Toyota gunning for No. 1
GM, the world's largest auto maker, has held the top slot for about 75 years now, but according to analysts Toyota has been on track to knock GM off its pedestal ever since they passed Ford in 2003. The only question is when. It may not be a question much longer if the Japanese newspaper Nihon Keizai is correct. Yesterday, they reported that Toyota will boost its overseas production by 40 percent to 5 million vehicles by 2008, however, they didn't name a source for the information.
The AP reports that according to the released plan, Toyota will increase its production in North America by 20 percent to 1.84 million vehicles with new plants planned in Texas and Canada. In China, the Japanese auto giant plans to raise production to 600,000, a 4-fold increase. In Japan, production is expected to rise to 4.15 million vehicles while in the rest of Asia the Japanese auto giant will raise production to over 1 million vehicles.
While America's Big 3 have all announced production cuts, both Toyota and Honda are experiencing record sales and both seem well perched to swoop in to fill the fuel-efficient void left by the domestic auto makers.
[Source: Associated Press via MSNBC]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1985 Gripen 12:12PM (9/18/2006)
Imagine how many more cars Toyota could sell if they had a competent styling department! Toyotas have a lot of great things going for them, but they are the most boring car company on the planet styling-wise. They seem to design to lowest common denominator as not to offend (or inspire) anyone!
How many times has it been said that the Prius is a great car, but can't get much uglier? Imagine a Prius with a body designed by one of the Italian styling houses like Pininfarina or Giguero or Bertone! :-0
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jon 6:25PM (9/18/2006)
Remember when you were a teen and your body was growing so fast, that it took some time to get used to all the wierd new proportions?
well, don't expect Toyota to overtake GM so soon. Even Toyota can't grow as fast as its currently growing without experiencing a drop in workmanship quality (the training of new managers, logistics, etc.) Toyota, being the quality buffs that they are, will likely see this and adjust the pace of their growth accordingly.
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Lithous 1:06PM (9/19/2006)
"While America's Big 3 have all announced production cuts, both Toyota and Honda are experiencing record sales and both seem well perched to swoop in to fill the fuel-efficient void left by the domestic auto makers."
Oh, I see how this is relevant to autobloggreen now. Just add "fuel-efficient void" and any news becomes green. So Honda is close too? Toyota will be #1 and Honda will be #2 like a month after (at least that is how an uneducated reader would see it after reading that last paragraph).
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