/
All the big companies in Japan are announcing big losses due to the economic crisis. I wonder how the figure producers are faring...
University Student
Definitely looks unique to me. Haven't seen one with that style in the US.
大学生
http://justaskeikaku.net23.net
Am I seeing wrong? Is the roof see-throught? How do you cut out the sun then, if it is?
I think there would be slide covers like all the other sun/moon roofs have.
Blogger, consultant
http://www.netharuka.com
Toyota is very well off compared to other manufacturers. They have good products, have smartly invested in alternative fuel before they got in vogue and have some of the leanest manufacturing and supply chain processes in the business.
It's not that Toyota is doing bad, it's that the entire auto market in general is doing awful. The tight credit market really hurts auto sales, since about 95% buy with financing and not cash up front.
As to whether or not the directors are being coerced into buying one...it's not coercion but I bet they'll buy due to peer pressure and the perception (that if they don't), they'll be considered disloyal.
???Confused???
I'd prefer a Camry, but I think a Corolla fits my budget more...they arn't doing too well in the U.S., but at least they doing better than the other auto makers...
Manufacturing
All of the auto makers are hurting in the U.S., I work for a company that makes parts for many types of cars, Toyota and Honda included. Our buisiness is so slow that almost 50% of our people are getting laid off. I think I'm safe for now, but I did take have to take a pay cut and go back out on the floor. Hopefully things turn around soon.
I drive an 07 Mustang...
Shooting EM beams onto stuff and checking to see what comes out.
http://kikenshisou.wordpress.com
yea, it's as fishy as ceo cutting his own pay to $1
-evidence of overpaying during those gd old days.
student
http://www.gunpla-inochi.com
I would never drive a toyota. I think their cars are a crime against people who love to drive. I lived with a Toyota Camry for 2-3 years before I finally have my oh so peppy Acura TSX (Honda Accord) :D
student
http://www.gunpla-inochi.com
*ahem* correction to above: I would never buy a toyota. And this directors buying toyota thing sounds like a PR scheme.
machinery operator, eskimo, blame taker
I also drive a honda accord although the engine is modified so the fuel efficiency is poor compared to the original but still better than my mazda 1974 rx4 13b(rotary) powered beast approx 25l/100k's but it was superfast "but that is impossible officer my speedo only goes to 220km/h" does not work well after a 5 car 2 state chase
Student
http://www.lonelyguy0.blogspot.com/
I saw the Toyota IQ at youtube live Tokyo. It is a small and compact car. I personally prefer 4 sitter car rather than a 2 sitter car.
Student, part-time Haruhi wannabe (that bit about godhood etc)
http://www.aprilius20.com
Haha- what nonsense about forcing their execs to buy Toyota^^;
Toyotas are nice, but I prefer Mazda... the Mazda 6 and RX-8 in particular:)
a guy who cares (sort of...)
IQ is probably going to cost more than bigger but less "smart" designed Aygo and Yaris and Apsolyte - although small, IQ IS a 4 seater (probably the smallest one in the world).
still trying to figure it out...
http://pipopaz.wordpress.com/
would it really work though?
Network Architect, Administrator, Vmware Guru
http://www.finetoo.org/
Such an act is hogwash. 2200 sales may be nice, but they don't contribute to any long term growth plans or any sustainable development to the company. They're only technically collecting on a loss already perceived which doesn't incorporate profit.
It's going to be a difficult time for many auto makers, Toyota included. They'll have to innovate, get creative and tunnel their way out of this mess, purchases by directorship, alone, will not be enough.
Student, Otaku, She-Geek(Sheek lol)
http://meimi132.wordpress.com/
Getting their employees to buy cars? Don't sound right to me...
Mechanical Engineering student
http://sabekujikaneda.multiply.com/
I don't like small cars like that. If I were to own a car, I might get an SUV or something similar to a Mazda 3 (or 6, dunno the number but it looks like a sportscar) x_x
Close-protection officer/Martial artist
I don't believe in automobiles, they don't exist. You can go believe in these "cars" and your "unicorns," and I'll just be sitting here with my reality thanks. :P
Network Admin
Actually Toyota is dealing with this by cutting down the cars produced this year. They hit a bad spot by releasing the new Toyota Tacoma when the economy broke. However, they are the one car maker least effected by the economic downturn.
I hace a TOYOTA Yaris 2008
Tech Director / Programmer
Toyota is a-okay with me... hell, that's a pretty slick (and tiny) concept car...!
Student
of course, it is *completely optional*:P
Yea, they are forcing them to buy a car or face the consequences XD.
I have a toyota (scion) though...
Worker
http://wbd.deviantart.com/
Ugh, now there's a car that needs a re-do in the design department.
Civil Servant
http://kyokohunter.net/
It's a shame Toyota didn't adopt that concept front end for the mass-production IQ. I think it looks much better than their final choice. I'd like to see the FT-HS put into production, though!
Ninja / Engineer / Sensei / 魔法少女 (What!?! I can't be, I'm a guy...)
I like Toyota. I have a Camry, and a classic Celica Supra. But never in my life would I get the IQ. I think my IQ would go down if I drove in that thing.
Poet (not)
Aren't cars cheap in Japan? I suppose the directors could afford a car, or two (though I don't see how that will help the company in the long run)
Cars are pretty darn expensive here in Malaysia. For the average salaryman, buying a car (even the lousy, locally made one) means putting himself in debt for at least 5 years.
Dropping computers, starting all over again at Journalism
http://immalion.com
That's about the same as saying "We're doing nothing about it"
Because if those 2200 director are only buying if they want to, no changes right?
Or where they forbidden to buy Toyota cars before the crisis?
:P
Warehouse Employee
I actually work for Toyota Parts Centre Europe and up until now, we had some amazing years with lots of profit. This is the first time we're doing not so well. People with weekly contracts got sacked, leasing cars will be more expensive, we have try and cut back on what we can, ...
I'm also not so sure if this tactic above will work though... Toyotas are still quite expensive I think (at least for me).
The director of our warehouse said something like: "Toyota wouldn't be Toyota, if they wouldn't react and do something about this problem now."
Well, let's see what happens, 'ey?
I don't have a Toyota btw ^^;
IT manager
Social obligations in Japan are NEVER truly options. Working overtime, hanging out with the boss and co-workers after work or all sorts of activities like these are never truly optional. This "buy our own cars" thing is likely the same sort of thing. Never stated as a requirement, but strongly suggested, compelled and not truly an option.
Japanese society is pretty bad about those sorts of things even though it shows signs of pulling out of those sorts of behaviors. It wasn't long ago when women were serving tea... even if that woman was your boss!
Student
http://lordofgundams.blogspot.com/
I drive a 2003 Toyota Sequoia, one heck of a gas guzzler (14 city/18 mpg highway don't know km/l). I want to get a smaller vehicle like a Toyota Camry or a sedan.
System Integrator, IT/ITC Expert
http://www.digitalanime.com.br
I want a Toyota !!
Grocery Store Clerk
Me too. I have studied there company and did not final exam papers on them.
Plus there is more American parts in a Toyota than in a Ford and GM car.
College Freshmen
Nobody wants to buy anything which just makes everything worst. At least Toyota's not yet at the point of receiving a bailout which will give their CEOs a golden parachute.
anime, programmer, gfx designer, illustrator ^^
http://denkikoiji.com
i dont have a car T_T i want to get a car but that is going to be a while b4 i get a car lol ^^ maybe 3 or 4 years b5 i get a car i like lol ^^
Number Cruncher
http://anarmyofzakus.blogspot.com/
that looks like a Smart for 2 rehash!
Supreme Commander of NERV Co.
Love Toyota, But I prefer Nissan ^^
Guitarist
http://www.myspace.com/noelheresy
I love the Toyota Prius. It's sleek and attractive, fuel efficient... I wants one!