Originally Posted by nthach

Ford, Nissan, and GM is using Toyota's patents on Hybrid Synergy Drive as a testament to how well their system is.

Originally Posted by speedflex

For a long time Toyota was simply ahead of everyone else in hybrid technology. I don't think that's necessarily the case anymore. Ford uses its own system in the new Fusion and that one outperforms the Camry-h and seems to be making a name for itself. Nissan will begin using its own system starting in 2010.

I remember a lot of people scoffing at the idea of VW seriously challenging Toyota but here we are. I'm rather surprised myself.

Originally Posted by kpmg2007

I think VW is taking a wrong direction.
hybrid and future electric power system is the only way to go.
They will taste something bitter soon.
They are too obsessed with conventional internal combustion engine. one day, we will call it an old ,outdated system.

though VW is doing well right now.

However, toyota/lexus do needs to design more sexy looking/fun to drive cars though.
I am glad both honda and toyota are developing hybrid performance car. they might hit our market by 2011.

I like ford, and think this company may still have a chance to claim the top spot in the future. Fiesta is freaking hot. sold more than 50,000 in March in Europe. that's right, 50,000 in a month. It might be as successful as its big brother F-series pickup.

Originally Posted by FKL

In this case, German "Vanilla" is actually much different from Japanese vanilla.

At the core of Volkswagen's brand identity is Germanic road manners in a solid, German package. Say what you will, but most regular Toyota offerings are boring to drive and immensely reliable. That's Toyota's brand identity, fair or not. The floor would fall out if Toyota started making unreliable cars, or if VW ever tried to sell a car that was as boring to drive as a Toyota, with the reliability of a VW.

As for moving VW "upmarket", the entire push went well beyond the expensive Phaeton and Touareg. Starting at the dawn of the new millennium, The New Bettle, along with the Golf/Bora/Jetta and Passat were the three products that were instrumental to not only keeping VW a relevant player on the global stage, but save it's US operation as well. Pierch wanted only the finest interior materials for these vehicles, and it clearly shows all around. There was real reason why these vehicles were more costly than their competition. More standard safety features, better driving dynamics (standard tiptronic), and best in class interior and exterior build quality. Yes, reliability was another thing altogether, but the Jetta and Passat were (and still are), the benchmarks in their classes. It took the Japanese (Honda, Toyota) until their next product cycles to release something even comparable on the safety front (curtain airbags), let alone the packaging/powertrain front. Even today, they are implementing turbocharged and supercharged power train solutions on inexpensive automobiles, releasing automated dual clutch gear boxes not only on premium vehicles, but on their core product lines. The competition is again taking notice, watch for Direct injection, dual clutch, and turbocharging to be incorporated into mass market offerings from other manufactures during their next product cycles. Of course, there seems to be an obvious price paid on reliability and maintenance costs, but that's the cost of state of the art entry firsts.

Toyota, on the other hand, has finally found something to be proud of with their Hybrid Synergy Drive. Nobody could argue that it isn't a good thing for millions of consumers around the world - it's great, but the problem is, it's boring to drive. Perhaps it's fun on a Lexus model approaching $60K, but in a Camry or Prius, it's boring. Not just the engine, the steering, the suspension, it's all underwhelming. That's why German vanilla tastes different than the Japanese variety.

Originally Posted by speedflex

For a long time Toyota was simply ahead of everyone else in hybrid technology. I don't think that's necessarily the case anymore. Ford uses its own system in the new Fusion and that one outperforms the Camry-h and seems to be making a name for itself. Nissan will begin using its own system starting in 2010.

I remember a lot of people scoffing at the idea of VW seriously challenging Toyota but here we are. I'm rather surprised myself.

Originally Posted by 1SICKLEX

Pierch is an enginering genius no doubt but his idea of Audi vs BMW and VW vs Benz was nuts. Audi at least has somewhat of a chance and has gotten sportier recently so thats been great. VW cannot begin to compete with Benz and needs to stay focused on being "the peoples car". There are way to many great luxury brands for people to truly want a luxury VW. That said I have always been a fan of VW interiors as of late, they are very well built and in the case of the Passat, above the usual Camry/Accord etc.

Also things like the Bugatti Verynon are a thing of the past. Porsche and their CEO stated "no show offs", if it doesn't make money, it won't be built.

Funny but one of the major reasons Porsche went from unprofitable to being where they are today is when Wendeking took over and hired Japanese engineers to show them the Toyota method and how to eliminate waste.

Originally Posted by 1SICKLEX

Pierch is an enginering genius no doubt but his idea of Audi vs BMW and VW vs Benz was nuts.

Originally Posted by The G Man

I can see how VW will do very well in the enxt few years. Their new designs are very refreshing, not boring like the new Toyota designs. VW's new free schedule maintenance program should also help buyers who is uneasy about VW's relaibility.