Toyota recalls and related issues: BusinessWeek-Media owes Toyota an apology
05-20-10 | 08:18 AM
#1321
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,545
Likes: 0
From: MO
You have to admire Toyoda's candor and realistic point of view.
http://www.autocar.ae/2010/05/19/toyoda-on-toyota/
Despite the massive setbacks that the Toyota Motor Co. have suffered over the past 18 months, you can help but respect the opinion of the company's president, Akio Toyoda
While Toyota are embroiled in safety issues and cover-up scandals, there is no doubt that its president Akio Toyoda is a man obsessed with cars and motoring. You get the feeling that the recent problems have struck him as hard personally as it’s struck the company both financially and in terms of global reputation. Toyoda, the grandson of the company’s founder, believes the problems started back in 2003 when Toyota ballooned during their global expansion.
“In 2003, we surpassed the 6 million sales mark, and after that the rate of increase kept growing,” he said. “We maybe couldn’t apply the Toyota Way as thoroughly as we should have.” The result was a workforce overstretched by demand and a lack of resources to check on quality. Further to this, the company lost sight of, and communication with, the customer, as well as failing to communicate internally between individuals, departments and global offices.
Toyoda used this lack of communication to justify the apparent subterfuge and cover up of the vehicle problems from several years ago that have recently come to light:
“Toyota doesn’t go about hiding things and trying to deceive people. But if you are looking from the outside, and we are taking a long time to give a response or do something, they come to the conclusion that maybe we are hiding something.”
Following the largest incentives scheme they have ever introduced the company are currently in the black again after the worst period in several decades which culminated in the recall of over 8.5 million vehicles worldwide. But the lawsuits keep coming. Toyoda believes that the long-term customers have not been put off by the recalls but it has been to the serious detriment of their new customer gains.
On top of this quagmire of troubles, Akio has also recently questioned the company’s ability to remain as one of the front runners in the industry. The Camry, for example – one of the mainstays of the Toyota brand – is possibly on the wain against tough competition from the Ford, GM and even Hyundai.
“Look at the Ford Taurus. It may be making a comeback,” he commented. “GM also has Camry fighters. And they’ve been done with a fun-to-drive touch. And Hyundai is coming up, and they’re looking good. So we have to start asking, ‘Can we just keep doing the Camry like this?”
But the likeable 54-year-old who is a keen racer is still confident that this period is not the death knell for the brand: “We’ve learned a lot from this situation,” Toyoda said. “And if we can apply those lessons one at a time, it won’t be long until we’re back where we were.”
So transparency and communication seem to be the watchwords for Toyota going forward if it hopes to return to the top of the pile as highest volume producer and no.1 for customer confidence.
http://www.autocar.ae/2010/05/19/toyoda-on-toyota/
Despite the massive setbacks that the Toyota Motor Co. have suffered over the past 18 months, you can help but respect the opinion of the company's president, Akio Toyoda
While Toyota are embroiled in safety issues and cover-up scandals, there is no doubt that its president Akio Toyoda is a man obsessed with cars and motoring. You get the feeling that the recent problems have struck him as hard personally as it’s struck the company both financially and in terms of global reputation. Toyoda, the grandson of the company’s founder, believes the problems started back in 2003 when Toyota ballooned during their global expansion.
“In 2003, we surpassed the 6 million sales mark, and after that the rate of increase kept growing,” he said. “We maybe couldn’t apply the Toyota Way as thoroughly as we should have.” The result was a workforce overstretched by demand and a lack of resources to check on quality. Further to this, the company lost sight of, and communication with, the customer, as well as failing to communicate internally between individuals, departments and global offices.
Toyoda used this lack of communication to justify the apparent subterfuge and cover up of the vehicle problems from several years ago that have recently come to light:
“Toyota doesn’t go about hiding things and trying to deceive people. But if you are looking from the outside, and we are taking a long time to give a response or do something, they come to the conclusion that maybe we are hiding something.”
Following the largest incentives scheme they have ever introduced the company are currently in the black again after the worst period in several decades which culminated in the recall of over 8.5 million vehicles worldwide. But the lawsuits keep coming. Toyoda believes that the long-term customers have not been put off by the recalls but it has been to the serious detriment of their new customer gains.
On top of this quagmire of troubles, Akio has also recently questioned the company’s ability to remain as one of the front runners in the industry. The Camry, for example – one of the mainstays of the Toyota brand – is possibly on the wain against tough competition from the Ford, GM and even Hyundai.
“Look at the Ford Taurus. It may be making a comeback,” he commented. “GM also has Camry fighters. And they’ve been done with a fun-to-drive touch. And Hyundai is coming up, and they’re looking good. So we have to start asking, ‘Can we just keep doing the Camry like this?”
But the likeable 54-year-old who is a keen racer is still confident that this period is not the death knell for the brand: “We’ve learned a lot from this situation,” Toyoda said. “And if we can apply those lessons one at a time, it won’t be long until we’re back where we were.”
So transparency and communication seem to be the watchwords for Toyota going forward if it hopes to return to the top of the pile as highest volume producer and no.1 for customer confidence.
05-20-10 | 11:22 AM
#1323
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 14,100
Likes: 1
From: tech capital
Yes, it's refreshing to see a corporate president being realistic about the challenges ahead.
05-20-10 | 02:18 PM
#1324
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 22,608
Likes: 102
From: Waiting for next track day
I respect the fact that he respects the competition but what they need to do is increase the quality checks at the plant for the Venza ( amongst other things). I looked at one recently ( as well as the highlander hybrid limited) and was blown away by the poor fitment of the dash and even some switches on the dash. I looked at 4 Venzas and they all had the same dash issues. I loved the car but I feel like that would deter me from making the purchase.
Aslo when I was there I overheard a lady telling a salesman that she hasnt been as into Toyota or Japanese brands as much since the recall. No surprise but different when you actually see it and hear it. Even my wife was initially concerned about purchasing a Toyota and asked several questions about the recall
Aslo when I was there I overheard a lady telling a salesman that she hasnt been as into Toyota or Japanese brands as much since the recall. No surprise but different when you actually see it and hear it. Even my wife was initially concerned about purchasing a Toyota and asked several questions about the recall
05-20-10 | 02:20 PM
#1325
Just wondering... for those of you who have had the pedal recall done, has anyone attempted to put the old pedal back in? I wanted the ECU flash only, but my dealer refused... and said they HAVE to put in the new pedal if they do the recall. Its all or nothing...
Im thinking of asking for my old pedal pack and taking out the shorter one that they are going to install...
Maybe I just need to find a new dealership to go to
Im thinking of asking for my old pedal pack and taking out the shorter one that they are going to install...
Maybe I just need to find a new dealership to go to
05-20-10 | 02:32 PM
#1326
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 22,608
Likes: 102
From: Waiting for next track day
Just wondering... for those of you who have had the pedal recall done, has anyone attempted to put the old pedal back in? I wanted the ECU flash only, but my dealer refused... and said they HAVE to put in the new pedal if they do the recall. Its all or nothing...
Im thinking of asking for my old pedal pack and taking out the shorter one that they are going to install...
Maybe I just need to find a new dealership to go to
Im thinking of asking for my old pedal pack and taking out the shorter one that they are going to install...
Maybe I just need to find a new dealership to go to
05-20-10 | 02:40 PM
#1327
Guest
Posts: n/a
I respect the fact that he respects the competition but what they need to do is increase the quality checks at the plant for the Venza ( amongst other things). I looked at one recently ( as well as the highlander hybrid limited) and was blown away by the poor fitment of the dash and even some switches on the dash. I looked at 4 Venzas and they all had the same dash issues. I loved the car but I feel like that would deter me from making the purchase.
Aslo when I was there I overheard a lady telling a salesman that she hasnt been as into Toyota or Japanese brands as much since the recall. No surprise but different when you actually see it and hear it. Even my wife was initially concerned about purchasing a Toyota and asked several questions about the recall
Aslo when I was there I overheard a lady telling a salesman that she hasnt been as into Toyota or Japanese brands as much since the recall. No surprise but different when you actually see it and hear it. Even my wife was initially concerned about purchasing a Toyota and asked several questions about the recall
05-20-10 | 02:43 PM
#1328
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 22,608
Likes: 102
From: Waiting for next track day
NO......Actaully it was every Venza I saw on the lot. They all had the same elevated dash points and the speaker covers that dont fit. Its a common discussion in the Venza forums. People love them but they do say the dash issue is a bit annoying. I noticed it on the V6 and even the random 4 cylinder model I looked at as well
check out this thread on the Venza forum. Reminds me of the dash rattle and F sport sway bar threads because it so many owners complaining.
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/sh...d.php?t=321810
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/sh...d.php?t=343059
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/sh...d.php?t=312417
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f1f6393
In the second thread a member responded as the dash issue is " a standard feature in all Venzas". When you post question like what the deal with venza dash fitment problems and they seem almost confused that anyone would even ask the question because its so common
see what I mean?
check out this thread on the Venza forum. Reminds me of the dash rattle and F sport sway bar threads because it so many owners complaining.
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/sh...d.php?t=321810
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/sh...d.php?t=343059
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/sh...d.php?t=312417
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f1f6393
In the second thread a member responded as the dash issue is " a standard feature in all Venzas". When you post question like what the deal with venza dash fitment problems and they seem almost confused that anyone would even ask the question because its so common
see what I mean?
Last edited by I8ABMR; 05-21-10 at 12:23 AM.
05-25-10 | 01:48 AM
#1329
Lexus LS Recall
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dl...305199965/1292 Sry if this is a repost, Lexus really gotta get back on track this is awful.
05-25-10 | 06:33 AM
#1330
Lexus Champion
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,370
Likes: 0
From: NY
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dl...305199965/1292 Sry if this is a repost, Lexus really gotta get back on track this is awful.
05-25-10 | 09:41 AM
#1332
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 14,100
Likes: 1
From: tech capital
NO......Actaully it was every Venza I saw on the lot. They all had the same elevated dash points and the speaker covers that dont fit. Its a common discussion in the Venza forums. People love them but they do say the dash issue is a bit annoying. I noticed it on the V6 and even the random 4 cylinder model I looked at as well
(assuming the customer asks to have it corrected under warranty).
05-25-10 | 02:18 PM
#1334
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 22,608
Likes: 102
From: Waiting for next track day
when I go to the toyota nation forums it seems like 40% have had the pieces aligned while the rest have been told there is nothing they can do about it. I am so **** with my GS I dont think I can deal with a dash and console switches that are not aligned
05-26-10 | 07:03 AM
#1335
- Associated Press
- May 25, 2010
Government: 89 Deaths Tied to Toyota Acceleration
WASHINGTON -- Unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles may have been involved in the deaths of 89 people over the past decade, upgrading the number of deaths possibly linked to the massive recalls, the government said Tuesday.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that from 2000 to mid-May, it had received more than 6,200 complaints involving sudden acceleration in Toyota vehicles. The reports include 89 deaths and 57 injuries over the same period. Previously, 52 deaths had been suspected of being connected to the problem.
Toyota Motor Corp. has recalled more than 8 million vehicles worldwide since last fall because of problems with gas pedals, floor mats and brakes. The Japanese automaker paid a record $16.4 million fine for its slow response to an accelerator pedal recall and is facing hundreds of state and federal lawsuits.
Toyota said in a statement that it "sympathizes with the individuals and families involved in any accident involving our vehicles. We are making an all-out effort to ensure our vehicles are safe and we remain committed to investigating reported incidents of unintended acceleration in our vehicles quickly."
The automaker said "many complaints in the NHTSA database, for any manufacturer, lack sufficient detail that could help identify the cause of an accident. We will continue to work in close partnership with law enforcement agencies and federal regulators with jurisdiction over accident scenes whenever requested."
In the aftermath of the recalls, Congress is considering upgrading auto safety laws to stiffen potential penalties against automakers, give the government more powers to demand a recall and push car companies to meet new safety standards.
Toyota's U.S. sales chief, Jim Lentz, told Congress last week that dealers have fixed nearly 3.5 million vehicles under the recall and the company and its dealers have conducted 2,000 inspections of vehicles. Lentz said there was no evidence that electronics are to blame for the sudden acceleration reports.
NHTSA administrator David Strickland told lawmakers the agency had spoken to nearly 100 vehicle owners who said they had unintended acceleration following a recall fix but NHTSA had not seen pedal entrapment or sticky accelerators in any vehicles that have been properly repaired.
The government is investigating acceleration problems in Toyotas and a separate 15-month study by the National Academy of Sciences is scheduled to begin in July.
- May 25, 2010
Government: 89 Deaths Tied to Toyota Acceleration
WASHINGTON -- Unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles may have been involved in the deaths of 89 people over the past decade, upgrading the number of deaths possibly linked to the massive recalls, the government said Tuesday.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that from 2000 to mid-May, it had received more than 6,200 complaints involving sudden acceleration in Toyota vehicles. The reports include 89 deaths and 57 injuries over the same period. Previously, 52 deaths had been suspected of being connected to the problem.
Toyota Motor Corp. has recalled more than 8 million vehicles worldwide since last fall because of problems with gas pedals, floor mats and brakes. The Japanese automaker paid a record $16.4 million fine for its slow response to an accelerator pedal recall and is facing hundreds of state and federal lawsuits.
Toyota said in a statement that it "sympathizes with the individuals and families involved in any accident involving our vehicles. We are making an all-out effort to ensure our vehicles are safe and we remain committed to investigating reported incidents of unintended acceleration in our vehicles quickly."
The automaker said "many complaints in the NHTSA database, for any manufacturer, lack sufficient detail that could help identify the cause of an accident. We will continue to work in close partnership with law enforcement agencies and federal regulators with jurisdiction over accident scenes whenever requested."
In the aftermath of the recalls, Congress is considering upgrading auto safety laws to stiffen potential penalties against automakers, give the government more powers to demand a recall and push car companies to meet new safety standards.
Toyota's U.S. sales chief, Jim Lentz, told Congress last week that dealers have fixed nearly 3.5 million vehicles under the recall and the company and its dealers have conducted 2,000 inspections of vehicles. Lentz said there was no evidence that electronics are to blame for the sudden acceleration reports.
NHTSA administrator David Strickland told lawmakers the agency had spoken to nearly 100 vehicle owners who said they had unintended acceleration following a recall fix but NHTSA had not seen pedal entrapment or sticky accelerators in any vehicles that have been properly repaired.
The government is investigating acceleration problems in Toyotas and a separate 15-month study by the National Academy of Sciences is scheduled to begin in July.