Toyota posts fiscal year numbers.

[badjuju342]

Toyota had a record fiscal with 191 billion dollars with a net profit of 12.4 billion. They produced 7.7 million units . In contrast , GM posted earnings of 192 billion and 9 million units produced. Will Toyota overtake GM? Before we assume that , some key points to consider:
-The Lexus division has had some big recalls on their new models and this is not just North America but the global market.
- The Avalon model has experienced ongiong mechanical problems over the last few years.
- The hybrid market has decreased instead of rapidly expanding as predicted.
- With the sex scandal in New York , management has been shaken up and moved around thus causing choas somewhat.
-Quality problems in other models are starting to surface and Toyota expands at a rapid rate.
Toyota is poised to expand but they could fall on their face , industry experts say. While the domestic markets are struggling , the Japanese automakers are not as well off as the consumer is lead to believe .Only time will tell if Toyota can get a firm grip on these problems or not.

[Phoenix 5.7]

toyota has weakened in their cars IMO. they are learning from the domestic auto companies. if its working now, it will work for 10 more years. however the japs will actually notice the problems and come to a way to fix it.

[Tomogchi]

I see one problem with this..... There pushing cars out too fast..... There not letting them figure out the recalls would be, before it hit the market..... I think thats why people are very unsure of vehicles like that, because who wants a brand new $30k car, and have to send it back to the garage in 6-12 months.... I think thats why after a vehicle has been out for awhile, it starts to jump in profits. and with GM being "overtaken" it wont be long before our domestic vehicles are foerign, and vice versa. (either that or companys are going to merge more....)
Wouldnt it be funny if it was Ford - GM and then VW-toyota-Honda?
I often wonder if thats how its going to wind up....
just my .02
Bill

[The DanSmith]

Its already starting to happen........Look at Hyundai, they're starting to move a lot of their operations into North America, along with other foreign auto manufacturers. Why? Because its good for their image in one of the largest auto markets in the world. Not only does it give Americans Jobs, but it also gives the consumer the "Made in the USA feeling", luring some of the die-hard domestic lovers to their side. Not to mention the rumors going about that Ford might join with Nissan and another foreign automaker whose name slips my mind right now.