One week it’s out-of-control Camrys, this next it’s unstoppable Priuses. Seems the hits for Toyota just keep on coming. And yet developing evidence indicates that maybe, just maybe, Tuesday’s incident involving a speeding Prius, California Highway Patrol, and a happy ending could be a scam.
The day before California Prius-gone-wild, a suburban New York City driver also experienced a hightailing hybrid. Her 2005 model sped down a driveway and impaled itself on a stone wall. See a picture/story here.
Toyota’s engine computers are equipped with data-logging software that is equated to the “black boxes” found on aircraft. Data extracted from these computers can provide clues to conditions prior to a crash such as, were the brake and accelerator pedals being depressed at the moment of impact? How fast was the vehicle traveling? The problem is that Toyota has kept the decoding process of these data proprietary. Now they’re being called into account, and the Japanese-based company is sending appropriate decoding laptops and software stateside.
As investigations continue, and pressure builds on Toyota, it’ll be interesting to see what black-box data reveal. But I have my own speculation. Maybe I’m way out in left field. Maybe I’m thinking like a conspiracy theorist. But where are those Toyota engine-control modules built? Where is the software scripted? Even an American-built Toyota (and many are) has parts sourced from all around the globe. And with close proximity to China, who knows who’s working in Toyota’s engineering department? Maybe it’s even an inside job.
From tainted food to lead-poisoned toys to “investing” in our government’s debt to buying up an AM-General icon (Hummer), don’t think the Chinese aren’t sitting on their haunches and laughing at we foolish Americans. They produce many of our consumer goods, and to put it in simple terms, I think they’re out to get us. If these computer systems are so proprietary to Toyota, who knows what kind of wireless devices, ill-timed software bugs, and other such nuances are programmed into them. What better way to target Americans than to screw with several of the best-selling automobile models?
The timing on some of these Toyota incidents leaves me scratching my head. It’s just too coincidental: Toyota releases information that they’ve found a link in the problem chain and have begun steps to solve it. Then another batch of Toyotas goes awry.
Generally I give the benefit of the doubt. I’m not much of one for conspiracy theories. I don’t think every hotel room is bugged by the government. I don’t think those highway over-head signs that report up-to-the-minute traffic data are really speed cameras in disguise. But I do wonder why this is all happening at once for the once-darling of the auto industry.
Will there be frauds and scams by artists seeking to milk Toyota recalls for all they’re worth? No doubt. Perhaps the next theory is that this is tampering by GM, as the General fights his way back to the top of worldwide automakers. (GM is actually quite popular in China where I’ve read Buicks are to the Chinese what a Mercedes is to Americans.) Whatever pans out, I plan to keep following the Toyota debacle closely.
Showing posts with label Toyota. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Toyota. Show all posts
Friday, March 12, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
Super Advertising
I get it…my background is broadly defined as Integrated Marketing Communications. I like to share my opinions on this blog. So I should probably talk about the Super Bowl ads last night—the Holy Grail of television advertising.
Unfortunately I can’t say as I watched the Super Bowl. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind watching the ads and analyzing them, but I’m not much of a football guy.
I am, however, a busy guy…too busy to watch football. I’ll eventually get to watching some of the ads—that’s why they’re all posted online—and as for my commentary, what’s it matter at this point? Talk show hosts, bloggers, all facets of media really, have already aired their opinions and decided which ads were the real “winners” and “losers.”
Focus on the Family’s ad was one I made a point to watch right away on the ‘net. The controversial spot was creating buzz for weeks leading up to the Super Bowl. People expected the ultra-conservative Christian organization to slam abortion or gay marriage or somehow stir up the hornet’s nest of issues swarming mainstream America. In a subtle way, Focus’s ad did all that. The main message of the ad was to choose life, choose family. The spot was, however, amusing and subliminal in its message. I wonder if Planned Parenthood’s preemptive strike has them eating their words now. I doubt it, but I liked Focus on the Family's ad. Watch both spots here.
Let's see, I won’t be going out for a free Grand Slam tomorrow at Denny’s. I’ll cook my own eggs, pancakes, and meat before I fight for a table in a local diner, thank you very much. I guess those chickens have a slightly easier load knowing I won’t be there. Speaking of which, assimilating chickens to sweat shop laborers in this ad? Denny’s obviously doesn’t plan on courting PETA types.
Toyota had a public-information ad that featured straight talk about the issues at hand and what the company is doing to fix it. No advertising, no gimics, just good communication. I think Toyota's doing a good job of managing this PR crisis in a way that invokes both traditional and new media.
Oh, I’ll eventually get to watching Betty White devour her Snickers bar, and the traditional Busch Clydesdales. We’ll see what else is making buzz on YouTube.
When you think about it, the Internet provides a much greater ROI for Super Bowl advertisers. Instead of their ads being viewed in one fell swoop, people can rant and rave about the different commercials; let them go viral; or heck, even create their own (checkout Frito Lay’s Doritos spots for some homemade ads, one of which is the result of a student from my alma mater). Plus, people like me can watch just the commercials and skip the programming. How often is that the case?
Unfortunately I can’t say as I watched the Super Bowl. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind watching the ads and analyzing them, but I’m not much of a football guy.
I am, however, a busy guy…too busy to watch football. I’ll eventually get to watching some of the ads—that’s why they’re all posted online—and as for my commentary, what’s it matter at this point? Talk show hosts, bloggers, all facets of media really, have already aired their opinions and decided which ads were the real “winners” and “losers.”
Focus on the Family’s ad was one I made a point to watch right away on the ‘net. The controversial spot was creating buzz for weeks leading up to the Super Bowl. People expected the ultra-conservative Christian organization to slam abortion or gay marriage or somehow stir up the hornet’s nest of issues swarming mainstream America. In a subtle way, Focus’s ad did all that. The main message of the ad was to choose life, choose family. The spot was, however, amusing and subliminal in its message. I wonder if Planned Parenthood’s preemptive strike has them eating their words now. I doubt it, but I liked Focus on the Family's ad. Watch both spots here.
Let's see, I won’t be going out for a free Grand Slam tomorrow at Denny’s. I’ll cook my own eggs, pancakes, and meat before I fight for a table in a local diner, thank you very much. I guess those chickens have a slightly easier load knowing I won’t be there. Speaking of which, assimilating chickens to sweat shop laborers in this ad? Denny’s obviously doesn’t plan on courting PETA types.
Toyota had a public-information ad that featured straight talk about the issues at hand and what the company is doing to fix it. No advertising, no gimics, just good communication. I think Toyota's doing a good job of managing this PR crisis in a way that invokes both traditional and new media.
Oh, I’ll eventually get to watching Betty White devour her Snickers bar, and the traditional Busch Clydesdales. We’ll see what else is making buzz on YouTube.
When you think about it, the Internet provides a much greater ROI for Super Bowl advertisers. Instead of their ads being viewed in one fell swoop, people can rant and rave about the different commercials; let them go viral; or heck, even create their own (checkout Frito Lay’s Doritos spots for some homemade ads, one of which is the result of a student from my alma mater). Plus, people like me can watch just the commercials and skip the programming. How often is that the case?
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Random Talk on Toyota Troubles & Buffalo Auto Show 2010
A Buffalo News interview was published today with Northtown Toyota’s Craig Schreiber reporting that his dealership had received the necessary pedal-fix parts and was ready to start recall repairs. Schreiber further mentioned that the fix should take about half an hour. Remember what I said about NASCAR-style fast-lane fixes in my last blog? Hiring unemployed “blue-collar” workers, training them, and having them perform fixes? Hello? Toyota PR Machine—are you listening?
Anyway, what’s a small Buffalo Blogger got against the World’s Largest Automaker? Speaking of which, GM and Ford are all but sitting back and laughing at their competitor’s demise. Non-Toyota makes are touting special Toyota-Trade-In offers and other incentives to lure drivers into their showrooms. GM and Ford particularly seem to be milking this for all it’s worth. What an ironic shift: Three years ago myself and a team worked on a capstone project to develop a marketing plan for the Toyota Matrix. As I wrote the competitive analysis, I stated how patriotic Americans seemed to perceive Toyota as a bully, as the Japanese auto giant was poised to overtake GM's World's Biggest title. That’s a waypoint Toyota has now surpassed. But the shoe’s on the other foot; the Mighty Giant is stumbling, and the General is all but gloating over his enemy’s fall.
Of course, issues with the Prius’ braking system are now adding further problems to Toyota’s woes. A recall remains in hot debate, although no official plans have been announced. The basic problem: Prius brakes don’t always engage immediately when the driver steps on the pedal and has led to at least two reported incidents. Blame it on the Green Darling's electronic wizardry. Guess what? In the Camry Hybrid, the gas pedal doesn’t cause immediate throttle response from a complete stop; the driver waits a split second for the gasoline engine to restart. This could also mean life or death when pulling out into split-second traffic gaps. Maybe Toyota should just get out of the pedal business altogether…
At the local level, I believe dealerships have taken excellent PR approaches. West Herr bought a one-third page ad in today’s News that passes along their recall-specific website, hotline, and extended service hours at their two Toyota dealerships. Basil bought a full-page spread (A10) with a personal letter from Mike Basil addressing the dealership’s constituents. With localized communication efforts like this, plus a worldwide PR strategy, Toyota seems on its way to making a great case study in successful crisis communications for upcoming graduates of public communications programs. The Buffalo News probably enjoys the advertising revenue, too.
I feel bad for workers at Northtown Toyota. The service department has announced a 24-7 repair schedule. I’m not an overnight kind of guy…just this past week I saved my employer a bundle in overnight premium payroll when I announced a large floor reset had been completed ahead of schedule. What can I say? I’d rather dream of shoes, not move them around at three in the morning. Wish someone would save me a bundle, like on my car insurance...
Buffalo Auto Show starts this Wednesday. I didn’t plan to go this year, but after reading today’s Auto Section in the News, I was sold. Toyota had a large presence there last year, and I’m interested in what they’re going to be doing this year. There’s supposed to be a Cash-for-Clunkers exhibit and a few other nifty-sounding displays and prize opportunities. Plan on a report after I visit… (One final side note: the Auto Section today features what it calls a 2010 Toyota Supra. In fact, the car in the photo is a Nissan 370z. Had the News hired me as a copywriter for non-editorial content, such a snafu wouldn’t have appeared on my watch. But then again, not everyone can be a gear-head.)
Anyway, what’s a small Buffalo Blogger got against the World’s Largest Automaker? Speaking of which, GM and Ford are all but sitting back and laughing at their competitor’s demise. Non-Toyota makes are touting special Toyota-Trade-In offers and other incentives to lure drivers into their showrooms. GM and Ford particularly seem to be milking this for all it’s worth. What an ironic shift: Three years ago myself and a team worked on a capstone project to develop a marketing plan for the Toyota Matrix. As I wrote the competitive analysis, I stated how patriotic Americans seemed to perceive Toyota as a bully, as the Japanese auto giant was poised to overtake GM's World's Biggest title. That’s a waypoint Toyota has now surpassed. But the shoe’s on the other foot; the Mighty Giant is stumbling, and the General is all but gloating over his enemy’s fall.
Of course, issues with the Prius’ braking system are now adding further problems to Toyota’s woes. A recall remains in hot debate, although no official plans have been announced. The basic problem: Prius brakes don’t always engage immediately when the driver steps on the pedal and has led to at least two reported incidents. Blame it on the Green Darling's electronic wizardry. Guess what? In the Camry Hybrid, the gas pedal doesn’t cause immediate throttle response from a complete stop; the driver waits a split second for the gasoline engine to restart. This could also mean life or death when pulling out into split-second traffic gaps. Maybe Toyota should just get out of the pedal business altogether…
At the local level, I believe dealerships have taken excellent PR approaches. West Herr bought a one-third page ad in today’s News that passes along their recall-specific website, hotline, and extended service hours at their two Toyota dealerships. Basil bought a full-page spread (A10) with a personal letter from Mike Basil addressing the dealership’s constituents. With localized communication efforts like this, plus a worldwide PR strategy, Toyota seems on its way to making a great case study in successful crisis communications for upcoming graduates of public communications programs. The Buffalo News probably enjoys the advertising revenue, too.
I feel bad for workers at Northtown Toyota. The service department has announced a 24-7 repair schedule. I’m not an overnight kind of guy…just this past week I saved my employer a bundle in overnight premium payroll when I announced a large floor reset had been completed ahead of schedule. What can I say? I’d rather dream of shoes, not move them around at three in the morning. Wish someone would save me a bundle, like on my car insurance...
Buffalo Auto Show starts this Wednesday. I didn’t plan to go this year, but after reading today’s Auto Section in the News, I was sold. Toyota had a large presence there last year, and I’m interested in what they’re going to be doing this year. There’s supposed to be a Cash-for-Clunkers exhibit and a few other nifty-sounding displays and prize opportunities. Plan on a report after I visit… (One final side note: the Auto Section today features what it calls a 2010 Toyota Supra. In fact, the car in the photo is a Nissan 370z. Had the News hired me as a copywriter for non-editorial content, such a snafu wouldn’t have appeared on my watch. But then again, not everyone can be a gear-head.)
Monday, April 27, 2009
A Late Earth-Day Tribute
I’ll be the first to mention that I’m not a big fan of hybrid cars. I don’t care who makes them; they’re all the same to me: statement cars that don’t do enough to change whatever quagmires we believe our love affair with the automobile are causing. Read my recent test-drive review of the Camry Hybrid.
Recently I dug up an interesting post by a fellow blogger regarding the environmental damage the Prius does versus that of a Hummer. You may read it here, or just read my summary:
Basically, the Prius does more environmental damage than the average Hummer. To start, the nickel powering those gas-free electric motors is mined and refined at a plant in Sudbury, Ontario. The area surrounding the plant is victim of severe environmental damage. The Sudbury region suffers from extreme acid rain and subsequent flora and fauna damage. But then the nickel must go on to China for further processing. Then on to Japan for assembly. Finally, it returns to the United States as batteries in the little bean-pod shaped, lime-green Priuses.
So consider, beside the environmental contamination to mine and refine the nickel, it also goes on an around-the-world journey before coming back to North America. Think of all the fuel used to haul it to the coast of Canada for transport on a freighter barge, or the gallons of jet fuel burned to fly it to China. I don’t know what method(s) are employed, I’m just covering the most common mass-transit methods for such heavy freight.
I do think this article is a bit biased, though. The data seem skewed, especially in saying that the Prius has an expected life of 100,000 miles versus the Hummer’s 300,000. I think most any car (ok, maybe not a Chrysler) will last to 300,000 miles with proper care and plenty of babying. I think Priuses can manage over 100,000 miles. And I realize this article is a couple years old.
But with the amount of fossil fuel burned (plus resulting pollution) in transit costs and the environmental damage done by mining nickel, one has to wonder if a Toyota Prius is really worth the statement it makes. And as for savings at the gas pump? It takes years before the average driver sees the Prius-Price-Premium begin to pay returns.
And how about if a Prius gets rear-ended (where the batteries are located) and blows up or catches fire? That’s probably a more toxic cloud that burning gasoline would create.
Just some ideas for thought...
Despite my feelings toward the Prius, and hybrids in general, the other day I saw this scene. There was the Prius, framed perfectly through daffodils and other spring greenery, and with no other vehicles or obstructions. I couldn’t resist taking this photo…environmentalists, enjoy:
Recently I dug up an interesting post by a fellow blogger regarding the environmental damage the Prius does versus that of a Hummer. You may read it here, or just read my summary:
Basically, the Prius does more environmental damage than the average Hummer. To start, the nickel powering those gas-free electric motors is mined and refined at a plant in Sudbury, Ontario. The area surrounding the plant is victim of severe environmental damage. The Sudbury region suffers from extreme acid rain and subsequent flora and fauna damage. But then the nickel must go on to China for further processing. Then on to Japan for assembly. Finally, it returns to the United States as batteries in the little bean-pod shaped, lime-green Priuses.
So consider, beside the environmental contamination to mine and refine the nickel, it also goes on an around-the-world journey before coming back to North America. Think of all the fuel used to haul it to the coast of Canada for transport on a freighter barge, or the gallons of jet fuel burned to fly it to China. I don’t know what method(s) are employed, I’m just covering the most common mass-transit methods for such heavy freight.
I do think this article is a bit biased, though. The data seem skewed, especially in saying that the Prius has an expected life of 100,000 miles versus the Hummer’s 300,000. I think most any car (ok, maybe not a Chrysler) will last to 300,000 miles with proper care and plenty of babying. I think Priuses can manage over 100,000 miles. And I realize this article is a couple years old.
But with the amount of fossil fuel burned (plus resulting pollution) in transit costs and the environmental damage done by mining nickel, one has to wonder if a Toyota Prius is really worth the statement it makes. And as for savings at the gas pump? It takes years before the average driver sees the Prius-Price-Premium begin to pay returns.
And how about if a Prius gets rear-ended (where the batteries are located) and blows up or catches fire? That’s probably a more toxic cloud that burning gasoline would create.
Just some ideas for thought...
Despite my feelings toward the Prius, and hybrids in general, the other day I saw this scene. There was the Prius, framed perfectly through daffodils and other spring greenery, and with no other vehicles or obstructions. I couldn’t resist taking this photo…environmentalists, enjoy:
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Toyota Camry Hybrid—Test Drive
The other day I had the opportunity to drive a Toyota Camry Hybrid. This wasn’t just a dealership test drive, but rather about 30 miles driving the car for someone. It involved a good mix of thruway plus city driving.
I thought Toyota, with its iconic “green” Prius, was the king of hybrid technology. But what a disappointment this car was. First, however, I’ll mention the good. Camry Hybrid has a very smooth, supple ride with well controlled body motions and good handling. It eats up corners nicely and soaks up Buffalo potholes without so much as a muted thud.
And now…the rest of the story…
I got in and sat down. The ergonomics of this car don’t accommodate my 6-foot-3 frame too well. The seat only goes down so far. The steering wheel doesn’t go up high enough. And my head was near the ceiling; add in a sunroof, and my head would probably be sticking out of it. The visibility was good overall, except for wide A-pillars that create large blind spots. Side-impact airbags are stuffed into these, which I assume contributes to their size to some extent.
Surrounding me were soft-grey dashboard accents, trimmed in light blue. It reminded me of a hospital for some reason. The climate control was so complicated I nearly froze to death before I figured out how to get some heat. What happened to the simplicity of knobs and buttons for A/C and heat? Digital is definitely not always better.
Starting the engine requires having the proximity key in range, squashing the brake pedal, and holding the “Start” button. It didn’t work the first time. Second try was a charm. A needle next to the speedometer revved up, and I assumed it was the tach. This car is not so equipped; that gauge turned out to be a miles-per-gallon indicator. It’s distracting as that swoopy needle bounces to-and-fro every time you hammer the throttle or let off to coast. My Subaru Legacy has something similar, but it’s digital and will give you other useful information such as average MPG. Knowing your real-time fuel economy is stupid, as it’ll read something like 80 MPG when you’re coasting down a hill. Too bad we can’t drive downhill all the time; CAFE standards probably wouldn’t prove such a challenge for automakers to meet.
The worst part about Camry Hybrid is what a dog it is. Step on the gas thinking you have just enough time to squirt through a break in traffic? Good luck. The split-second hesitation and subsequent lurch as the gasoline motor restarts cause just enough delay that you could get killed. I had a close call when I pulled out thinking there was enough time to get through a busy intersection. I would have timed it perfect if the engine didn’t lag on restarting, or if it just wouldn’t shut down for a brief intermission at a stop sign. Acceleration overall is awful in this car. It takes forever to get up to cruising speed.
They say hybrid technology is the stepping stone to an oil-free transportation infrastructure. I just hope American and/or Japanese ingenuity can make this technology better before it transitions from being a “green statement” to mainstream.
I thought Toyota, with its iconic “green” Prius, was the king of hybrid technology. But what a disappointment this car was. First, however, I’ll mention the good. Camry Hybrid has a very smooth, supple ride with well controlled body motions and good handling. It eats up corners nicely and soaks up Buffalo potholes without so much as a muted thud.
And now…the rest of the story…
I got in and sat down. The ergonomics of this car don’t accommodate my 6-foot-3 frame too well. The seat only goes down so far. The steering wheel doesn’t go up high enough. And my head was near the ceiling; add in a sunroof, and my head would probably be sticking out of it. The visibility was good overall, except for wide A-pillars that create large blind spots. Side-impact airbags are stuffed into these, which I assume contributes to their size to some extent.
Surrounding me were soft-grey dashboard accents, trimmed in light blue. It reminded me of a hospital for some reason. The climate control was so complicated I nearly froze to death before I figured out how to get some heat. What happened to the simplicity of knobs and buttons for A/C and heat? Digital is definitely not always better.
Starting the engine requires having the proximity key in range, squashing the brake pedal, and holding the “Start” button. It didn’t work the first time. Second try was a charm. A needle next to the speedometer revved up, and I assumed it was the tach. This car is not so equipped; that gauge turned out to be a miles-per-gallon indicator. It’s distracting as that swoopy needle bounces to-and-fro every time you hammer the throttle or let off to coast. My Subaru Legacy has something similar, but it’s digital and will give you other useful information such as average MPG. Knowing your real-time fuel economy is stupid, as it’ll read something like 80 MPG when you’re coasting down a hill. Too bad we can’t drive downhill all the time; CAFE standards probably wouldn’t prove such a challenge for automakers to meet.
The worst part about Camry Hybrid is what a dog it is. Step on the gas thinking you have just enough time to squirt through a break in traffic? Good luck. The split-second hesitation and subsequent lurch as the gasoline motor restarts cause just enough delay that you could get killed. I had a close call when I pulled out thinking there was enough time to get through a busy intersection. I would have timed it perfect if the engine didn’t lag on restarting, or if it just wouldn’t shut down for a brief intermission at a stop sign. Acceleration overall is awful in this car. It takes forever to get up to cruising speed.
They say hybrid technology is the stepping stone to an oil-free transportation infrastructure. I just hope American and/or Japanese ingenuity can make this technology better before it transitions from being a “green statement” to mainstream.
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