Toyota reports record $14-billion profit ! ! Cha-Ching!

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: archcommus

Originally posted by: NFS4
So the Japanese build products that people want (the vehicles that Toyota sells the most of are built in America), moreso than American manufacturers, and somehow we should feel sorry for Detroit and call the OP a dick?

This is a case of whoever builds the best product for consumers wins out. I don't feel sorry for Detroit one bit.

You should feel bad for them. They are obviously trying, it's not like they're delivering crap products or not refreshing any models. They are coming out with good, new cars, and backing them with good warranties and prices. They just can't help that some people "think" they suck no matter what and are in love with Toyota, or that they have so many extra expenses compared to them.

At the very least feel bad for the tens of thousands of people losing their jobs. Or you can be heartless and not.

"I" should feel bad for them? "I" should feel bad that GM is just now realizing that it should create great interiors in its vehicles? "I" should feel bad that GM is JUST NOW realizing the people actually like competent products like the Enclave, Acadia, Aura and G8? "I" should feel bad that GM, Chrysler and Ford spent the majority of the 90's in a collective circle jerk of SUVs instead funneling money to its car lineups? "I" should feel bad that Unions are butt-****ing Detroit manufacturers and the union employees are too caught up in making $100,000 for power-drilling bolts into a car and assembling dashboards?

Screw that!

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: archcommus

Originally posted by: DougK62
Why are people talking like the Big 3 don't sell cars? They sell a ton of vehicles! Easily plenty to keep them afloat if they didn't have other issues. The vehicles they produce are NOT the problem, and haven't been for years.

Exactly.

You can sell as many cars as you want. Profit per car, however, is what's getting them. When you're throwing thousands of dollars of rebates on cars to compete with superior product, how do you expect to make money?

A Mazda 3 is a superior car to a Chevrolet Cobalt in just about every possible way. How does Chevy compete with a superior car? Mazda isn't offering any incentives on the Mazda 3. Chevy, however, is offering a $500 rebate and a $1,000 rebate.

The vehicles they build HAVE been the problem... FOR YEARS. They haven't been able to command Toyota/Honda prices for their vehicles b/c for years they have never been as good. That is changing now, however.

 

[otispunkmeyer]

Originally posted by: NFS4
So the Japanese build products that people want (the vehicles that Toyota sells the most of are built in America), moreso than American manufacturers, and somehow we should feel sorry for Detroit and call the OP a dick?

This is a case of whoever builds the best product for consumers wins out. I don't feel sorry for Detroit one bit.

i dont understand why toyotas are so popular. it cant be the build quality, not if my dads 04 rav4 is anything to go by.

yeah its nailed together well but the interior design and plastics quality leaves something to be desired. the plastics that horrible, super hard, scratchy stuff, and when you tap it theres a very naff hollow sound that makes it sound like really crummy brittle plastic.

the rides rock hard, and the combination of poor materials nailed together pretty well seems to amplify road noise too....its like everythings resonating. the engines not particularly refined either and its pretty intrusive at motorway speeds. the "genuine" leather seats are comfy, but the leather is really, horribly stiff....its more like leatherette.

the engines not even that reliable.....we've had the ecu muck itself up countless times. its either that or the dealer sucks. they had to special order a ecu all the way from japan just to fix the problem.

 

[DougK62]

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: archcommus

Originally posted by: DougK62
Why are people talking like the Big 3 don't sell cars? They sell a ton of vehicles! Easily plenty to keep them afloat if they didn't have other issues. The vehicles they produce are NOT the problem, and haven't been for years.

Exactly.

You can sell as many cars as you want. Profit per car, however, is what's getting them. When you're throwing thousands of dollars of rebates on cars to compete with superior product, how do you expect to make money?

A Mazda 3 is a superior car to a Chevrolet Cobalt in just about every possible way. How does Chevy compete with a superior car? Mazda isn't offering any incentives on the Mazda 3. Chevy, however, is offering a $500 rebate and a $1,000 rebate.

The vehicles they build HAVE been the problem... FOR YEARS. They haven't been able to command Toyota/Honda prices for their vehicles b/c for years they have never been as good. That is changing now, however.

GM makes a very large profit per vehicle. I'd bet that even WITH rebates they make more per Cobalt than Mazda does per 3.

What GM is finally learning is that they have to make a smaller profit per vehicle to stay competitive. If they sold the Cobalt at the same profit margin as a 3 they'd fly off of the dealer lots at the lower prices.

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: DougK62

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: archcommus

Originally posted by: DougK62
Why are people talking like the Big 3 don't sell cars? They sell a ton of vehicles! Easily plenty to keep them afloat if they didn't have other issues. The vehicles they produce are NOT the problem, and haven't been for years.

Exactly.

You can sell as many cars as you want. Profit per car, however, is what's getting them. When you're throwing thousands of dollars of rebates on cars to compete with superior product, how do you expect to make money?

A Mazda 3 is a superior car to a Chevrolet Cobalt in just about every possible way. How does Chevy compete with a superior car? Mazda isn't offering any incentives on the Mazda 3. Chevy, however, is offering a $500 rebate and a $1,000 rebate.

The vehicles they build HAVE been the problem... FOR YEARS. They haven't been able to command Toyota/Honda prices for their vehicles b/c for years they have never been as good. That is changing now, however.

GM makes a very large profit per vehicle. I'd bet that even WITH rebates they make more per Cobalt than Mazda does per 3.

What GM is finally learning is that they have to make a smaller profit per vehicle to stay competitive. If they sold the Cobalt at the same profit margin as a 3 they'd fly off of the dealer lots at the lower prices.

Isn't GM actually losing a few thousand $$$ per car vs Honda, Toyota and Nissan averaging a few thousand $$$ per car in the plus column?

This is taking into account GM's massive healthcare costs IIRC.

 

[DougK62]

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: DougK62

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: archcommus

Originally posted by: DougK62
Why are people talking like the Big 3 don't sell cars? They sell a ton of vehicles! Easily plenty to keep them afloat if they didn't have other issues. The vehicles they produce are NOT the problem, and haven't been for years.

Exactly.

You can sell as many cars as you want. Profit per car, however, is what's getting them. When you're throwing thousands of dollars of rebates on cars to compete with superior product, how do you expect to make money?

A Mazda 3 is a superior car to a Chevrolet Cobalt in just about every possible way. How does Chevy compete with a superior car? Mazda isn't offering any incentives on the Mazda 3. Chevy, however, is offering a $500 rebate and a $1,000 rebate.

The vehicles they build HAVE been the problem... FOR YEARS. They haven't been able to command Toyota/Honda prices for their vehicles b/c for years they have never been as good. That is changing now, however.

GM makes a very large profit per vehicle. I'd bet that even WITH rebates they make more per Cobalt than Mazda does per 3.

What GM is finally learning is that they have to make a smaller profit per vehicle to stay competitive. If they sold the Cobalt at the same profit margin as a 3 they'd fly off of the dealer lots at the lower prices.

Isn't GM actually losing a few thousand $$$ per car vs Honda, Toyota and Nissan averaging a few thousand $$$ per car in the plus column?

This is taking into account GM's massive healthcare costs IIRC.

Well that may be true. But I do know that if you just look at straight numbers (how much a vehicle sells for minus what it cost to make the vehicle) GM does really well.

If they want to make a car for less money then fine, but don't try and sell it at the same price as the class leaders because the difference in quality is apparent. IMO, this is the big lesson that GM has learned recently and is trying hard to correct. You can't go for the big profit margins when your competitors are getting by with much smaller - you'll lose every time.

 

[ponyo]

You may not like the current cars Detroit builds. That's fine. But to be happy that Toyota is reporting all that profit and Detroit is suffering is anti-American. Yes, many Toyota cars are built in this country by Americans. But majority of the profit still goes back home overseas to Japan.

American auto industry is suffering. That effects lot of people. To be happy and glee that GM and Ford are struggling and fighting for their lives makes me sick. We need our auto makers. Losing our auto makers not only weakens us financially but military as well.

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

I don't buy into the "Imports are better" spiel. I test drove a 07 Honda Accord, and a base model accord only comes with 2 speakers. WTF. Talk about nickel and diming your way to profits. 2 additional speaker would cost them what $10?
Though i will say that the "Big 3" need to stop making their base vehicles with crank windows and manual locks. The cost of those items can't be more than $150-$200 per car. If you want to sell more and make your vehicle a better choice, things that have been options for 20+ years now need to be standard equipment. Hell the Kia I just bought has power windows and keyless entry as a standard feature.

 

[PricklyPete]

I think Toyota deserves the profits they are making...but that doesn't keep me from cheering for Detroit. They still have a lot of problems to work out (health care, too much management, unreasonable unions, sub par parts suppliers), but they really are starting to make some worthwhile products.

As Otis mentioned earlier...Ford is very capable of making some quality cars...just look at their European efforts. The problem has been that they allowed the American appetite for SUV's make them think that investing in similar car in the US a waste. Hopefully that will change in the near future.

I own a Toyota Truck and a Honda car. My next purchase will likely be a Audi or Volvo...but I'd be really excited if GM or Ford put out a product I really want. I'm hoping this is the case (and I'm already working on my SO to talk her into a G8)

 

[b0mbrman]

OMG! American car companies are so lame!

High five, OP!

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: Naustica
You may not like the current cars Detroit builds. That's fine. But to be happy that Toyota is reporting all that profit and Detroit is suffering is anti-American. Yes, many Toyota cars are built in this country by Americans. But majority of the profit still goes back home overseas to Japan.

American auto industry is suffering. That effects lot of people. To be happy and glee that GM and Ford are struggling and fighting for their lives makes me sick. We need our auto makers. Losing our auto makers not only weakens us financially but military as well.

Anti-American?

"Team America FVCK YEAH!?" Is that what we've come to? You people seem to be so up in arms about supporting domestic auto manufacturers even if they don't produce the best stuff, yet I bet you have your homes filled with Japanese and Korean electronics along with a crapload of Chinese-made stuff. You guys probably wear tennis shoes made in sweat shops by little kids over in Asia.

I just find it funny that we Americans like to single out a cause to rally around... more often than not the auto industry.

I say let the market sort 'em out. America will cope. We always have.

 

[Mucho]

NICE

 

[Turkish]

Originally posted by: NFS4
So the Japanese build products that people want (the vehicles that Toyota sells the most of are built in America), moreso than American manufacturers, and somehow we should feel sorry for Detroit and call the OP a dick?

This is a case of whoever builds the best product for consumers wins out. I don't feel sorry for Detroit one bit.

My comment had nothing to do with what the OP posted in this thread. I do agree Japanese cars > U.S. cars. You don't need to be a rocket scientist to know that.

<<-- Honda Civic Hybrid + Toyota Hilux owner.

 

[overst33r]

American car makers spend more money to make a car and have to sell it for less than the competition. Japanese car makers are spending less on making a car and can sell them for higher prices. Just last quarter I believe 49% of Chrysler's sales went to fleet, same as Pontiac's. Ridiculous.

 

[jhayx7]

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: archcommus

Originally posted by: NFS4
So the Japanese build products that people want (the vehicles that Toyota sells the most of are built in America), moreso than American manufacturers, and somehow we should feel sorry for Detroit and call the OP a dick?

This is a case of whoever builds the best product for consumers wins out. I don't feel sorry for Detroit one bit.

You should feel bad for them. They are obviously trying, it's not like they're delivering crap products or not refreshing any models. They are coming out with good, new cars, and backing them with good warranties and prices. They just can't help that some people "think" they suck no matter what and are in love with Toyota, or that they have so many extra expenses compared to them.

At the very least feel bad for the tens of thousands of people losing their jobs. Or you can be heartless and not.

"I" should feel bad for them? "I" should feel bad that GM is just now realizing that it should create great interiors in its vehicles? "I" should feel bad that GM is JUST NOW realizing the people actually like competent products like the Enclave, Acadia, Aura and G8? "I" should feel bad that GM, Chrysler and Ford spent the majority of the 90's in a collective circle jerk of SUVs instead funneling money to its car lineups? "I" should feel bad that Unions are butt-****ing Detroit manufacturers and the union employees are too caught up in making $100,000 for power-drilling bolts into a car and assembling dashboards?

Screw that!

*High five for NFS4*

I wish American car companies would wake up as well. I live in Alabama and we have had many auto makers come into the state in the past decade:

Mercedes
Hyundai
Kia
Honda

You know why? BECAUSE WE NEED JOBS IN ALABAMA! We don't have our heads up our asses and expect to join a union so we can make $30/hr just so we can strike next week because we want $35/hr for screwing on headlights.

The world is becoming more of a global economy, if the big three take a dive and go out of business, yes it would hurt but the idea of us pouring millions of dollars in tax money just to save these asshats makes me sick.

Sorry for the weak rant, have only had 1/2 cup o coffee this morning.

 

[j00fek]

sounds about right, the big 3 wont put of fuel efficient cars and they loose big time. they will be out of business shortly

 

[archcommus]

Originally posted by: j00fek
sounds about right, the big 3 wont put of fuel efficient cars and they loose big time. they will be out of business shortly

Right......

 

[Pacfanweb]

Reminds me of this little story I saw the other day:

A Modern Parable

A Japanese company ( Toyota ) and an American company (General Motors decided to have a canoe race on the Missouri River Both teams practiced long and hard to reach their peak performance before the race.

On the big day, the Japanese won by a mile.

The Americans, very discouraged and depressed, decided to investigate the reason for the crushing defeat. A management team made up of senior management was formed to investigate and recommend appropriate action. Their conclusion was the Japanese had 8 people rowing and 1 person steering, while the American team had 8 people steering and 1 person rowing.

Feeling a deeper study was in order, American management hired a consulting company and paid them a large amount of money for a second opinion. They advised, of course, that too many people were steering the boat, while not enough people were rowing.

Not sure of how to utilize that information, but wanting to prevent another loss to the Japanese, the rowing team's management structure was totally reorganized to 4 steering supervisors, 3 area steering superintendents and 1 assistant superintendent steering manager. They also implemented a new performance system that would give the 1 person rowing the boat greater incentive to work harder. It was called the 'Rowing Team Quality First Program,' with meetings, dinners and free pens for the rower. There was discussion of getting new paddles, canoes and other equipment, extra vacation days for practices and bonuses.

The next year the Japanese won by two miles.

Humiliated, the American management laid off the rower for poor performance, halted development of a new canoe, sold the paddles, and canceled all capital investments for new equipment. The money saved was distributed to the Senior Executives as bonuses and the next year's racing team was out-sourced to India
Sadly, the End.

Sad, but oh so true! Here's something else to think about: Ford has spent the last thirty years moving all its factories out of the US , claiming they can't make money paying American wages. Toyota has spent the last thirty years building more than a dozen plants inside the US

The last quarter's results:
Toyota makes 4 billion in profits while Ford racked up 9 billion in losses. Ford folks are still scratching their heads

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: Pacfanweb
Reminds me of this little story I saw the other day:

A Modern Parable

A Japanese company ( Toyota ) and an American company (General Motors decided to have a canoe race on the Missouri River Both teams practiced long and hard to reach their peak performance before the race.

On the big day, the Japanese won by a mile.

The Americans, very discouraged and depressed, decided to investigate the reason for the crushing defeat. A management team made up of senior management was formed to investigate and recommend appropriate action. Their conclusion was the Japanese had 8 people rowing and 1 person steering, while the American team had 8 people steering and 1 person rowing.

Feeling a deeper study was in order, American management hired a consulting company and paid them a large amount of money for a second opinion. They advised, of course, that too many people were steering the boat, while not enough people were rowing.

Not sure of how to utilize that information, but wanting to prevent another loss to the Japanese, the rowing team's management structure was totally reorganized to 4 steering supervisors, 3 area steering superintendents and 1 assistant superintendent steering manager. They also implemented a new performance system that would give the 1 person rowing the boat greater incentive to work harder. It was called the 'Rowing Team Quality First Program,' with meetings, dinners and free pens for the rower. There was discussion of getting new paddles, canoes and other equipment, extra vacation days for practices and bonuses.

The next year the Japanese won by two miles.

Humiliated, the American management laid off the rower for poor performance, halted development of a new canoe, sold the paddles, and canceled all capital investments for new equipment. The money saved was distributed to the Senior Executives as bonuses and the next year's racing team was out-sourced to India
Sadly, the End.

Sad, but oh so true! Here's something else to think about: Ford has spent the last thirty years moving all its factories out of the US , claiming they can't make money paying American wages. Toyota has spent the last thirty years building more than a dozen plants inside the US

The last quarter's results:
Toyota makes 4 billion in profits while Ford racked up 9 billion in losses. Ford folks are still scratching their heads

LOL :laugh:

 

[JS80]

Where are the calls for windfall taxes by politicians? :roll:

 

[overst33r]

Originally posted by: Pacfanweb
Reminds me of this little story I saw the other day:

A Modern Parable

A Japanese company ( Toyota ) and an American company (General Motors decided to have a canoe race on the Missouri River Both teams practiced long and hard to reach their peak performance before the race.

On the big day, the Japanese won by a mile.

The Americans, very discouraged and depressed, decided to investigate the reason for the crushing defeat. A management team made up of senior management was formed to investigate and recommend appropriate action. Their conclusion was the Japanese had 8 people rowing and 1 person steering, while the American team had 8 people steering and 1 person rowing.

Feeling a deeper study was in order, American management hired a consulting company and paid them a large amount of money for a second opinion. They advised, of course, that too many people were steering the boat, while not enough people were rowing.

Not sure of how to utilize that information, but wanting to prevent another loss to the Japanese, the rowing team's management structure was totally reorganized to 4 steering supervisors, 3 area steering superintendents and 1 assistant superintendent steering manager. They also implemented a new performance system that would give the 1 person rowing the boat greater incentive to work harder. It was called the 'Rowing Team Quality First Program,' with meetings, dinners and free pens for the rower. There was discussion of getting new paddles, canoes and other equipment, extra vacation days for practices and bonuses.

The next year the Japanese won by two miles.

Humiliated, the American management laid off the rower for poor performance, halted development of a new canoe, sold the paddles, and canceled all capital investments for new equipment. The money saved was distributed to the Senior Executives as bonuses and the next year's racing team was out-sourced to India
Sadly, the End.

Sad, but oh so true! Here's something else to think about: Ford has spent the last thirty years moving all its factories out of the US , claiming they can't make money paying American wages. Toyota has spent the last thirty years building more than a dozen plants inside the US

The last quarter's results:
Toyota makes 4 billion in profits while Ford racked up 9 billion in losses. Ford folks are still scratching their heads

BAHAHA

 

[Winchester]

Originally posted by: Phokus
Ford is run by the unions that work for them

Fixed!

 

[tfcmasta97]

Originally posted by: dug777

Originally posted by: NFS4
So the Japanese build products that people want (the vehicles that Toyota sells the most of are built in America), moreso than American manufacturers, and somehow we should feel sorry for Detroit and call the OP a dick?

This is a case of whoever builds the best product for consumers wins out. I don't feel sorry for Detroit one bit.

Exactly :thumbsup:

but... THEY TOOOK YERRR JOBS!

RABBLE RABBLE RABBLE RABBLE

[/SouthPark]

lol lots of rabbling idiots in here.

 

[foghorn67]

You guys crack me up. So many so called experts in here. You realize that any leadership changes and in re-organization would take years to show on the market.
"Oh noes, quick, we need a new car now!"
It doesn't work that way. Ford has been making huge changes, and I see Mullaly (sp?) heading Ford in the right direction. That guy know his stuff. (Followed Boeing's outlook for a while).
And for the record, don't criticize the interiors of domestics if you drive a Toyota. That's my new pet peeve. Their interiors are going backwards in quality, and the domestics are getting damn good.
I think my cloth backpack put 4-5 new scratches on the inside door panel of my co-worker's 2007 Camry. And the stitching seems like it's going to hernia some foam any minute.

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: foghorn67
You guys crack me up. So many so called experts in here. You realize that any leadership changes and in re-organization would take years to show on the market.
"Oh noes, quick, we need a new car now!"
It doesn't work that way. Ford has been making huge changes, and I see Mullaly (sp?) heading Ford in the right direction. That guy know his stuff. (Followed Boeing's outlook for a while).
And for the record, don't criticize the interiors of domestics if you drive a Toyota. That's my new pet peeve. Their interiors are going backwards in quality, and the domestics are getting damn good.
I think my cloth backpack put 4-5 new scratches on the inside door panel of my co-worker's 2007 Camry. And the stitching seems like it's going to hernia some foam any minute.

But the interior is so soft. Soft plastic is much more classy than hard plastic.