Protesters Target Toyota at LA Auto Show

[1931Chevy]

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/071114/auto_...yota.html?.v=3
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Toyota Motor Corp. is usually the darling of the Los Angeles Auto Show, but testy relations with environmentalists and questions about quality are making the show a headache for the automaker this year.

It doesn't help that Toyota chose to introduce a full-size sport utility vehicle at the show, and the redesigned Sequoia doesn't have a hybrid option like full-size SUVs from General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC that are debuting across the show floor. The Los Angeles show opens to the public Friday after two days of media previews.

After the Sequoia was introduced Wednesday, an environmental activist with a video camera approached Toyota's general manager for U.S. sales, Bob Carter, and asked why the company won't withdraw from a lawsuit against California, which has sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to establish tougher fuel economy rules.

[jkennedy293]

If you really think about it, Toyota only has two hybrid options on the market: the Camry and Prius. GM has roughly ten, including the pickups and Escalade hybrids just announced. Sure half are BAS hybrids, but that system's net cost is around $700 after tax rebates, and anything that bumps fuel economy up a bit is a plus.

Toyota is becoming like the old GM. They are resolute that their old technology is still far superior to the competition's improved system. They are starting to rely on old press concerning the greatness of their vehicles, and hoping customers just continue to buy the same vehicles they always have bought. Even their interiors are starting to become bean counter specials.

It is interesting how cyclical life really is.

[AndrewGS]

I hate these jackasses with their Global Whining.

I also love the fact that the article ended on a positive note after all that gloomy Toyota news.

[Smoke]

Originally Posted by 1931Chevy

After the Sequoia was introduced Wednesday, an environmental activist with a video camera approached Toyota's general manager for U.S. sales, Bob Carter, and asked why the company won't withdraw from a lawsuit against California, which has sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to establish tougher fuel economy rules.

They sued California for scricter fuel economy regulations, or did I read that wrong.

[tholland]

Carter said Toyota plans to offer hybrid versions of every vehicle in its lineup and is also studying combinations such as hybrid diesels. But it hasn't managed to develop a system that works well in large trucks like GM and Chrysler did in their consortium with Daimler and BMW. "We're not there yet. There's no technology to meet all our customers' needs," he said.

That's a rather negative comment... sounds a bit defeatist.

[HoosierRon]

Originally Posted by Smoke

They sued California for scricter fuel economy regulations, or did I read that wrong.

California sued the U.S. EPA for stricter CAFE regulations. The trade group of which Toyota is a member joined the law suit on the side of the EPA. Toyota is fighting California.

[Sal Collaziano]

People are generally getting way too bitchy. As testosterone gets lower and lower as the years go on, this planet is going to turn into a bitch fest of epic proportions...

[drew630]

Originally Posted by Sal Collaziano

People are generally getting way too bitchy. As testosterone gets lower and lower as the years go on, this planet is going to turn into a bitch fest of epic proportions...

haha, so true..

[boblutzfan]

Originally Posted by jkennedy293

If you really think about it, Toyota only has two hybrid options on the market: the Camry and Prius. GM has roughly ten, including the pickups and Escalade hybrids just announced. Sure half are BAS hybrids, but that system's net cost is around $700 after tax rebates, and anything that bumps fuel economy up a bit is a plus.

Toyota is becoming like the old GM. They are resolute that their old technology is still far superior to the competition's improved system. They are starting to rely on old press concerning the greatness of their vehicles, and hoping customers just continue to buy the same vehicles they always have bought. Even their interiors are starting to become bean counter specials.

It is interesting how cyclical life really is.

How does Toyota only have two hybrid options? The Camry and Prius are two of their sedan offerings. But last time I checked they had the Highlander Hybrid as well. And if you are going to include the Escalade in GM's list - then you need to include Lexus - which has three hybrid offerings. So Toyota has six full hybrid vehicles. I am not a Toyota/Lexus fan - but if you are going to bash Toyota at least get your facts correct.

[roteague]

Originally Posted by boblutzfan

How does Toyota only have two hybrid options? The Camry and Prius are two of their sedan offerings. But last time I checked they had the Highlander Hybrid as well. And if you are going to include the Escalade in GM's list - then you need to include Lexus - which has three hybrid offerings. So Toyota has six full hybrid vehicles. I am not a Toyota/Lexus fan - but if you are going to bash Toyota at least get your facts correct.

Not sure about the Highlander, but the Lexus hybrid is designed for performance, not fuel savings.

[osv_alero]

Timing is everything. GM's timing on introducing vehicles with better gas mileage, and toytoa's timing on introducing bigger more gas thirsty vehicles is very ironic.

[Raskolnikov]

Originally Posted by roteague

Not sure about the Highlander, but the Lexus hybrid is designed for performance, not fuel savings.

True enough, but it still qualifies as Hybrid Synergy Drive.

[stevecmh]

Originally Posted by jkennedy293

If you really think about it, Toyota only has two hybrid options on the market: the Camry and Prius. GM has roughly ten, including the pickups and Escalade hybrids just announced. Sure half are BAS hybrids, but that system's net cost is around $700 after tax rebates, and anything that bumps fuel economy up a bit is a plus.

Toyota is becoming like the old GM. They are resolute that their old technology is still far superior to the competition's improved system. They are starting to rely on old press concerning the greatness of their vehicles, and hoping customers just continue to buy the same vehicles they always have bought. Even their interiors are starting to become bean counter specials.

It is interesting how cyclical life really is.

that is very true... but still Toyota will be seen as the hybrid leader.. But i really hope that can change soon.. I think i will.. Get the Volt out there

[pwoods]

Originally Posted by AndrewGS

Global Whining

You have my vote for Best New Phrase. Awesome.

[Buick61]

That article was so rich with information:

Hybrid Synergy Drive can't be adapted to larger vehicles, and Toyota admits GM is ahead in that area.

E85 Sequoia is coming...eventually.

And so much more.