[Zeus]

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/11/r...e-effect-on-o/

And I would be too... Toyota just exposed the biggest myth in the automotive market... 'Japanese Quality and Reliability' .

With a combined recall of over eight million vehicles worldwide, Toyota is now firmly entrenched in the public relations barrel. Those millions of recalled vehicles will hurt the Japanese automaker both in terms of the costs associated with the recall as well the overall loss of sales, which could total well over a billion dollars. But is Toyota the only automaker with the potential to lose out in this story? Honda Chief Financial Officer Yoichi Hojo apparently doesn't think so.

Honda's CFO told the Wall Street Journal that the Toyota recalls could hurt consumer's industry-wide perception of quality, adding "if customers start to harbor doubts, that would be problem for the whole industry." If Mr. Hoji's fears are realized, the quality perception gap could lead to the slowing of the auto industry recovery, which could hurt U.S., Korean, German and other Japanese automakers. Also unknown is if the recent pressure put on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will lead to tougher regulations for all automakers in the future.

And while Toyota is down and out right now, Hoji feels Honda will continue to refrain from tailoring incentives towards current Toyota owners, bucking the precedent set by GM, Ford and Hyundai. That doesn't mean Honda won't increase rebates, though, because inventories of Civic and Accord models are reportedly rising. Hoji said in the interview that Honda will increase second quarter incentives to about $1,400 per vehicle; $600 more than in the previous quarter, adding that he expects Honda's global operations to end fiscal 2009 (ending March 31) with a 265 billion yen profit ($2.96 billion in U.S. funds).

[Jamie Mac]

We've owned 2 Japanese vehicals. A carolla and a crx. The biggest advantage was having a car I just didn't give a damn about. Dirty, who cares. Hit in a parking lot, who cares. The crx did get 60mpg highway which just makes me laugh when they brag about the gas milage on their current cars. My nephew likes hondas. He has several in some north Carolina woods. Goes 4 wheeling and when it gives out he pulls the plates and hits craigs list in search of his next one

[Russo]

you know what i read in that article? the truth... another interesting thing mentioned was the word profit, which doesn't always apply to any of the big 3..

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by Russo

you know what i read in that article? the truth... another interesting thing mentioned was the word profit, which doesn't always apply to any of the big 3..

Prepare to eat your words.

[Zeus]

Originally Posted by Russo

you know what i read in that article? the truth... another interesting thing mentioned was the word profit, which doesn't always apply to any of the big 3..

The Truth is that Honda and Toyota have long advertised their quality, reliability and fuel efficiency... however, how much of that applies to their current model lineup?

The models they currently have on sale are no more fuel efficient, built no better and no more reliable than anything else... however they still love to advertise that gray area.

Next time you see a Honda/Toyota comercial, listen to see if they mention their 'legendary reliability' or if they substantiate it with facts, such as... 'this car was rated blah blah blah by blah blah blah'

[The_Blur]

Now the Japanese know how the Americans feel about bad press. One company makes a crappy product, and all of them are to blame.

Does everyone remember the failing tires on those Ford Explorers? For a while, everyone figured the American SUVs were all prone to rolling problems. The most reliable thing about Toyota is knowing that it will get recalled these days. That whole stigma that imports represent superior engineering is gone. I hope some buyers have a chance to rethink their stance on American vehicles.

[THUMPER20X]

I think that the tides were turning to favour Ford and GM anywayz, this is just speeding it up. The GM and Ford cars are much better now even if this other stuff never happened. As soon as GM pays off everything I believe they will get alot of new and even old customers back.

[Nexus6]

Honda's CFO told the Wall Street Journal that the Toyota recalls could hurt consumer's industry-wide perception of quality, adding "if customers start to harbor doubts, that would be problem for the whole industry." If Mr. Hoji's fears are realized, the quality perception gap could lead to the slowing of the auto industry recovery, which could hurt U.S., Korean, German and other Japanese automakers. Also unknown is if the recent pressure put on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will lead to tougher regulations for all automakers in the future.

[Zeus]

I don't think this has anything to do with American Automakers, and any reference is a deflection away from what this is really about.

[THUMPER20X]

I wonder if they'll start sending Ninja Assasins after one another.

[Russell James]

One of my good friends and neighbors is a Service Director for a large Toyota dealership. He always laughs about the difference between perception and reality. Reality, his shop has always been busy repairing Toyotas. Drive by any dealership, any brand, look in the service dept - cars on lifts being worked on. Nature of mechanical things.

He has mentioned several times lately though with Toyota it seems like one thing after another. Sludge problems, Prius issues.... want to see an irate customer? Give them an estimate for a new Prius battery, they'll need to put a second mortgage on the house.

He drives a Toyo demo to and from work, but owns a Silverado and a Corvette. Nuff said.

Another funny thing he has to deal with is people modding their Prius's, and then Toyota voiding their battery warranty. There are aftermarket companies that do some modding tricks to make the car run 100% on the batteries for short trips. People trying to save every drop of gas. The only problem is - it kills the battery pack.