Where could Press go with Toyota. He was the wrong Nationality to ever make the top. With Chrysler he comes in with a clean slate and gobs of opportunity. The way Toyota operates they could have dumped Press for the problems selling the new Tundra and the GLITCHES with several models. There are only a few bright spots in the Toyota line-up if you look closely at the sales. No real SUVs are selling well. Not even the Highlander, which is not really an SUV.
You are right about Press, if I was him I probably would do the same. At the end of the day Toyota is still a Japanese company, it is very hard for a non-Japanese to make it to the very top.
By the way, can you please tell me which SUVs, whether it's Toyota or not, are doing well recently? As matter of fact, which pick up trucks are gaining in sales? Please don't bring up the lambdas because by your standard they are not really an SUV.
I'll give you bright spots in Toyota August sales:
- Camry up 1% DESPITE the Honda Accord clearance sale. - Prius up 25.7% - RAV4 up 10.8% - Tundra up 69.3% - 4Runner didn't post negative sales comparing to August '06. As matter of fact, it's up 0.1%. Oh by the way, this is a real SUV right? - ES350 up 8.4% - LS460 up 128.3% - Lexus passenger cars posted a best ever August with a 7.7% sales gain - Lexus last I checked is still the leading luxury brand in sales despite an outdated SUV/CUV lineup. The LX570 will be on sell late this year with the new RX350 coming next year. Also, rumor has it that Lexus is introducing a compact CUV slotted under the RX to compete with the RDX, X3 and EX.
Also, as matter of fact, GM increased its fleet sales to RENTAL CAR COMPANIES by a whopping 24% which I think played an important role of its rising in sales.
GM’s surprise was fueled by a 16.6 percent rise in light truck sales, and part of its overall increase came from a 24 percent jump in sales to rental car companies. GM and other U.S. automakers have been trying to cut those sales because they hurt brand image and resale values. Ballew said August was a one-time increase and GM will reduce sales to rental fleets through the rest of the year.
GM claimed this will be an one-time thing. However, my question is why even do it if they are already dedicated to cut fleet sales? This reminds me of a drug addict who kept telling people that: just one more time, just one more time. Definitely not good image wise for GM
The main thing that Honda and Toyota, their dealers as well as corporate, need to fight is arrogance. This was a major factor in the evolutionary success of the Japanese marques during the formative years of competition against Ford and GM. Ford's and GM's arrogance created an opening, and the Japanese marques, especially Honda and Toyota, capitalized on it. However, primarily Honda and Toyota are now the targets, and their arrogance may once again create an opening - this time for the American manufacturers.
So I guess he can be their "White Knight". His legacy is secure anyway. He put himself into a no lose situation. Who really expects Chrysler to ever have it's act together?
"Where could Press go with Toyota. He was the wrong Nationality to ever make the top."
That's what makes this an incredible move. He WAS at the top of a foreign manufacturer which is a great accomplishment for anyone no matter what nationality. I don't understand the move. From everything I've read the Japanese loved him and he could have done anything he wanted at Toyota. I do believe greed got the best of him as it does with most people of power. I'm sure Chrysler wagged a BIG CARROT in front of his nose. Mackabee
With 27 models for sale at ToyLex dealers in August, only 8 were in positive territory. That is not what I consider good. Out of that 8 positives only 3 are money makers. The 4Runner the only real SUV is actually down 18.8% for the year. I think their good showing in August was folks buying them over the FJ Cruiser that had a poor August showing. Looks like Lexus was the only real money maker for the month.
I think you are right. He was offered a salary that is considered good in the USA. I see posts all the time that Toyota does not pay their executives as much as the Big 3. He may have been well liked at Toyota. I bet he would never be in the top seat. So why stay when you see executives that are not as talented promoted because they are Japanese? If you think the head people at Toyota are not just as greedy, I got news for you. The salaries in Japan are more a reflection of culture. They are tied to the business culture that keeps executive compensation at a reasonable level. We do not have that kind of culture. So the more you make the more successful you are. We have executives in this country that are multi billionaires that never owned a company or started one. Where else does that happen?
Jim Press may want more than Toyota as a legacy. Kind of like Lee Iacocca, on top with the Mustang and went to Chrysler. The mini-van ring a bell.
Stop contradicting yourself, in the same post! :mad:
You try to work August YTY numbers against Toyota, then spin a good 4Runner August against it's yearly numbers. Traditional SUVs and minivans is a shrinking, segmented market. The fact that 4Runner can still get 100k a year proves the appeal of that truck. No Nissan can do that!
Last August was incredible, and this August was 2.8% less than incredible. Period.
And Lexus had a great month, with LS taking more business from S-Class.
I do. I've always had a soft spot for Chrysler cars. They actually have a pretty good sense of style and elegance, even back in the 90's. I've also known people with high mileage, and very little problems. Sure, I've also known a couple of people with lemons, but those were either the first Neon models or models that were just not maintained.
Look at the lifetime PT warranty that they are offering. Must be confident about something there... Now, hiring one of the top brass from one of the leaders in quality and reliability? I mean c'mon, Cerebus is putting their money where their mouths are IMO.
Again, this has nothing to do with a Toyota forum so I won't go any farther. I wish both companies good luck.
Okay, so now you want to talk about year to date numbers. Fine, then I'll give you the most important YTD figures:
Total Toyota Passenger Car: up 5% Total Lexus Passenger Car: up 14.9% Total Toyota Light Truck: up 3.4% Total Lexus Light Truck: down 8.5%
Don't forget that Lexus has a very dated SUV/CUV lineup. With the new LX570 coming this fall and RX350 next year there is no doubt that figure will improve tremendously. Also, rumor has it that Lexus has a compact crossover in the pipeline to compete with the RDX, EX and X3. I hope they'll drop the GX470.
I don't understand why you said only 3 models are money cows. First of all, ALL Lexus models are money cows, whether it's the high volume ES or the relatively speaking low volume LS. As for Toyota, Camry, RAV4 and Prius are all considered as money cows with their high sales volume. Right now I don't see Tundra as one because Toyota is buying their way into that market. If Tundra's incentive ever get lower (I doubt we'll see that soon) then it'll be a huge money maker for Toyota as well due to its high sales volume. Also, don't forget the new Highlander, the sales will pick up once the supply can keep up with the demand. The GM lambda trios better enjoy the good times because the new Highlander will no doubt take sales away from them.
Overall speaking, Toyota/Lexus is doing okay and looking good in the short term future.
Did they really say V6 Powered XC90 or did you just type it out wrong?
There is no V6 engine XC90. They must mean the old T6 engine that was discontinued last year. It was an inline 6 twin turbo motor that always had a lot of problems. The new 3.2 inline 6 in the XC90 is great and has none of the problems that the old motor did. It is similar to the engine in the S80, upcoming XC70/V70 and the LR2.
The other two engines in the XC90 were a T5 and the Yamaha designed V8. Both of which are good motors but the T5 is a little weak for the big Volvo.
In the article it did say V6-powered Volvo XC90. Maybe they meant the 6-cylinder model. The article is from CNNMoney so I wouldn't be surprised if they made that mistake. Majority of the people don't understand that "V" doesn't stand for cylinder. My friend still calls his 4-banger Accord a V4 from time to time despite that I had corrected him numerous times.
Really? what kinds of problems? I'm curious as I really like the XC design. Still one of the more handsome SUV's out there. I was told the 4-speed transmission that was hooked up to it was problematic (are Volvo tranny's that bad?) and the base 2.5 with the 5-speed was the more reliable, just a bit slower.
Ahh poor Volvo they get blamed for that weak transmission but it is actually made by GM. :surprise: The better 5 speed transmission that goes with the T5 wouldn't fit under the longer T6 so in comes the GM 4 speed that is well a bad tranny. I am sure all the heat from the twin turbos doesn't help either.
Aisin-Warner supplies the 5 speed and the new 6 speed automatics. The 4 speed isn't used anymore and hasn't been for a while.
The techs hated the T6 because of the twin turbos and all the piping they require makes working on the engine a PITA. All that heat cooks everything and causes all kinds of problems too. The New XC90s use a non-turbo charged 3.2 liter inline six that is similar to the engine in the LR2.
Proves folks want more power. I will admit that a 4 banger in a CUV is not enough. That is the reason for the lousy mileage shown in the Honda screaming 2.4L engine. Did the RAV4 pass the CRV in sales last month?
I don't think so, I believe the CR-V is still the best selling compact CUV. I was wondering why there aren't any domestic compact CUVs to be included in the comparo. The first one comes to mind is the new and improved Saturn Vue.
As for RAV4's look, I personally think it's the best looking compact CUV on the road right now. The front facsia looks aggressive, which is what I like and I prefer that kind of look on all SUVs/CUVs and trucks. And yes, even on a cute ute. The CR-V looks weird and Rouge looks too tamed.
One: I'd say around 3/4 of all Rav4s are 4-banger. But the V6 is an animal inside of it. Never was impressed with the ride quality, but it's hard to argue with it's inherent value. Easy vehicle to sell, but no mark-up.
Two: Rav4 outdid Escape (why wasn't it in comparison?), but won't ever catch the CR-V (around 23k for the Honda!)
Is it just me or Toyota is getting too Bangle-happy? This thing looks like a Banglized Smart. I would rather see Toyota applying some Lexus L-finesse philosophy into this thing than doing this.
The 2000GT from the 60s? As far as styling, I don't think Toyota has had any stand-outs since then, and that car just aped the best of the British sports cars of the day.
Since 2000, Toyota styling has just gotten really weird.
It is a hard knock for Toyota that Jim Press jumped ship. But it's a good thing that the new Accord looks virtually identical to a Hyundai Sonata. That should boost Camry sales. ;-)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
The Camry has a face only a mother could love. Or in your case, a body a $alesman could love. If you were selling Honda the Camry would be butt ugly!!!
Maybe the 92-96 Camry was a decent enough design, very clean and homogenous. The current Camry is tolerable only from some angles, not from any angle showing that hilarious front end, and not with the stuck on lower body cladding with is the equivalent to ground effects on a dishwasher. But, at least Toyota is moving on from the gigantic stretchd out headlights look, which always reminds me of a woman who has had about 10 too many facelifts.
Have to agree with Doc, the Camry in SE trim is not bad looking at all. I wouldn't call it standout but on the other hand no other midsize sedans can be considered as sexy either. Camry has to appeal to a broad range of customers so being "in-offensive" is top priority for Toyota designers.
When was the last Toyota with good exterior design anyway???
If you take the Lexus Brand under consideration then I'll say all the sedans are pretty good looking with the L-finesse design philosophy. Well, maybe except the ES, from some angle it just looks odd.
The Scion tC isn't bad either. RAV4 could be the best looking compact CUV out there.
That's why there are so many designs in this market. This Gen Camry is by far, IMHO, the best design of all....and I've owned 4 of them. The previous Gen was the weakest of all. It's the one Gen I didn't own - but drove nearly everyday from 2001 to 2006.
When was the last Toyota with good exterior design anyway???
The last Supra was decent, but a bit too derivative of the contemporary Celica. I think the last really nice looking car from the Yote was the original Lexus SC.
There is actually something about the current SC430 that I like. I can't put my finger on it, but it is just overall an elegant design IMO. Only real gripe I've had has been the wheel design. They always look so heavy.
My, some of those contours look they they were heavily influnced by an old 40's HardTop. That first picture, wow. I mean it looks like it was designed for a rumble seat in the trunk!
I think the last really nice looking car from the Yote was the original Lexus SC.
You won my VOTE there. I think the original SC300/400 was one of the best looking cars EVER! I see a black one in my old neighborhood. It looks as good as the day it was new.
Not in my garage. That is a POOR looking roadster. Nothing clean about those lines. Face it Lexus has lost their direction. Started out with a bang and slowly went down hill. The new LS460 may be the exception. Or maybe it was the paint job that looked good.
I don't like the SC430 much either, however I am eagerly waiting for Lexus to unveil the next gen L-finesse inspired SC. I don't know what you talking about Lexus lost its direction. The new sedan lineup looks better than ever starting with the GS, IS and big bang finish by the LS. It's okay for you to keep living in the 90s but Lexus can't stay there with you. They have so many customers to satisfy in the 21st Century. By its ever increasing sales number I'd say they are definitely on the right track.
You are right the ES & LS are doing well. The GS300 is off 11% this year. The GS430 is off 51% this year. The IS models are breaking even for the year. NONE of the CUV/SUVs are in the plus column this year. So I don't think they are appealing to their intended market. I would like to have a new vehicle. I just don't see anything worth pulling money out of the bank to buy.
Comments
By the way, can you please tell me which SUVs, whether it's Toyota or not, are doing well recently? As matter of fact, which pick up trucks are gaining in sales? Please don't bring up the lambdas because by your standard they are not really an SUV.
I'll give you bright spots in Toyota August sales:
- Camry up 1% DESPITE the Honda Accord clearance sale.
- Prius up 25.7%
- RAV4 up 10.8%
- Tundra up 69.3%
- 4Runner didn't post negative sales comparing to August '06. As matter of fact, it's up 0.1%. Oh by the way, this is a real SUV right?
- ES350 up 8.4%
- LS460 up 128.3%
- Lexus passenger cars posted a best ever August with a 7.7% sales gain
- Lexus last I checked is still the leading luxury brand in sales despite an outdated SUV/CUV lineup. The LX570 will be on sell late this year with the new RX350 coming next year. Also, rumor has it that Lexus is introducing a compact CUV slotted under the RX to compete with the RDX, X3 and EX.
GM’s surprise was fueled by a 16.6 percent rise in light truck sales, and part of its overall increase came from a 24 percent jump in sales to rental car companies. GM and other U.S. automakers have been trying to cut those sales because they hurt brand image and resale values. Ballew said August was a one-time increase and GM will reduce sales to rental fleets through the rest of the year.
GM claimed this will be an one-time thing. However, my question is why even do it if they are already dedicated to cut fleet sales? This reminds me of a drug addict who kept telling people that: just one more time, just one more time. Definitely not good image wise for GM
Source: Ford, Toyota, Chrysler report August sales fell
DrFill
That's what makes this an incredible move. He WAS at the top of a foreign manufacturer which is a great accomplishment for anyone no matter what nationality. I don't understand the move. From everything I've read the Japanese loved him and he could have done anything he wanted at Toyota. I do believe greed got the best of him as it does with most people of power. I'm sure Chrysler wagged a BIG CARROT in front of his nose.
Mackabee
Jim Press may want more than Toyota as a legacy. Kind of like Lee Iacocca, on top with the Mustang and went to Chrysler. The mini-van ring a bell.
You try to work August YTY numbers against Toyota, then spin a good 4Runner August against it's yearly numbers. Traditional SUVs and minivans is a shrinking, segmented market. The fact that 4Runner can still get 100k a year proves the appeal of that truck. No Nissan can do that!
Last August was incredible, and this August was 2.8% less than incredible. Period.
And Lexus had a great month, with LS taking more business from S-Class.
DrFill
Look at the lifetime PT warranty that they are offering. Must be confident about something there... Now, hiring one of the top brass from one of the leaders in quality and reliability? I mean c'mon, Cerebus is putting their money where their mouths are IMO.
Again, this has nothing to do with a Toyota forum so I won't go any farther. I wish both companies good luck.
Total Toyota Passenger Car: up 5%
Total Lexus Passenger Car: up 14.9%
Total Toyota Light Truck: up 3.4%
Total Lexus Light Truck: down 8.5%
Don't forget that Lexus has a very dated SUV/CUV lineup. With the new LX570 coming this fall and RX350 next year there is no doubt that figure will improve tremendously. Also, rumor has it that Lexus has a compact crossover in the pipeline to compete with the RDX, EX and X3. I hope they'll drop the GX470.
I don't understand why you said only 3 models are money cows. First of all, ALL Lexus models are money cows, whether it's the high volume ES or the relatively speaking low volume LS. As for Toyota, Camry, RAV4 and Prius are all considered as money cows with their high sales volume. Right now I don't see Tundra as one because Toyota is buying their way into that market. If Tundra's incentive ever get lower (I doubt we'll see that soon) then it'll be a huge money maker for Toyota as well due to its high sales volume. Also, don't forget the new Highlander, the sales will pick up once the supply can keep up with the demand. The GM lambda trios better enjoy the good times because the new Highlander will no doubt take sales away from them.
Overall speaking, Toyota/Lexus is doing okay and looking good in the short term future.
Honda CR-V
Honda Element
Lexus ES
Lexus LS
Toyota 4Runner
Toyota Highlander
Toyota Land Cruiser
Toyota Prius
Toyota RAV4
Bad bets list:
BMW 7-series
Infiniti QX56
Jaguar X-type
V8-powered Mercedes-Benz M-class
Mercedes-Benz SL
Nissan Armada
Nissan Titan
Volkswagen Touareg
V6-powered Volvo XC90
Interesting observations:
- Honda and Toyota swept the good bets list with Toyota takes 7 out of the 10 spots. You rock, Toyota. Kudos to Honda as well.
- Except the 3 Nissan entries, the bad bets list consists nothing but European brands.
- Domestic models weren't included in either list, I guess that's more good than bad.
Did they really say V6 Powered XC90 or did you just type it out wrong?
There is no V6 engine XC90. They must mean the old T6 engine that was discontinued last year. It was an inline 6 twin turbo motor that always had a lot of problems. The new 3.2 inline 6 in the XC90 is great and has none of the problems that the old motor did. It is similar to the engine in the S80, upcoming XC70/V70 and the LR2.
The other two engines in the XC90 were a T5 and the Yamaha designed V8. Both of which are good motors but the T5 is a little weak for the big Volvo.
Drive Your Car to Death, Save $31,000
In the article it did say V6-powered Volvo XC90. Maybe they meant the 6-cylinder model. The article is from CNNMoney so I wouldn't be surprised if they made that mistake. Majority of the people don't understand that "V" doesn't stand for cylinder. My friend still calls his 4-banger Accord a V4 from time to time despite that I had corrected him numerous times.
I think their point is cars that last with low maintenance. Many domestics last, but they require more effort and parts. Good old "Sweat Equity"!
DrFill
But I never heard of too many issues motor-wise.
Aisin-Warner supplies the 5 speed and the new 6 speed automatics. The 4 speed isn't used anymore and hasn't been for a while.
The techs hated the T6 because of the twin turbos and all the piping they require makes working on the engine a PITA. All that heat cooks everything and causes all kinds of problems too. The New XC90s use a non-turbo charged 3.2 liter inline six that is similar to the engine in the LR2.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=122496?tid=edmund- - s.il.home.photopanel..1.*
When I sold, selling a Rav4 against a CR-V was pretty simple, and they seems to see what eyesore.
DrFill
Why do I just know I'm going to regret this post? :shades:
I mean, Cerberus is hiring away all the top-notch Toyota and Lexus people. :shades:
I mean, Cerberus is hiring away all the top-notch Toyota and Lexus people.
The BOLD part is why he doesn't have to worry about being hired away...
I am curious - are you going to wind back up in the car biz or have you retired for good?
As for RAV4's look, I personally think it's the best looking compact CUV on the road right now. The front facsia looks aggressive, which is what I like and I prefer that kind of look on all SUVs/CUVs and trucks. And yes, even on a cute ute. The CR-V looks weird and Rouge looks too tamed.
The freshened Escape, perhaps, as well.
"I'm going to Cerberus!" just doesn't work.
As the people will attest, I'm only "Top-notch" in my own mind.
I am officially retired from the business. I save my enthusiasm for you!
DrFill
Hear BMW is big over thur now. I'll see ya when I see ya!
DrFill
One: I'd say around 3/4 of all Rav4s are 4-banger. But the V6 is an animal inside of it. Never was impressed with the ride quality, but it's hard to argue with it's inherent value. Easy vehicle to sell, but no mark-up.
Two: Rav4 outdid Escape (why wasn't it in comparison?), but won't ever catch the CR-V (around 23k for the Honda!)
DrFill
Source:
Inside Line
Car Online
Toyota understand durability, not so often good styling.
When was the last Toyota with good exterior design anyway???
Last gen Celica maybe?
Since 2000, Toyota styling has just gotten really weird.
It is a hard knock for Toyota that Jim Press jumped ship. But it's a good thing that the new Accord looks virtually identical to a Hyundai Sonata. That should boost Camry sales. ;-)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
DrFill
Maybe the 92-96 Camry was a decent enough design, very clean and homogenous. The current Camry is tolerable only from some angles, not from any angle showing that hilarious front end, and not with the stuck on lower body cladding with is the equivalent to ground effects on a dishwasher. But, at least Toyota is moving on from the gigantic stretchd out headlights look, which always reminds me of a woman who has had about 10 too many facelifts.
If you take the Lexus Brand under consideration then I'll say all the sedans are pretty good looking with the L-finesse design philosophy. Well, maybe except the ES, from some angle it just looks odd.
The Scion tC isn't bad either. RAV4 could be the best looking compact CUV out there.
Beauty is in ......etc, etc
The last Supra was decent, but a bit too derivative of the contemporary Celica. I think the last really nice looking car from the Yote was the original Lexus SC.
2002-2004:
2005-2006:
2007:
Source: MSN Auto
My, some of those contours look they they were heavily influnced by an old 40's HardTop. That first picture, wow. I mean it looks like it was designed for a rumble seat in the trunk!
You won my VOTE there. I think the original SC300/400 was one of the best looking cars EVER! I see a black one in my old neighborhood. It looks as good as the day it was new.