Toyota on the mend?

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Comments

  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    But don't they outsource the shipping part of the job.

    Then the question is, who had possession? The auto maker, or the shipping company? And if the latter, was there insurance on those cars?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/05/mercedes-benz-reportedly-recalling-136-000-m-- class-models-over-c/

    Hitting the brakes may not turn off the cruise control, so the truck would accelerate back to the set cruising speed all by itself.

    No word yet on if they used Toyota suppliers. Or if Germany threatened to close a US military base on its land. :P
  • samm43samm43 Member Posts: 195
    Mercedes dealers will replace the switch for affected customers when the recall begins in September.

    September??
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Makes you feel warm and fuzzy, doesn't it? LOL
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    In related news, SUA blamed on BSOD. :D
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Lots of cars around here get fixed by turning them off and restarting them (soft boot).

    For the tough problems, you have to disconnect the battery (hard boot). :shades:
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Pretty soon we'll be "servicing" them with a laptop.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited April 2011
    Well sure, the OBDII devices are chip based aren't they? And the device functions are beginning to be accessible from the dashboard. It's not much of a stretch to call up your car on your smartphone to remote start it, change the radio dial, set a new destination in the NAV and turn the AC on.

    The car can then text you back when the temp gets down to 68. Then you'll wind up with sudden unintended friending of the Miata next door and the horn will keep tweeting. :shades:

    And don't forget the Edmunds Android App when you're loading up your smartphone or tablet.

    Oh, and here's Straightline's story on Toyota's Cloud Power:

    Toyota and Microsoft Team Up for Cloud-Based Telematics Platform
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Is there a BBerry version of the Edmunds app yet?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    lol, you're asking a guy with a prepaid cell in a drawer around here that rarely gets turned on.

    Try this:

    "You can access Edmunds.com Mobile by typing www.edmunds.com or m.edmunds.com into your mobile device's browser."

    About Edmunds and Inside Line Mobile.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Could be my carrier but even the m. site loads sloooooooooooowly.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I'm sure that's a feature, not a bug. After you look up prices on six or eight cars, the salesperson will give you a great deal just to get rid of you. :P
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    What good is an unlimited plan if it's slow, right?

    You're in the dealer and you give up because of download speeds, LOL.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Fin - last night saw that the LS was slowest in its class, but the speed through that slalom was quicker than the SUVs on that page, so not the slowest overall.

    Also, the speed was within 1.5mph of the Malibu, FWIW, so not unusually slow or anything like that.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/08/monaco-commissions-a-lexus-ls-600h-for-the-ot- her-royal-wedding/
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,611
    Now that's product placement
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Toyota to halt North America vehicle output for 5 days this month
    Ryan Beene


    Toyota Motor Corp. will suspend production at its North American assembly plants for five days this month due to earthquake-related parts shortages. All but one of Toyota's assembly plants are scheduled to be idled on April 15, 18, 21, 22 and 25,...
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Funny.

    NHTSA complaints for Toyota SUA start at half the rate of complaints for Ford.

    Then Japan says it wants to close a US military base.

    All hell breaks loose.

    Oops, they're sorry, you can keep the base open.

    Complaints plunge 96% per CR May 2011, p. 16.

    I'm sure that timing is pure coincidence. :D
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    Lest ye forget. The same guy that is in charge of the military bases, is in charge of the NHTSA and Government Motors. But you have to believe in conspiracies and wear a funny hat made of tinfoil with a propeller on top.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Automakers should be thankful they're not based in Libya. LOL
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    I don't think an automaker in any of the Arab countries would be profitable. If you look at the demographics in countries like Libya and Saudi Arabia, most of the folks doing the actual work are foreigners. Better just to send the vehicles over to be blown up. Preferably the ones with defects and SUA. :blush:
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    Seems anything that can go wrong will go wrong. Obama Motors in the recall spotlight. Must be Karma.

    Chevy Recalls Cruze After A Steering Wheel Falls Off

    http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2011/04/10/chevy-recalls-cruze-after-a-steerin- g-wheel-falls-off/?mod=google_news_blog
  • berriberri Member Posts: 10,165
    So is the UAW back to its old ways, or did GM hire back some retired engineers from the 70's and 80's? This sure isn't something you'd expect with today's quality control techniques. What's next, dashboards in your lap?
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    Mighty scary ride.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2_b4V6C4aM
  • tlongtlong Member Posts: 5,194
    Obama Motors

    It think that's Bush-Obama Motors. :shades:

    Isn't this the Toyota forum?
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/11/report-china-suspends-jeep-wrangler-importati- on-over-safety-con/

    China blocks Jeep imports.

    I wonder if the USA closed a Chinese military base on US soil? ;)

    Also not the only Chrysler fire in the news, this happened down the street from where I work:

    http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/11/video-dodge-durango-catches-fire-during-d-c-c- herry-blossom-par/

    explorerx4: remember I said my buddy was shopping an Explorer and F150 Crew Cab? Durango was on his short list, too. Was. He was there for the Cherry Blossom Parade and saw the Car-B-Q. :surprise:

    Tundra is also on his list (his dad owns one) but I have a feeling he'll go with one of the EcoBoosts.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Lexus is under-reporting the HP output big time:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjhocJ4QgBk&feature=youtu.be

    That thing sounds awesome!
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Bummer, air bag could blow up in your face.

    Toyota loses the lead for 2011. Let's hope they can catch up... ;)

    Ford expands F-150 recall by 1 million pickups

    Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110414/RETAIL05/110419932/1- 254#ixzz1JWgQ5VVB
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/13/psa-japan-automakers-have-lost-half-a-million- -units-since-quake/
  • anythngbutgmanythngbutgm Member Posts: 4,277
    TTAC Contest: What Did Toyota Offer GM To Keep NUMMI Open?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited April 2011
    Customers "are anticipating shortages and higher prices for the Prius and compensating by NOT considering a Prius."

    Are Prius Consumers Too Smart? (AutoObserver)

    image

    In the Japanese/Korean battle zone:

    "Hyundai's Prius fighter, which was previewed two years ago in the Hyundai Blue-Will Concept, is bound for production, as the Korean automaker confirms that it will roll out two more 40-mpg cars in the "next couple years."

    Hyundai Confirms Prius Fighter Headed for Production: 2011 New York Auto Show (Inside Line)
  • lemkolemko Member Posts: 15,261
    edited April 2011
    I imagine the recent earthquakes in Japan would make Priuses even more scarce. They could always go for the Insight or a number of other hybrids as an alternative.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited April 2011
    You'd think so but since everyone else thinks so, there's apparently plenty of inventory.

    There's only six Prii within a couple hundred miles of here, but this isn't a typical market.
  • samm43samm43 Member Posts: 195
    I always felt Prius(s) would have been the best choice when they voted on the plural of Prius. Too bad it wasn't an option. I can't believe they had such a vote.
    AAMOF, even more ridiculous, I can't believe I just typed this post. :sick:

    Sam
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Well, sure, but there's only six McDonald's within a couple of hundred miles of you as well....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    There are a few advantages that make up for the remoteness. (Smithsonian)
  • fezofezo Member Posts: 10,386
    Nice article. I love it up your way but talking the Mrs. into another trip up there is a tad difficult. Of course I have managed to make all my trips up there (about a half dozen) in the summer....
    2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    That article makes me want to take a vacation up that way. In the Summer of course. So many places in the USA I have not been to that are beautiful in their own special way. I think a place there for the Summer would be nice and a beach house in Florida for the Winter. Speaking of GW, looks like the UP is below normal this year as well as the rest of US.

    To stay on topic, if Toyota would sell a nice diesel Highlander sized SUV, I could afford to take a vacation UP your way.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Where'd they find gas for just $3.80?

    $4.199 for 87 octane in Potomac this morning. Super is $4.50 something. Diesel also rounds up to $5. $5 is around the corner I'm sure. Maybe by Memorial Day.

    Local dealers are feeling it - Fitz price is up $1200 more than it was a few weeks ago (from $23.3k to $24.5k), last time I checked, and they're down to just 15 in stock.

    Supply and demand at work.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Just spent a week there on Spring Break. Beautiful weather and beaches, BTW.

    Seems like Mitsubishi is #1 there, oddly enough. Every other car is a Lancer. Toyota a distant 2nd, with Yaris most common by far (3 door, 5 door, and sedan).

    Not a lot of domestics there, but Ford probably leads Chevy by a wide margin in that race.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    It looks like So CA is down to 983 Prius on the lots. Right after the earthquake I checked and it was over 2400. So they are selling. With gas here over $4 everywhere, and up to $5 at some stations, the Prius should be popular.
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I bet we'll see $6 gas in Beverly Hills.

    Then again I doubt they care what gas costs.
  • anythngbutgmanythngbutgm Member Posts: 4,277
    edited April 2011
    Maybe some can get a good deal on the Volts that aren't selling

    363 to choose from
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    I just long to see our freeways empty so I can have the roads all to myself. :shades:

    Probably get stuck behind a Prius trying to get as good a mileage as a VW TDI. :blush:
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    I'm with you ... been enjoying the lighter traffic lately.

    I'm all for public transportation subsidies, too. Make subway rides free, and tax my gas to pay for it, no problem!

    I tend to drive efficient vehicles anyway. Getting about 25-27mpg in my roadster, and I can actually enjoy driving it.
  • tlongtlong Member Posts: 5,194
    Maybe some can get a good deal on the Volts that aren't selling

    It's that GM Lutz/Wagoner triple play at work. Light hybrid - OUT. Two mode hybrid - OUT. Volt - OUT. End of inning!

    Meanwhile, the Prius keeps on selling.....
  • berriberri Member Posts: 10,165
    You've got to be honest though - it looks like the Japanese are going to have supply chain issues for awhile, so Ford and GM have an unusual opportunity. The question is - will they be able to capitalize on it?
  • tlongtlong Member Posts: 5,194
    edited April 2011
    You've got to be honest though - it looks like the Japanese are going to have supply chain issues for awhile, so Ford and GM have an unusual opportunity. The question is - will they be able to capitalize on it?

    Not wishing bad on Japan, but between the Toyota screwups of the last year and then the earthquake, Ford and GM are both being helped. But it still appears that Ford is doing much better than GM (justifiably IMHO) and is gaining market share.

    It stiill remains to be seen if Toyota has learned from all their recent mistakes. They are reminding me more and more of the old GM, although their products are not nearly as bad. But their lineup looks old and boring toc me.

    GM is doing respectably, but has the shadow of the bailout. I still think they should have renamed the company and rebranded it, but the wise CEOs saw fit not to do that. GM always had illusions about their brand strength (suggesting that just by being a Chevy that is like mom and apple pie is enough to sustain sales!) but at least hear on the left coast, their brand is a liability, not a benefit.

    It will be interesting to see how the domestic makers' sales pan out over the next year or two. IMHO Ford will do very well, C is not going to go anywhere much, and GM will probably plod along. I'm not at all convinced that GM is doing enough to resurrect themselves.
  • anythngbutgmanythngbutgm Member Posts: 4,277
    Got a good laugh out of a CBS piece that was on yesterday. An interview with a reporter regarding the crash test scores of the Volt and Leaf and he ended up going on about how difficult a time Government Motors is having keeping up with demand for the Volt...

    Can't make enough of them, yet there are 363 brand new ones that are currently unsold on the market :confuse:

    Huge demand there.... Huge. :sick:
  • ateixeiraateixeira Member Posts: 72,587
    Agree that there is a HUGE opportunity for competitors to steal real amounts of market share, but I think the supply chain issues have affected Ford hybrids as well.

    The real gainers may be Hyundai/Kia, if they have secured their supply chain. Sonata hybrid is out and the Optima model is on the way.

    Also, this could be a big boost to the new crop of 40mpg compacts, like the Cruze Evo, Fiesta, Focus SFE, Elantra, Mazda3 SkyActiv, etc.

    Again, assuming they don't have supplier constraints.
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