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

[slpaulson]

Originally posted by: Sraaz
Good, imo. Get rid of our crappy American vehicles.

Yeah, and who needs our crappy American jobs that come with the crappy American vehicles. :disgust:

If you don't like the cars, fine, but at least respect the fact that thousands of people will be out of jobs. Also, do you think less competition would somehow be good?

 

[idiotekniQues]

we should just ban rednecks from owning keyboards.

 

[Ktulu]

Originally posted by: sdifox

Originally posted by: Ktulu

Americans are passionate about there cars, or at least they used to be before Toyota started selling their bland-mobiles.

You don't think it's possible the general population is the one deciding what cars it want? Or did the 'import' makers hold guns to the public and forced them to buy the cars?

I believe the general public act as sheep and like to fit in with what is perceived as "acceptable" or "cool".

 

[Ktulu]

Originally posted by: RyanSengara

Originally posted by: Ktulu

Originally posted by: RyanSengara

Originally posted by: iRONic
Say "you guys" again, Ryan.

I said it three times.

The ironic thing is that half of every major consumer product everyone buys these days is foreign, but somehow it's a travesty when it's a car.

Americans are passionate about there cars, or at least they used to be before Toyota started selling their bland-mobiles.

:laugh:

Japanese cars are bland?

Have you looked at a domestic recently?

What about German cars, do those piss you off too?

Edit: I work as a Valet, I'll tell you right now that in relation to their japanese counter parts most of the American cars I've driven seem like loose rustbuckets with the exception of the new Charger.

I even drove a 2004 Vette and didn't think it was that great, though I anticipated it being much better.

I'm sure you can't even begin to drive the Vette to it's fullest capabilities as a Valet. And what current Toyota sports car are you comparing the Vette to?

Yes I have looked at the recent domestics, have you? Next time compare a current Vette not the previous generation.

 

[senseamp]

Originally posted by: Ktulu

Originally posted by: RyanSengara

Originally posted by: Ktulu

Originally posted by: RyanSengara

Originally posted by: iRONic
Say "you guys" again, Ryan.

I said it three times.

The ironic thing is that half of every major consumer product everyone buys these days is foreign, but somehow it's a travesty when it's a car.

Americans are passionate about there cars, or at least they used to be before Toyota started selling their bland-mobiles.

:laugh:

Japanese cars are bland?

Have you looked at a domestic recently?

What about German cars, do those piss you off too?

Edit: I work as a Valet, I'll tell you right now that in relation to their japanese counter parts most of the American cars I've driven seem like loose rustbuckets with the exception of the new Charger.

I even drove a 2004 Vette and didn't think it was that great, though I anticipated it being much better.

I'm sure you can't even begin to drive the Vette to it's fullest capabilities as a Valet. And what current Toyota sports car are you comparing the Vette to?

Yes I have looked at the recent domestics, have you? Next time compare a current Vette not the previous generation.

Compare to what? Toyota Comary Sosolara?

 

[glutenberg]

Originally posted by: Naustica

To revelle in companies failings who are turning about I find crass because the jobs lost will be many of your fellow citizens and to pretend Japan employs nearly as many NA as NA companies do is a joke.

I agree.

But the sad fact is ricers have grown up and become buyers.

Ahh yes, it must be the ricers who are behind this conspiracy. :disgust:

 

[sdifox]

Originally posted by: Ktulu

Originally posted by: sdifox

Originally posted by: Ktulu

Americans are passionate about there cars, or at least they used to be before Toyota started selling their bland-mobiles.

You don't think it's possible the general population is the one deciding what cars it want? Or did the 'import' makers hold guns to the public and forced them to buy the cars?

I believe the general public act as sheep and like to fit in with what is perceived as "acceptable" or "cool".

And how did the sheep figure that out? By long term effort from the Japanese companies. How long did it take them to shake that boxcar image? What were the American companies doing during that time?

 

[sdifox]

Originally posted by: senseamp
Really, if American business culture is so bad, why has our economy been roaring, while the Japanese economy been in the toilet for the last 15 years? Aside from the auto sector they got nothing. And they will lose the auto sector to someone else sooner or later, like they lost the electronics, computer, memory, pretty much every sector where they had tough competition in. It may take a while, but it's almost inevitable.

Free trade is your answer. Japanese economy is due to local mental blocks. Same thing as American Auto sector, they failed to move with the times.

 

[Ktulu]

Originally posted by: sdifox

Originally posted by: Ktulu

Originally posted by: sdifox

Originally posted by: Ktulu

Americans are passionate about there cars, or at least they used to be before Toyota started selling their bland-mobiles.

You don't think it's possible the general population is the one deciding what cars it want? Or did the 'import' makers hold guns to the public and forced them to buy the cars?

I believe the general public act as sheep and like to fit in with what is perceived as "acceptable" or "cool".

And how did the sheep figure that out? By long term effort from the Japanese companies. How long did it take them to shake that boxcar image? What were the American companies doing during that time?

I see you're point. But as of late Toyota's quality has gone down, while GM's has gone up significantly. I won't say GM's cars are better than Toyota's, because they're not, but they don't suck (except for the Malibu). It's almost as if people won't even give them a chance anymore.

 

[FeuerFrei]

Originally posted by: Goo
Toyota/Honda is selling car base on their past reputation alone, nothing more. Everyone and their dog have a toyota/Honda and they try to tell everyone how good their car WAS.

If you check out the 06 recall, Toyota and Honda are recalling left right and center. And people talking about how jap company renew their model every 4-5yrs.. Guess what, Corolla have been the same since 2000.

Every manufacturers sells cars based on their past reputation. Reputations don't pop up overnight. They aren't pulled out of thin air.

And the Corolla was all new for the '03 model year. It's generally updated every 4 years: 93-97, 98-02, 03-08? Toyota delayed the upcoming model for last minute alterations.

 

[senseamp]

Originally posted by: sdifox

Originally posted by: senseamp
Really, if American business culture is so bad, why has our economy been roaring, while the Japanese economy been in the toilet for the last 15 years? Aside from the auto sector they got nothing. And they will lose the auto sector to someone else sooner or later, like they lost the electronics, computer, memory, pretty much every sector where they had tough competition in. It may take a while, but it's almost inevitable.

Free trade is your answer. Japanese economy is due to local mental blocks. Same thing as American Auto sector, they failed to move with the times.

Well, yeah, but when people use Toyota to make a point about Japanese business culture being superior to ours, it's just laughable. Toyota is the exception. Mainly because of mistakes by our automakers, mainly having to do with their commitment to providing their retirees with pensions and healthcare. I think their other decisions sort of flow out of their huge liabilities. If you are spending so much money on pensions, it dictates what products you can sell and still be profitable. You need to sell high margin trucks and SUVs because economy cars don't have the profits to pay for your fixed costs. It also takes money away from R&D. I think the government needs to take some of the Big 3's pension liabilities to allow them to recover, because if the Big 3 go under, the government will have to swallow all of their pension liabilities, since they are government insured.

 

[sdifox]

Originally posted by: Ktulu
I see you're point. But as of late Toyota's quality has gone down, while GM's has gone up significantly. I won't say GM's cars are better than Toyota's, because they're not, but they don't suck (except for the Malibu). It's almost as if people won't even give them a chance anymore.

True American companies are trying. I hope it's not too late since I like competition. I mean Hyundai is doing a number on the Americans for crying out loud. If Hyundai can do it, then there shouldn't be any problem for Chrysler, GM and Ford. Again, it's the long term vision part the local automakers lack.

 

[glutenberg]

Originally posted by: Ktulu
I see you're point. But as of late Toyota's quality has gone down, while GM's has gone up significantly. I won't say GM's cars are better than Toyota's, because they're not, but they don't suck (except for the Malibu). It's almost as if people won't even give them a chance anymore.

How has Toyota's quality gone down and GM's gone up? I have yet to see any quality disparities.

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: Ktulu
I see you're point. But as of late Toyota's quality has gone down, while GM's has gone up significantly. I won't say GM's cars are better than Toyota's, because they're not, but they don't suck (except for the Malibu). It's almost as if people won't even give them a chance anymore.

Latest quality/reliability results from JD Power and Consumer Reports:

reliabilitysmr.jpg
2006133a.gif

 

[glutenberg]

Originally posted by: senseamp
Well, yeah, but when people use Toyota to make a point about Japanese business culture being superior to ours, it's just laughable. Toyota is the exception. Mainly because of mistakes by our automakers, mainly having to do with their commitment to providing their retirees with pensions and healthcare. I think their other decisions sort of flow out of their huge liabilities. If you are spending so much money on pensions, it dictates what products you can sell and still be profitable. You need to sell high margin trucks and SUVs because economy cars don't have the profits to pay for your fixed costs. It also takes money away from R&D. I think the government needs to take some of the Big 3's pension liabilities to allow them to recover, because if the Big 3 go under, the government will have to swallow all of their pension liabilities, since they are government insured.

Japanese business culture is similar to the past business culture of the US. Heavy investments for the future and the focus on long term earnings is what made the US strategy so great but many of those ideals have slipped away from the large corporations in the US who are focusing too much on short term earnings. Earnings manipulation is rampant because of how shortsighted shareholders can be who want to see quick gains on their investments.

 

[1prophet]

Originally posted by: senseamp

Originally posted by: sdifox

Originally posted by: 1prophet
The problem is not with the cars but a cultural one that permeates most American businesses where short term, immediate profits are held above long term goals who's immediate results cannot be seen.

Bingo. Stock market is not supposed to work the way it is working now. Shareholders should have no say in business working. Don't like the business? sell the stocks.

Really, if American business culture is so bad, why has our economy been roaring, while the Japanese economy been in the toilet for the last 15 years? Aside from the auto sector they got nothing. And they will lose the auto sector to someone else sooner or later, like they lost the electronics, computer, memory, pretty much every sector where they had tough competition in. It may take a while, but it's almost inevitable.

Give anyone enough credit they can roar also, but the day is coming when the piper has to be paid along with the interest.

 

[senseamp]

Originally posted by: 1prophet

Originally posted by: senseamp

Originally posted by: sdifox

Originally posted by: 1prophet
The problem is not with the cars but a cultural one that permeates most American businesses where short term, immediate profits are held above long term goals who's immediate results cannot be seen.

Bingo. Stock market is not supposed to work the way it is working now. Shareholders should have no say in business working. Don't like the business? sell the stocks.

Really, if American business culture is so bad, why has our economy been roaring, while the Japanese economy been in the toilet for the last 15 years? Aside from the auto sector they got nothing. And they will lose the auto sector to someone else sooner or later, like they lost the electronics, computer, memory, pretty much every sector where they had tough competition in. It may take a while, but it's almost inevitable.

Give anyone enough credit they can roar also, but the day is coming when the piper has to be paid along with the interest.

That's not the issue. Credit was dirt cheap in Japan during the time their economy has been in the toilet. They even had negative interest rates. They couldn't give the loan money away interest free. They simply ran out of ideas on how to make money, I guess.

 

[Ktulu]

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: Ktulu
I see you're point. But as of late Toyota's quality has gone down, while GM's has gone up significantly. I won't say GM's cars are better than Toyota's, because they're not, but they don't suck (except for the Malibu). It's almost as if people won't even give them a chance anymore.

Latest quality/reliability results from JD Power and Consumer Reports:

reliabilitysmr.jpg
2006133a.gif

Never said Toyota's quality sucked, but only that they've been slipping. As far as GM is concerned all you need to do is compare current offerings to previous ones and you will see a difference for the better.

Avalon

Quality Slipping?

More

Text

 

[senseamp]

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: Ktulu
I see you're point. But as of late Toyota's quality has gone down, while GM's has gone up significantly. I won't say GM's cars are better than Toyota's, because they're not, but they don't suck (except for the Malibu). It's almost as if people won't even give them a chance anymore.

Latest quality/reliability results from JD Power and Consumer Reports:

reliabilitysmr.jpg
2006133a.gif

Well, from that Chart, Toyota's best selling I4 Camry has only Average reliability. Lower than Sonata or Fusion triplets, or Mazda3. That car is their bread and butter in America, and they can't even get it right. The people who are paying more for the Camry because of "reliability" are just wasting money, and could be driving a much nicer looking, better handling, and more reliable Fusion for less money.

 

[Tommy2000GT]

Toyota FTW. I used to be a Ford fan but they have nothing that interests me except for mustangs.

I bought a 2006 toyota tacoma double cab 4x4. It was the only truck crew cab 4x4 truck that got over 20mpg.

 

[Ktulu]

Originally posted by: Tommy2000GT
Toyota FTW. I used to be a Ford fan but they have nothing that interests me except for mustangs.

I bought a 2006 toyota tacoma double cab 4x4. It was the only truck crew cab 4x4 truck that got over 20mpg.

No it's not, the Colorado Crew cab 4x4 actually gets the same mileage, although it isn't much competition to the Taco.

 

[SampSon]

I love my subarus, though I might look at a toyota for my next vehicle.

 

[jupiter57]

Originally posted by: iversonyin

Originally posted by: jupiter57
GM & Ford only "lost" as much as they did because they give their Top Executives multi-million dollar bonuses, usually far, far greater than the "losses" they post.
The American Tax system at it's best.

You like talking out of your a** don't you? Lets fire all the top executive and let monkeys run the companies because monkeys can do a better job for the price of a banana.

Getting a bit defensive here, are we?
I didn't even hint at the Top Executives being in any way incompetent, nor worth their pay!
I am in upper management myself, when we make a profit, my bonuses are good, when we don't turn a profit, I get no bonus.
These bonuses are paid AFTER all figures are done and we know how much actual profit we had, we don't count our bonuses as a "cost of doing business".
It just doesn't seem right to be able to post a "loss" when you have given your executives more in bonuses than the loss you claim to have suffered.
Say GM claims to have "lost" 2 Billion dollars. I would bet that if you scrutinized their accounting for the year, you would find that they indeed gave far more than that in "bonuses". Does this make sense to you?
Top executives usually earn a good paycheck, and many (not all) are worth it.
Seems you missed my point completely.

Comprehension is a good thing, try it.

 

[thatguy82]

Originally posted by: iversonyin

Originally posted by: jupiter57
GM & Ford only "lost" as much as they did because they give their Top Executives multi-million dollar bonuses, usually far, far greater than the "losses" they post.
The American Tax system at it's best.

You like talking out of your a** don't you? Lets fire all the top executive and let monkeys run the companies because monkeys can do a better job for the price of a banana.

many ppl seem to enjoy calling others morons

 

[1prophet]

Originally posted by: senseamp

Originally posted by: 1prophet

Originally posted by: senseamp

Originally posted by: sdifox

Originally posted by: 1prophet
The problem is not with the cars but a cultural one that permeates most American businesses where short term, immediate profits are held above long term goals who's immediate results cannot be seen.

Bingo. Stock market is not supposed to work the way it is working now. Shareholders should have no say in business working. Don't like the business? sell the stocks.

Really, if American business culture is so bad, why has our economy been roaring, while the Japanese economy been in the toilet for the last 15 years? Aside from the auto sector they got nothing. And they will lose the auto sector to someone else sooner or later, like they lost the electronics, computer, memory, pretty much every sector where they had tough competition in. It may take a while, but it's almost inevitable.

Give anyone enough credit they can roar also, but the day is coming when the piper has to be paid along with the interest.

That's not the issue. Credit was dirt cheap in Japan during the time their economy has been in the toilet. They even had negative interest rates. They couldn't give the loan money away interest free. They simply ran out of ideas on how to make money, I guess.

It's very much the issue if you look at the main cause called instant gratification, cheapest is best, always low prices mentality, buy now worry about how to pay for it later, and later is here for the auto manufacturers.

This here goes into more depth about the difference in business philosophy or culture.

Learning From Toyota -- Again

Matheson's advice: "Anyone seeking to emulate Toyota's success should start with the first of Toyota's 14 management principles as outlined in Liker's book, The Toyota Way. "Base your management decisions on a long-term philosophy, even at the expense of short-term financial goals."

Excerpts from the Toyota Way:

Base your management decisions on a long-term philosophy, even at the expense of short-term goals.

Create continuous process flow to bring problems to the surface.

Use "pull" systems to avoid overproduction.

Level out the workload (heijunka). (Work like the tortoise, not the hare.)

Build a culture of stopping to fix problems, to get quality right the first time.

Standardized tasks are the foundation for continuous improvement and employee empowerment.

Use visual control so that no problems are hidden.

Use only reliable, thoroughly tested technology that serves your people and processes.

Grow leaders who thoroughly understand the work, live the philosophy and teach it to others.

Develop exceptional people and teams who follow your company's philosophies.

Respect your extended network of partners and suppliers by challenging them and helping them to improve.

Go and see for yourself to thoroughly understand the situation (genchi genbutsu).

Make decisions slowly by consensus, thoroughly considering all options; implement decisions rapidly.

Become a learning organization through relentless reflection (hansei) and continuous improvement (kaizen).