As I stated last week, Toyota’s woes have been exactly what Detroit needed.
According to an article released by the Associated Press, General Motors and Ford both saw double-digit sales increase for the month of January. Toyota’s sales fell 16% for the month.
Not coincidentally, January was the month that Toyota announced a massive recall of some of their most popular vehicles due to the fact the vehicle’s gas pedals could stick.
And, considering the Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, stated people should, “stop driving it [their Toyota] and take it to a dealer,” it wouldn’t surprise me if February is worse for Toyota, and better for the other car makers, than January was.
(Note: LaHood later explained his comments saying he meant owners should get their cars fixed as quickly as possible, not to completely give up on their Toyota.)
As I’ve stated before, I think we’re in the midst of a giant shift back to the idea that American cars are quality cars and, at the very least, on par with their foreign counterparts. Obviously, situations like this only further that argument.
What are your thoughts? Do you own a Toyota? Are you now thinking of buying an American car? Do you not care either way? Leave your comment below!