[Slideways]

Originally Posted by goblue

Toyota and GM didn't fall victim to anything. Neither one did anything stupid in regards to SUVs / Trucks. No one could predict the tipping point ahead of time with any certainty. Everyone knew they'd take a bath when it finally hit, but there was lots of money to be made in the interim. This is where the media gets it totally wrong. The companies were taking calculated risks, thats what you do in business. They both have hedges - GM has the VOLT, 2 Mode, E-Flex, mild hybrids, E85, diesels, excellent large crossovers. Toyota has hybrids, great small cars, a fantastic midsize reputation.

What happened is the tipping point came a little too soon for GM, and simply surprised Toyota which in 2008 was better setup to deal with it. Had this happened in 2010, it might be different.

Thank you. Everyone seems to think that 18 months ago GM knew gas prices were going to double by summer 2008 or that they're stupid for not anticipating it. The thing is, nobody knew, otherwise consumers wouldn't have been blind-sided either.