Toyota responds to Ford's truck spokesperson Toby Keith with Brooks and Dunn

Toyota Motor Corp., which is looking to break into the competitive U.S. market for full-size pickup trucks, Wednesday announced a two-year sponsorship deal for country music stars Brooks & Dunn.

The marketing campaign is part of an effort by Toyota to reach America's big truck buyers, the one remaining part of the U.S. market still considered fiercely loyal to the traditional Big Three.

Toyota is also sponsoring a professional fishing tour, NASCAR events and touting its contributions to the U.S. economy — all messages intended to appeal to the heartland truck drivers who might otherwise opt for a domestic brand.

dblo7 - 5/4/2006 2:19:54 PM

+1 Boost

Build in Texas then pay Brooks & Dunn. Hmmmmm...the Toyota Tundra should come with Bull Horns on the hood :-P

Down8 - 5/8/2006 10:02:29 PM

+1 Boost

I am one of the fiercely loyal truck buyers. Toyota hasn't even raised an eyebrow.

Sorry, imports don't know how to make big trucks. Toyota failed on the first attempt. Nissan cam close, but under the sizeable skin, it's actually weak as a 'useful' truck. Toyota is upping 'their' ante, but Ford & GM are on to bigger and better things, and I expect DCX to come on even stronger in the next few years.

-bZj