Toyota's global production rises

[Murrow]

By KOZO MIZOGUCHI, Associated Press Writer
Mon Dec 25, 10:35 AM ET



TOKYO - Toyota Motor Corp. on Monday reported its 25th straight month of growth in worldwide production as it closed in on General Motors' position as the world's biggest vehicle maker.

However, Toyota's main Japanese rival, Nissan Motor Co., said it produced fewer cars in November than a year earlier.

Toyota Motor said its global production totaled 736,003 vehicles in November, up 12.3 percent from the same month last year. Overseas production climbed 10.5 percent to 350,300, while domestic output rose 14.1 percent to 385,703.

Rising oil prices have prompted drivers to favor fuel-efficient cars, including the Prius hybrid, Corolla compact and the midsize Camry, the best-selling model in the U.S. market for eight of the last nine years.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061225/...uto_production

[Psionic Wibbly]

And so does Honda's:

Honda Motor Co. said its worldwide production jumped 10.6 percent to 328,792 vehicles in November, its 16th consecutive month of on-year growth. Honda's domestic production rose 15.0 percent to 126,534, while overseas output climbed 8.1 percent to 202,258 vehicles.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061225/...uto_production

[HoeyHimself]

Mhmmm..a few years ago Enron announced all sorts of gains too, shares went up...well..we all know what happened after that. haha im juuust kidding around..

[stevecmh]

shame.. I really hope GM can still surpass them in the years to come

[roteague]

Originally Posted by stevecmh

shame.. I really hope GM can still surpass them in the years to come

GM still has one thing they don't; design. Toyota's designs tend to be either bland or stupid.

[pete4280]

My dad works for Toyota and he tells me that Toyota expects to pass GM in 2007. I'm not sure but it could happen. Also they considering building a twin plant beside the one they are going to build in woodstock Ontario.

[PhishPhood]

Originally Posted by roteague

GM still has one thing they don't; design. Toyota's designs tend to be either bland or stupid.

This is true. However they have found the secret to making money in that 'bland sells'. It is far more important to a manufacturing company that is heavily invested in assets to move volume than it is to dazzle the market with peripheral but exciting prodicts.

The Corolla of all vehicles is hugely profitable at about $16000 a copy. It's the essence of white bread and it just prints money every single month. The Camry even more so. The reason: volume.

[Chet]

It's just crazy how Toyota can have double digit increases every month.

Originally Posted by roteague

GM still has one thing they don't; design. Toyota's designs tend to be either bland or stupid.

I don't get this... which GM vehicles have standout design, besides low production vehicles? GM is no better than Toyota in this regard. In fact, I would say that over the past decade, GM has been one of the worst when it comes to appealing designs.

[Bravada]

GM still has one thing they don't; design. Toyota's designs tend to be either bland or stupid.

Of all companies in the world, I wouldn't accuse GM of having a "design" edge. Compare the Cobalt with the upcoming Corolla/Auris to see who designs bland and stupid cars.

[espo19047]

Again I come to GMI to see more Toyota news all over the place. Really it is more Toyota Speculation and predictions. Does anyone else tire of the constant Toyota coverage? The car show season cant get here soon enough.

[johnny smallblock]

Originally Posted by espo19047

Again I come to GMI to see more Toyota news all over the place. Really it is more Toyota Speculation and predictions. Does anyone else tire of the constant Toyota coverage? The car show season cant get here soon enough.

Without endless Toyota coverage, how could we all over react?

[johnny smallblock]

Boring/Bland Designs
Aveo
Cobalt
Malibu (I know, the 08 is coming)
Impala
Monte Carlo
Uplander
Equinox
Trailblazer
Colorado
G6
Grand Prix
GTO
Vibe
Torrent
LaCrosse
Terrazza
Ion
Vue
Relay
Envoy
Canyon
9-7
DTS
H2

Exciting/Bold Designs
HHR
Corvette
Silverado
Tahoe
Burb
Solstice
Lucerne
Enclave
Sky
Outlook
Sierra
Acadia
9-3
9-5
CTS
STS
Slade
H3

[tgagneguam]

Originally Posted by Chet

...I don't get this... which GM vehicles have standout design, besides low production vehicles? GM is no better than Toyota in this regard. In fact, I would say that over the past decade, GM has been one of the worst when it comes to appealing designs.

Thank you for this post.

[tgagneguam]

Originally Posted by Chet

It's just crazy how Toyota can have double digit increases every month...

As sickening as it is, I will admit Toyota deserves its success. When GM decides to get competitive (no, kids, falling sales is not a sign of good things at GM), I assure you I will be the loudest fan in support of the Company... but not a moment sooner.