http://money.cnn.com/2010/01/27/news/companies/toyota_sales_halt/index.htm?postversion=2010012718
I was recently reading an article that was talking about the major recall on some Toyota models. The recall came after accidents were reported of the accelerator getting stuck on the removable floor mats. The models being recalled accounted for almost half of Toyota's sales in 2009 and as a result of the recalls, five major U.S. plants are halting production on all models. A toyota spokeswoman was quoted in the article as saying the company has not assessed what damage this will cause to the company. Obviously this is not a good time for a company who has built itself on claims of reliability and quality to have a problem with the safety and quality of it's cars. Other competitors are more than eager to take a chunk of Toyota's large and loyal consumer pool. Because America is Toyota's largest buyer of their products, Toyota will be trying to counteract the bad publicity.
While I was reading this article I was thinking of the loyalty to stay with one company over the other. I was wondering would this be enough to motivate long-time Toyota customers to look elsewhere for their next auto? Can one mistake be enough to make consumers re-think years of good quality and safe Toyota cars? As for me, I don't think this setback by the Toyota company would affect my attitude towards the company. I would still buy a Toyota over most American brands any day, because one recall with the company would not be enough to motivate me into looking for a different company with less of a good reputation than Toyota has had.
Some questions:
What motivates people to buy with certain companies?
What could persuade you to change your mind?
Will Toyota be able to bounce back after this bad press?
I was recently reading an article that was talking about the major recall on some Toyota models. The recall came after accidents were reported of the accelerator getting stuck on the removable floor mats. The models being recalled accounted for almost half of Toyota's sales in 2009 and as a result of the recalls, five major U.S. plants are halting production on all models. A toyota spokeswoman was quoted in the article as saying the company has not assessed what damage this will cause to the company. Obviously this is not a good time for a company who has built itself on claims of reliability and quality to have a problem with the safety and quality of it's cars. Other competitors are more than eager to take a chunk of Toyota's large and loyal consumer pool. Because America is Toyota's largest buyer of their products, Toyota will be trying to counteract the bad publicity.
While I was reading this article I was thinking of the loyalty to stay with one company over the other. I was wondering would this be enough to motivate long-time Toyota customers to look elsewhere for their next auto? Can one mistake be enough to make consumers re-think years of good quality and safe Toyota cars? As for me, I don't think this setback by the Toyota company would affect my attitude towards the company. I would still buy a Toyota over most American brands any day, because one recall with the company would not be enough to motivate me into looking for a different company with less of a good reputation than Toyota has had.
Some questions:
What motivates people to buy with certain companies?
What could persuade you to change your mind?
Will Toyota be able to bounce back after this bad press?
I think this recent recall of a few of Toyota's vehicles will first result with negative upheaval, but sooner than later Toyota will bounce back and thrive better than ever. Because they've had this long standing, credible track record, consumers know that this will (hopefully) allow Toyota to come back with a greater bang, although it might take some time for that revival to occur. So, consumers will obviously not buy from Toyota for some time, but in a while, loyal Toyota customers will probably settle back in with their preferred automotive company.