Toyota’s current troubles seem to multiple daily and there’s little doubt that their brand has been damaged. The carmaker’s several product recalls have made the front pages, the media won’t let the story go away, and it’s been a prime water-cooler topic.
But as I read the coverage I don’t see many owners sticking up for Toyota.
We all know someone who’s got a Toyota and most of them don’t own the recent models that have been in the news. Why? Because their Toyota car is still going strong five and 10 years down the road.
My brother in law works for Toyota in North Wales and the recession has already taken its toll on the area. An extended shutdown, shorter working week and a freeze on pay makes life tough in a region where Toyota is a very important employer. The last thing he needs is for people to stop buying what has been widely regarded as one of the best value and safest cars around.
Don’t forget that Toyota has been making reliable, quality cars for many years and built a superb reputation on the back of this consistency. Most owners will tell you they’ve had fewer problems with a Toyota than with other cars. There are seven types of car, mostly 2009 and 2010 models, possibly affected by the recall. But there are 15 models unaffected. No pre-2005 model is affected.
Word of mouth is a powerful thing and owners should stand up and defend Toyota.
Transparency note: I do not own a Toyota.
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