Toyota: no meaning in being #1

[8cd03gro]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

The quality on the other side of the Pacific is pretty much non-existent right now. Go to an auto show, sit in a Corolla, then sit in a Cruze. The fact that I went around a brand-new Sienna and pointed out numerous quality defects to a Toyota representative just shows how far they've sunk.



The point is that as of now, GM is making a profit on both trucks AND cars. The Impala and Malibu basically print money for GM at this point (which is why GM is so reluctant to redo the Impala, to my great irritation).

And anyone who expected light truck sales to drop is delusional. America will always need and want trucks.

But like someone said, depending on the profit from one product to cover the losses of another, in addition to relying on your finance arm for profit, does not make a healthy company.

So do you have any info to support the idea that GM lost money on their 2.8m car sales in '96 while overcoming those losses with profits from their 1.9m SUV/truck sales?

[cab2g]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

It would be in their best interest to just sit down and shut up.

Hell, look at their newest offerings...Volkswagen is becoming as bland as Toyota is...





Oh, and let's not forget that Volkswagen beat GM to updating the Impala...

I'm glad I'm not the only one that thought that the new jetta looked SUPER plain. Nothing particularly bad looking, but just not interesting at ALL.

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by 8cd03gro

So do you have any info to support the idea that GM lost money on their 2.8m car sales in '96 while overcoming those losses with profits from their 1.9m SUV/truck sales?

That's common knowledge. Small cars don't generate as much profit as trucks simply because they don't cost as much. Moreover, poorly executed cars that need to be sold at discounted prices just to move inventory make the problem even worse.

It's why GM's making such a huge deal over the fact that the Sonic will be built in Michigan (the only subcompact built in the US), they can expect a profit on the car now instead of having it built overseas to minimize losses.

[MLL67RSSS]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

That's common knowledge. Small cars don't generate as much profit as trucks simply because they don't cost as much. Moreover, poorly executed cars that need to be sold at discounted prices just to move inventory make the problem even worse.

Don't forget there was another factor in terms of profits etc, it is called CAFE. The domestics have been successful for the longest time in getting the government to put minivans and SUVs in the "truck" (things that carry cargo, not people) category as opposed to the "passenger car" category, and therefore SUV sales did not impact passenger car CAFE numbers OR have to meet passenger cars emission standards in most all cases. That in effect made it more profitable for them to sell them as opposed to cars. Many years ago when legislation was first introduced to put minivans and SUV's in the passenger car category Ford alone sent 300 lobbyists to Washington.

http://www.cfif.org/htdocs/freedomli...d-insanity.htm

[rodscamaro]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

The quality on the other side of the Pacific is pretty much non-existent right now. Go to an auto show, sit in a Corolla, then sit in a Cruze. The fact that I went around a brand-new Sienna and pointed out numerous quality defects to a Toyota representative just shows how far they've sunk.

I’m not saying Toyota doesn’t need to reevaluate their quality control and R/D, If you read my post correctly I’m talking about GM specifically.

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by rodscamaro

I’m not saying Toyota doesn’t need to reevaluate their quality control and R/D, If you read my post correctly I’m talking about GM specifically.

So sit in a Cavalier, then a Cobalt, and then a Cruze.

Quality has improved leaps and bounds.

[20Camaro11]

Idk, I don't swear allegiance to any one brand. All the manufacturers have hit and misses. Right now, Toyota has more misses than hits...GM was in that boat for a time. Ford is on a roll right now...so whatever works. Customers figure it out over time. Personally, I will never buy a GM for a daily driver again...my first new car was such a negative experience...I just won't do it. On the same note, I doubt I will ever be in a Toyota either. Any company that chases a number all the while foresaking customer service and standing behind their product is destined for trouble.

[ffrcobra_65]

any company that grows too big too fast will decline before it realizes where it needs to be to be stable. I know, I work for a company that grew big too fast.

[rodscamaro]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

So sit in a Cavalier, then a Cobalt, and then a Cruze.

Quality has improved leaps and bounds.

I see your point but I still think GM products are just on PAR, not what it should be.

[Mr. Wyndham]

Originally Posted by rodscamaro

I see your point but I still think GM products are just on PAR, not what it should be.

You seem to need a trip to Chevy, Caddy, Buick, and GMC dealers....

[BackinBlackSS/RS]

Originally Posted by Dragoneye

You seem to need a trip to Chevy, Caddy, Buick, and GMC dealers....

Yes he does.

[rodscamaro]

Look at the facts, the elantra was picked as a better car by far than the Cruze (Motor Trend). If GM gave 10 year 100,000 warranty’s they would go bankrupt again. Toyota Camry walked away from the Malibu in that comparison (Motor trend). Mustang rates higher than the Camaro both hard top and convertible. Heck, you can pick apart every vehicle GM has in their lineup. Why, I think they’ve made improvements over time but not class leading improvements. Hence, they are on par only, let’s see a birdy. Heck, you can pick apart every vehicle they have in there lineup. They really don't have one winner!! Think about it!!!

[King Sun]

Originally Posted by rodscamaro

Look at the facts, the elantra was picked as a better car by far than the Cruze (Motor Trend). If GM gave 10 year 100,000 warranty’s they would go bankrupt again. Toyota Camry walked away from the Malibu in that comparison (Motor trend). Mustang rates higher than the Camaro both hard top and convertible. Heck, you can pick apart every vehicle GM has in their lineup. Why, I think they’ve made improvements over time but not class leading improvements. Hence, they are on par only, let’s see a birdy. Heck, you can pick apart every vehicle they have in there lineup. They really don't have one winner!! Think about it!!!

huh? your argument Is flawed

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by rodscamaro

Look at the facts, the elantra was picked as a better car by far than the Cruze (Motor Trend). If GM gave 10 year 100,000 warranty’s they would go bankrupt again. Toyota Camry walked away from the Malibu in that comparison (Motor trend). Mustang rates higher than the Camaro both hard top and convertible. Heck, you can pick apart every vehicle GM has in their lineup. Why, I think they’ve made improvements over time but not class leading improvements. Hence, they are on par only, let’s see a birdy. Heck, you can pick apart every vehicle they have in there lineup. They really don't have one winner!! Think about it!!!

If all those cars are all so superior to the Chevy's, how is it possible that the Camaro, Cruze, and Malibu were the best selling cars in their segments last month? Perhaps because real buyers don't really care how thick an A-pillar is or how long it takes the transmission to automatically downshift, and pay far more attention to how a car looks & feels.