There’s no denying that August was a rough month for pretty much every automaker competing in the U.S. market, but there actually were some signs of life if you looked close enough. Although truck and SUV sales were still significantly down from a year ago, sales rebounded a bit from a month earlier. A full-size truck even managed to nab the top sales spot.
But even with that glimmer of hope, Toyota is not confident that the U.S. market has hit rock bottom quite yet. “It’s hard to say whether the U.S. market has hit bottom,” Toyota Vice Chairman Kazuo Okamoto told Reuters.
Toyota revealed last month that it is using $3.50 as the bottom point for U.S. gas prices, but it is not banking on the price to remain that low indefinitely. In fact, the Japanese automaker foresees $5 gas in the next five to seven years.
As such, Toyota will continue to focus on more fuel-efficient vehicles while it continues to curtail its truck and SUV production.
09/05, 3:47 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
Gee Toyota, is that because your sales are sucking wind, your recalls are the highest in the Industry and your consumer confidence is at an all time low? When the Volt comes out, it’ll be the final blow to your profits and sales in this Country. Everyone would rather buy their vehicles from GM and the Volt will steal every last one of your remaining customers.
Might as well close up shop now and be done with it.
09/05, 3:55 PM
posted by:
bleenky
You’re a fool.
09/05, 4:37 PM
posted by:
Patriot
It took Toyota a long time to get to where it is now, and it will take an even longer time to put them out of business.
I don’t think Toyota will be undercut from any of the established American companies, but rather from start-ups like Tesla motors.
My big concern is Toyota buying those start-ups. It should be illegal for foreign business to buy domestic businesses tbh.
09/05, 4:40 PM
posted by:
yarddog82abn
TOYOTA #1 , BLA,BLA,BLA still not buying one, …..NOOOOOO….NOOOOOOOOO…….NO!!!!!!!!!
09/05, 5:32 PM
posted by:
VWgrouP
I really do NOT think that the Volt is going to change anything at all..it wont last..
On topic though:
Toyota are reliable cars and fuel efficient, the Carolla is the worlds number one selling car..but there will never be one parked in my garage, thats for sure. I agree with Patriot, its going to take a LONG time to whipe out Toyota, especially because they own Lexus..
The only Toyota I like is the Sequoia, thats because it doesnt look stupid like the Yaris..
09/05, 5:33 PM
posted by:
VWgrouP
And peragraph 2 says the same thing twice..
09/05, 8:28 PM
posted by:
ktulu
this nu lln layout is terrible.
THE Market will gt worse, then better … much better. Tpoyoyra has a lot of $ & they’ll B OK.
I just paid $3.78.
The Volt nay not hurt toyota, bcuz te prius has built-in gan base.
i would rather buy vehicles from GM, but I don’t thunk every1 wood.
It should B illegal 4 4n business 2 buy domestic businesses involved in nat’l security. Nothing else
Lexus sucks!
the Sequoia is 2 big & the Yaris is not ugly
09/05, 10:38 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
You know what? In the grand scheme of things do the trials and tribulations of the North American market matter nearly as much as they used to? The emerging markets aren’t just emerging anymore- they’re taking over. Tata gobbles up Jag and land Rover, Hummer will more than likely end up offshore and even the Viper could end up in the hands of…well, who knows. Like it or not kids, we just aren’t the centre of attention anymore. Is it the worst thing in the world? Anyone who’s seen their job disappear will think so. Will North America bounce back? Of course it will, but it will take time and the landscape will look very much different when that day comes.
09/06, 9:23 PM
posted by:
jayjc08
Yes, in the grand scheme of things, we all know that gas prices will rise to record heights next summer, the economy will continue to fall (no, not slow) and that food prices are going to continue to rise. We all know that despite ethanol causing some of this, they will continue to build ethanol plants, just like the one their building not too far from here. We all know that whichever person we choose to vote for, it’s just gonna be another loony, pre-picked politician that will continue to run the country the way they seem fit, not us. Taxes are going to continue to rise considerably, if they weren’t high enough. People are going to continue to be unemployed and fired.
Sorry, but that’s the truth.
09/07, 2:02 AM
posted by:
deutschetouring1337
They are right, just look at the rollercoaster ride Crude oil has taken and gas prices. Not to mention we are far from the end of Subprime crisis, and WSJ, Bloomberg, even the Economist have said 1-2 MAJOR banks are going to fail due to this mess.
09/08, 1:10 AM
posted by:
FairlightRacing
I’m unsure if Toyota has hit bottom.