GM Announces Incentives While Toyota Scrambles
By Susan Thompson on February 2, 2010, 12:06 pmGM is making many attempts to entice customers to buy their products. Owner loyalty cash combined with lower APR’s or owner loyalty cash combined with customer cash incentives are two of the newest approaches to increase sales. There are attempts to commercialize on the fate of Toyota customers by some GM dealers who are offering a $1000 cash back incentive for anyone who currently owns or leases a 1999 or newer model Toyota. College Discount Pricing, Credit Union Member Pricing and Military Personnel Pricing are additional ways to attract potential customers. Rebates on various hybrids are still available in addition to sales tax credit incentives.
Toyota’s Reputation At Risk
Since Toyota’s decision to delay the manufacture of 8 of its models in the US, the company is understandably facing a financial crisis. Combine production delays with the necessary recall and indecisive manner exhibited to resolve gas pedal malfunctions in approximately 4 million vehicles currently on the road and their reputation is on the line. Not only is Toyota losing money by suspending future sales but will insurance adequately cover the mistakes they have already made? Stocks in the company are taking a downturn as investors have opted to bail.
Is Toyota Guilty of a Cover-Up
The current gas pedal malfunctions include pedals sticking after being depressed, unintended acceleration, and pedals becoming trapped under floor mats during acceleration. Various safety and government committees are promising to convene this month to get some answers. How many complaints did Toyota receive and what attempts did they make to resolve them? Recent reports indicate that fatalities have been recorded for the last decade concerning these problems. Only one Toyota model was recalled. Studies demonstrate that these mishaps are plaguing all Toyota models and have been occurring for some time.
Current Toyota Owners in Limbo
Toyota has met with their engineers and designers to change current specifications. Statements made as of Friday suggest that changes are being made in the factory models currently in production. Current owners are understandably scared and unhappy. Their vehicles may have experienced some of these problems, should they be driven? Others are worried the malfunctions may surface at any time. When will Toyota make a decision to repair or replace these pedals and floor mats? Why wasn’t Toyota more inclined to prioritize currently owned vehicles and dealer inventory rather than focusing on cars they haven’t even built? Will a repair be safe enough? These are questions Toyota owners and dealers want answered.
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- Toyota Recall Fixes Not Working
- Toyota Forms New Smart Team To Handle Customer Complaints
- Automotive: Is Toyota Blaming Drivers For Acceleration Crashes