Can Toyota keep on Truckin'?

Can the Japanese juggernaut keep rolling? Or is it stretching itself too thin?
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Reminds me of June 22, 1941 - at least in the long run. Could be a possibility.

Toyota, again earned my respect by acknowledging that it too has problems. How often do you hear a German piss-offs admitting they build "crappiest" cars sold in the U.S.? German POS constantly places last place in the reliability survey and that is a FACT not a theory or emotion.

Can someone show me a study done where a single German car earned a betterthan average on the reliability? I think BMW has done it once or twice..but the rest are always at the bottom of the well. Eat this trolls.

nicehomer U ARE MY HERO !!!!

Toyota, again earned my respect by acknowledging that it too has problems. How often do you hear a German piss-offs admitting they build "crappiest" cars sold in the U.S.? German POS constantly places last place in the reliability survey and that is a FACT not a theory or emotion.



Nicehomer doing what he does best: TROLLING. So because Toyota admits they have some problems, they're ok in your book? The Europeans admitted a long time ago they have problems and they're fixing them, believe me. And as has already been stated many times, improvements in European cars won't show up on JD Powers overnight. Did the recalls affect Toyota's JD Power rankings? No.

Also, let's not overblow things. Customers of European cars have higher expectations than buyers of "new" unproven Japanese luxury brands. One reason why Lexus did so well in the early 1990s: because they were a new unproven brand and people literally had ZERO expectations from them.

And for your information, I drive a "POS German car" (C230) which has been trouble free. In your words: EAT THIS, TROLL.

homer, what are all these reliability problems with German cars?

Lets see what the list is.

Willis,

Customers of European cars have higher expectations than buyers of "new" unproven Japanese luxury brands.
<----Explain how is it then Toyota not to mention Nissan has been increasing in a double digits!

Another thing...1) Lexus LS400 in 1989 changed concept of so many things including Services that POS German cars were so unknown for. 2) It was infact proven very well on their first year..and by their 4th year on the market, the Lexus has actually surpassed Mercedes Benz which was the powerhouse in late 80's. Audi, was still small and struggling as it is now. BMW was doing good but not making too much profit back then either. The Lexus came and it boosted Germans by giving them a shock treatment in short. Without Lexus..Germans would be nowhere it now stands..POS still but that's beside the point.

Sheepdog

Customers of European cars have higher expectations than buyers of "new" unproven Japanese luxury brands.
<----Explain how is it then Toyota not to mention Nissan has been increasing in a double digits in European sector is what i meant to say.

wasn't the nissan titan the least reliable pick-up?
and audi, small and struggling? audi with world wide sales figures 10 times higher than lexus?

Nicehomer, you truly are a moron and a troll.

Lexus was a new brand in 1989. New brand = unproven. Someone who bought a Lexus back then would have had no expectations because there was nothing to expect. There was no data on them etc.

The European brands have been around for awhile and have established their reputation. People expect something from them.

I agree that Lexus woke up the Germans, but you're always assuming that they're doing nothing. Here's a hint: they're doing something.

Rupert, I personally don't care about sale numbers. I already explained this: NETPROFIT VS. VOLUME.

Remember Audiwagon lost 2 billion dollars in the U.S. from 2003-05 and I'm sure number didn't reflect this factoid.

sheepdog

Willis,

It was proven. Does Toyota light up your brain at all? Think about it you German POS car troll, in 4 short years..Lexus delivered a knockout punch on a MB by unseating them..didn't take long did it? Prove me that, I'm imagining something here...MB has been selling lux. cars in the U.S. for howlong? 50 years? vs. Lexus only released in 1989 and by 1993..MB was beaten in the most important automarket in the world. U.S. Explain that to me, crackhead?

sheepdog

What's there to explain? And why are you changing the subject? How did we get from JD Powers to sales?

You want to know how Lexus overtook MB in sales?

1) Cheaper: and as you are aware (as a Japanese car fanboy), Japan purchases large amounts of US Dollars which keeps their currency artificially weak and makes their products cheaper in the US. This isn't legal, but a smartass like you would know that already. Lexus also can't charge prestige prices like the Germans can, because they don't have the same prestige as the Europeans.

2) Quality: Yes, MB (and other German cars) took a hit and now they're paying the price. You're still ignoring the fact that quality can improve. My C230 is a quality car. I picked it over the BMW 325i, Saab 9-3 and the Lexus IS250. To me, it drove better than your precious Lexus IS250.

3) Created for America: Lexus was specifically created for America, so they could afford to equip their cars with powerful fuel-inefficient engines and not have to worry about the environmental impact. MB (and other European brands) have to optimize their engines for the same market. So currently, the IS350 can have 306-hp and get away with it in the US. The Benz C350 is rated at what? 268-hp? And that's because the engine was optimized for a variety of markets: Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Australia etc.

And stop calling German cars "POS". Toyotas were PIECES OF SHIT (in your own words) during the 1950s with appaling quality etc. Do you know who saved them? The US Army. We gave them contracts to produce military vehicles for us for the Korean War right next door. At the same time, we improved their quality control using US-methods. People forget that the American car industry was top-notch in the 1950s and halfway trough the 1960s and that many of our methods were copied, especially by the Japanese.

Off topic, but I hope you learned something, TROLL.

Oh, and one more things. I am not a German car fan. I am not a Japanese car fan. And I am not an American or Korean car fan. I like all cars from all countries regardless. So once again, zip it, TROLL!

What's there to explain? And why are you changing the subject? How did we get from JD Powers to sales? <--It was reply to Rupert.

1)cheaper..not true..How about higher value, instead of adding prices just for a namesake.
2)Quality..correct.
3)Correct.
Yes, you are right about Japanese copying and adopting Americans however, remember Americans copyed and improved German War Products..there's no shame in this.
I'm confused why you've wrote such a long bullshit story..which is almost exact samething, I have been saying all along. Anyhow..

Yes, Lexus adds value to their products and that's another factor that has made them successful.

Why are you so anti-German anyway? Without the Germans, we'd still be riding horses to work, flying in propeller aircraft, we'd never launch rockets into space and so much more. The Germans contributed a lot to human technology. Accept that.

separate the diff. between German cars and German people you fool. I will bash German cars for being a POS. and that's all this is about..having fun bashing the crap out of it for awhile and watch German kids having an heartattack.

nicehomer, you brought up sales with "Lexus has actually surpassed Mercedes Benz which was the powerhouse in late 80's. Audi, was still small and struggling as it is now."
i was responding to you saying audi is small and sttruggling, when it is bigger than lexus and is most definitely not stuggling.

Toyota/Lexus is here to stay , they are opening plants
left and right in the US creating more jobs for the real american people. Unlike the so call BIG 3 (american company ) cant close plants and dealerships fast enought to save there ass, and the worst part is creating low paying jobs ( Mexico ) else where but home land the good old USA . WHAT A SHAME !!!!!!

Not to mention that they are the company opening plants, while most others are closing them.

What we have to remember is that the media finds it very easy to publicize a plant closure. The Big 3 open plants (or ramp up production of certain vehicles) and the media does nothing. I've heard media reports about how GM is closing their Ypsilanti and another engineering facility. What no one tells you is the MASSIVE construction going on to move all those engineering capabilities under 1 roof in Pontiac, MI. Closing certain plants doesn't necessarily translate into leaving America, its part of business.

Its funny how people believe that if I open a plant in the USA I am supporting the American work force.. funny my company then gets a tax break for doing this and then takes all the profit and exports it a differnt country... and how is this helping the USA???? Just because its made here does not mean the money stays here.. And the first thing that company is going to do is close plants here once it hits hardship or finds its cheaper to build cars across our boarders... just my thoughts and I don't expete people to agree with me.. just trying to make people think were the money goes.. read out of this country and into another... we lose because of it

Can the Japanese juggernaut keep rolling? Or is it stretching itself too thin?
====================================================

Reminds me of June 22, 1941 - at least in the long run. Could be a possibility.


Hey, BMW530i why did you post this?

The question was Can the Japanese juggernaut keep rolling? You are such a hypocrate. You called me a racial person due to bashing the crap out of German cars and here you come to a Toyota site and types in the dates of war that occured in 1941. What is your point? Its totally irrelevant. Why did you post this? I will be after you from now on til the end of the sunset. I'll be after you like a pack of dogs after a 3 legged cat bud. Looking forward.

sheepdog

nicehomer like i say BMW530i is a racist guy he live in the 40's, and 50's for too long. He shouldn't be bring up war and mixing it with cars. He just someone that won't learn no matter how educated he is.

Hey Watistat,

You know shit about me and my life, so shut up with your racist accusations.

Why do I get the feeling that you're another Nicehomer personality started by him...

BMW530i,

i wouldn't say the racist accusations are too far off...you did drop the word 'fag' in another thread. i'm offended by being both a gay guy and a human being. would you drop the N-bomb here in a thread? ...doesn't sound too far off now does it?

what happened on june 22 1941 that could cause offence?
and i don't think bmw530i is racist, and he's certainly one hell of a lot less rude than nicehomer, who drops fag, POS, and various other swear words and offensive terms into all of his posts.
even in the thread "German POS car troll", and german POS is repeated many many times.
ever though you might offend german people, dumkopf?

Dallas,

Alright, I lost my cool with these bullshit posting Lexus fanboys (Nicehomer and Watisthat). I'm sincerely sorry and I am not homophobic nor do I have anything against homosexuals.

From an outside points of view, nicehomer, you seem more like evilhomer. You just seem angry all the time. Relax a little, catch a drink after work or something. After all, this is just an automotive forum.

BMW530i why do u have feeling for me.......i am scared......LOL......no i am not nicehomer your feeling is wrong. Again some idiot think i am (Will or nicehomer). BMW530i were not the Germany Carboys that have alot of account deboosting Lexus fan.

BMW530i,

thanks. i really appreciate that. :) it did seem a little unlike you...we typically agree on most posts, that's why it was a bit of a shock.

anyway, i agree that Toyota's quality is slipping BAD! they are having major growing pains. i came from a honda family and bought my MR2 Spyder in march of 2000 when they first came out....6 years, 89k miles, 4 engines, one transmission, 3 struts, and countless headaches (and other repairs) later i should have stuck with Honda or gone to a diffrent brand. that is one thing i respect about Honda. they aren't trying to take over the world and have a diffrent car for every Tom, Dick and Jane out there. they have their core models and expand only when nececary, focusing more in reliability and quality. i mean seriously...is there a need to have both the highlander AND the RAV4 in the same showroom? Toyota is trying so hard to be a copy of Chevorlet it's not even funny. if they aren't careful, they'll have the same reputation.

The Toyota Corolla looks like an F1 car.

lol 530i, ur a big fat racist, jk i think.

Yes, go back to your sewing machine and be productive...

June 22, 1941

Look it up.

In the end, their supply lines were STRETCHED TO THE LIMIT. Something similar can happen to Toyota in terms of production. Supply cannot keep up with demand and quality might slip. It's happened already with the recent recalls.

This date and post have nothing to do with racism.

yes, the overstretched GERMAN supply lines in their ill-advised invasion of the USSR doomed them to eventual failure.

likewise, the long lines in japan's overexpanded empire in wwII. (short-lived but largest empire ever in history; vast tracts were empty ocean)

the comparison IS STILL TOTALLY INVALID!

what is the relation of overstretched supply lines in WARTIME have to do with peacetime dispersal of assembly plants? nothing!

meant "what DOES the relation..."

Exactly. That example and date just came to mind. The Germans overstretched their supply lines (Toyota has to cope with rising demand and supply issues) - in a way, the same thing. IN A WAY. ;)

Toyota has said that the quality on the new Tundra is going to be excellent,they have done alot of R&D on the new Tundra to increase the quality to what a Toyota should be,the concepts they made for the auto shows,were driven and disassembled completely to find any flaws before they go on the assembly line...
Toyota is going to do the same to all the Toyota models.

lolol 530i, nooooo not the name. i was wondering when someone would do that, congrats.

"Finding a glaring weakness is difficult, but Toyota's future moves may not be as successful as those in its past, said Liker, the U-M professor."


this guy is a professor? does he think toyota is subject to Alzheimer's, as he probably is? why would future moves NOT be as successful, if not even MORE successful, than in the past? do corporate cultures GET DUMBER as time advances? LOL!



"The rest of the industry is catching up fast, he said. GM has learned and instituted many of the Toyota principles from the jointly owned California plant."


gm WASTED YEARS before they made any use at all of the lean production system their managers learned from toyota.
this "catching up fast" is only relative to his SLOW MOTION concept of time.

i understand journalists always try to get at least two views on any issue. he got good interviews of people respecting toyota.
if this Liker guy was the best he could get among people pessimistic about toyota, it only reflects on how generally ill informed THAT camp is.

this "catching up fast" is only relative to his SLOW MOTION concept of time.

mercedes itself has admitted they are FIVE YEARS BEHIND lexus. so much for "long tradition" and their now 100+ year history.

Yes, Mercedes has stated this. What EXACTLY does it mean though. There are millions of comparisons that can be done. Also, GM operates 7 of the 15 most efficient plants in North America (just a bit of information). All manufacturers are adjusting to a new industrial environment, these things just take time. Also, I would assume this UofM professor must be knowledgeable in this field otherwise why would anyone care to listen to him. What qualifies YOU as an expert?

no one HAS to listen to him. the journalist just NEEDED an "opposing viewpoint."

gm has efficient plants. good for them. that still does not GUARANTEE quality of assembly and long-term RELIABILITY. starting with high quality PARTS and COMPONENTS do. this is one area where toyota dominates. their suppliers must meet higher standards.

it took toyota 20 years to develop and refine their "just in time" lean manufacturing system. others have copied it, but they can't duplicate its EFFECTIVENESS as toyota has overnite. or even in a year or two.

even when they finally do, they still have to match toyota's system of obtaining high quality components.

ApexAlex,

I JUST went through the engineering and testing facilities at GM and I was absolutely amazed at the detail and thoroughness of GM processes. You need to go check these things out for yourself instead just repeating what some japanophile magazine says. Im not bashing Toyota, they are the production envy of the world, everyone knows that.

well, it's good that gm is now taking quality seriously. i don't much care for most of their products personally, but i DO hope they don't go down the tubes.

what i have read was not from a "japanophile magazine." (which i do not see on local newsstands; only when i go to the big city, and they don't interest me that much.)

my info comes from BOOKS. one in particular, you mite find interesting too, even tho it's now over 10 years old: The Machine that Changed the World. summarizes 5 years of on site assembly plant studies. sponsored by M.I.T.

i've also browsed, but have not picked up or read The Toyota Way, which seems interesting too.

Its just fine, houstoncutie..post samething as much as you like:)

sheepdog