Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards are dictating a change in engine development. On mainstream models, a focus has turned to maximizing fuel economy though turbocharging. Hyundai/Kia was the first to proclaim the mid-size V-6 sedan as a thing of the past, and Chevrolet and Ford have followed. The two top sellers in the segment, Toyota [...]
It isn’t a secret that the most-loved cars don’t come from the design-by-committee process. Most new product phenomenons are the result of a groundbreaking invention as well, not a by-the-numbers exercise. As far as design-by-committee, that is where Toyota has been for much of its recent history. Producing cars with the goal of having no [...]
I can attest to the fact that media day at an auto show represents a near Christmas-like atmosphere for automotive lovers. In what is a typical scene for the presentation of all-new models or significant concept cats, automakers keeping cars wrapped is a gift waiting to be unwrapped. At the latest Canadian International Auto [...]
Toyota didn’t become the company it is today on the back of its engaging designs. An entirely different set of attributes has powered its success. Toyotas have been labelled as appliances for a reason. Inoffensive, safe and reliable – in other words, qualities most people put at the top of their list. It doesn’t have [...]
When a Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price is announced – it is just that, a suggested retail price. Under franchise laws, dealers don’t have to follow this price. Most of the time that is the case, when a car is hot the dealer’s often jack up the price. We’ve seen this time and time again – [...]
As we are all painfully aware, gas prices are on the rise again. According to AAA, prices are up for the eighth straight day – to $3.835 a gallon. The previous high was reached in 2008, at $4.11 a a gallon. Remember “Drill baby, drill”? We do too – we aren’t sure if that is [...]
What is the quickest way to get us NOT interested in a certain product? Well, maybe making by making an advertisement series like the one Toyota is doing with the Prius C. It is called “The Game of Life with the Prius C”, and yes it is under agreement with Hasbro, the makers of the [...]
To some, cars are appliances; a way to get you to from point A to point B. For others, cars are an emotional experience; actually enjoying getting from point A to point B, with a smile on your face when you start the engine. For the most part Toyota has made appliances; soulless vehicles. That [...]