Toyota Truck Operations Will Fall Into The Red For 2008

Toyota Motor Corp is likely to struggle to make money at its two truck plants in the US this year, a consulting firm said, underscoring the toll slumping sales of trucks and sport-utility vehicles are taking on auto makers of all stripes.

The company is still likely to generate substantial profits in North America, thanks to booming sales of cars such as the Camry sedan and the Prius hybrid. But until recently Toyota had hoped an expansion into trucks would boost its bottom line in the U.S.

Wednesday, Toyota said it is slowing production at two of its truck plants in North America, in San Antonio, Texas, and Princeton, Ind., in a second such move to adjust the pace of work. In addition to slowing the assembly-line speed, San Antonio's truck line, which makes the Tundra pickup, will be shut down for 14 days between now and the end of October. The Princeton plant is taking out six days or more of production between now and the end of August. At both plants, workers on each shift will work seven hours instead of eight assembling cars and will spend one hour in training. The seven-hour shift will start in July. It wasn't clear how long the new work arrangement will last.


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Whelan - 6/20/2008 12:31:42 PM

+3 Boost

It's not just Toyota so I'm kinda curious why all the articles on trucks are just about Toyota. Ford just announced that it is delaying the introduction of the new F-150 and also cutting back production. Not to mention they are set up to report having worse losses in 08 than they did in 07.

So it is not just the Tundra that is toppling.

Agent009 - 6/20/2008 12:58:51 PM

+1 Boost

correct, also GM has ceased all development on new trucks for the time being.

bmwdrvr - 6/20/2008 2:52:54 PM

-2 Boost

i fail to see how people are just talking about toyota every article on here is trashing the big 3 and how poorly they are doing....even the articles about epa ratings despite the imports also making cars with low epa ratings.....WOW 2 or 3 articles that arent positive about the almighty Toyota and they are ready to scream bloody bias......pitiful

GTR35 - 6/20/2008 3:50:31 PM

0 Boost

You don't get it, it's fun to talk crap about Tayoda. You should try it.

M35MT - 6/20/2008 1:40:41 PM

+3 Boost

"It's not just Toyota so I'm kinda curious why all the articles on trucks are just about Toyota."

All those articles are posted by 009, he loves negative press about Toyota. He also posts 99% of all positive BMW articles.

xlr8 - 6/20/2008 2:36:07 PM

+2 Boost

maybe cus its from an american parts supplier lol.

BostonBiosafety - 6/20/2008 4:36:36 PM

+3 Boost

I owned a Tundra and an Avalanche. While both seats were comfortable, the Tundra was more supportive. I travelled from Boston to Toronto and back in a weekend with the Tundra..comfort was never an issue. I honestly do not think the seats are cheap or as you eloquently stated POS.

EL34 - 6/20/2008 4:31:01 PM

-4 Boost

Another fugly truck bites the dust :-(

hao420 - 6/21/2008 10:03:54 PM

+1 Boost

Wow

tundrahq - 6/20/2008 6:10:32 PM

+1 Boost

The amazing thing is that Toyota is probably going to continue investing into their truck line even though it's a loser. The rumor is they'll have an HD version of the Tundra in 2010 or 2011. That truck is supposed to have a big diesel too...it's a big risk. There's no guarantee the HD truck will sell at high enough volumes to make money.

carguy68 - 6/20/2008 7:02:15 PM

-1 Boost

get that ugly sh%t of the road!!

tattedtwice - 6/21/2008 1:47:11 AM

-1 Boost

Im doing a happy dance. I wish it was ALL their vehicles though, and not just their hideous trucks. Serves them right for being the most arrogant company ever.