Honda, Toyota: Bold Moves
Japanese auto makers Honda and Toyota have some pretty aggressive
plans for expansion in the U.S. They are clearly on a roll at this
point. Sales in Japan are expected to be flat, but there seems to be
significant opportunity for growth in Asian markets outside Japan.
These companies are impressive, no question about it.
While GM and Ford seem to be caught up in various internal issues, Toyota and Honda are leading the way by producing innovative features (Hybrids, ..), easy-to-use vehicles with very high reliability and being very focussed on the business of selling and satisfying customers.
A bit sad, really. But a lesson to be learned here, no doubt.
Posted by Vijay Tatkar on September 21, 2006 at 01:27 AM JST #
Posted by Jim Grisanzio on September 21, 2006 at 07:30 AM JST #
Jim, the US automakers that have the most to gain are the little guys, like the all-electric sports car maker. Ford is dead, and GM better pray that a Ghosn-like takes the helm and stops it from spinning uncontrollably.
But make no mistake. Toyota is not racing to destroy the US industry. It's out to protect itself from another foreign car-maker: Hyundai. That's gonna be the heavyweight fight of the first quarter of the 21st century.
On an aside, did you know Honda is getting ready to sell corporate jet airplanes? See http://world.honda.com/HondaJet/
Posted by Christopher Mahan on September 22, 2006 at 03:04 AM JST #
Posted by Jim Grisanzio on October 07, 2006 at 08:06 AM JST #