Courtesy- The English Blog
Courtesy - Arab News
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Hummer ka kya hoga...
Hummer is a popular brand in GCC. People can afford it thanks to low oil prices.
But it could be curtains for this iconic brand of GM
http://pulse2.com/2010/02/24/general-motors-killing-off-hummer-brand/
PS : Quite a few big names drive around in India in their Hummers too :)
But it could be curtains for this iconic brand of GM
http://pulse2.com/2010/02/24/general-motors-killing-off-hummer-brand/
PS : Quite a few big names drive around in India in their Hummers too :)
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Confessions of a Toyota Fan
Corolla probe threatens Toyota brand - Transportation - ArabianBusiness.com
Now the icononic Corolla range also facing a probable recall...
This is like saying, 'got off to a bad start, went down the hill...'
Toyota and auto industry can not afford this ! Let us wait and see...
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Confessions of a Toyota Fan
Interesting comparison how Japanese/Toyota handles the recall and an american manufacturer would have done. With all respects to American auto industry, it is definitely the fear of deluge of legal cases that may be preventing them from taking 'a honest' stand. Though Toyota top brass is blamed for the delayed apology, 'better late than never'. Hopefully they will ensure this does not recur.
http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/02/17/am-toyota-culture/
What surprises the car lover is the confession:
"Up to now, we had been saying that the rapid expansion was in response to customer needs – that it was inevitable," Akio Toyoda said. "I think the company's sales expanded faster than we were able to train personnel."
Isn't training an integral part of 'Toyota-Way'?
This may open up opportunities for other manufacturers. A survey in US has quoted over 80 % will switch to American brands. But, as Ford dealer in Middle East shared confidentially, 'you don't know, what holds for them in future' ! No one is above suspicion now... It will do well to all other brands to scale up their quality focus.
'Intelligent are those, who learn from others' mistakes', says The Master
http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/02/17/am-toyota-culture/
What surprises the car lover is the confession:
"Up to now, we had been saying that the rapid expansion was in response to customer needs – that it was inevitable," Akio Toyoda said. "I think the company's sales expanded faster than we were able to train personnel."
Isn't training an integral part of 'Toyota-Way'?
This may open up opportunities for other manufacturers. A survey in US has quoted over 80 % will switch to American brands. But, as Ford dealer in Middle East shared confidentially, 'you don't know, what holds for them in future' ! No one is above suspicion now... It will do well to all other brands to scale up their quality focus.
'Intelligent are those, who learn from others' mistakes', says The Master
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Confessions of a Toyota Fan
Fishing in Troubled waters?As per reports, other cars' dealers in US are trying to reach out to the Toyota customers by offering $1,000 cash back for a switch. This includes GM, Ford, Nissan and Chrysler. With additional recall in the form of Pickup, for Toyota it continues to be a slide down.... But, knowing Toyota, they will rise and come back from this crisis stronger and live up to their reputation as a quality car manufacturer.
Met couple of friends here at some of the other leading car dealerships, in Middle East. They are not in a mood to try and swing the public opinion in their favour. Reasons are - Toyota is too strong a brand in ME. Also, they are concerned if their own models would get into this recall whirlpool. After all, the component suppliers are quite common to many manufacturers.
Hence, sharing their concern, it is imperative Toyota comes out of this asap, with minimum further PR damage. The car industry, world over, need this not so small stimulus in the form of quality and safety of cars...
While it is a dream and passion for many to own and drive a car, safety is one of the fundamental aspect of a car!
Met couple of friends here at some of the other leading car dealerships, in Middle East. They are not in a mood to try and swing the public opinion in their favour. Reasons are - Toyota is too strong a brand in ME. Also, they are concerned if their own models would get into this recall whirlpool. After all, the component suppliers are quite common to many manufacturers.
Hence, sharing their concern, it is imperative Toyota comes out of this asap, with minimum further PR damage. The car industry, world over, need this not so small stimulus in the form of quality and safety of cars...
While it is a dream and passion for many to own and drive a car, safety is one of the fundamental aspect of a car!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Confessions of a Toyota Fan
Friday early morning is one of the best time to drive around in Middle East... it is so quite, clean, bright and beautiful..Early or late winter, still better...
With some popular car brands under scrutiny for their safety features, you would prefer to drive when the road is relatively empty.
As I stopped at a traffic signal, I spotted a friend right behind. He had just acquired a new Toyota Fortuner. His expression showed he is still coming to grip with the driving experience. Presumed he would have opted for the friday morning to fine-tune his driving skill.
Suddenly, I wanted move to a different lane, as I remembered how an auto-rickshaw came and banged my car from behind at Pusa Road, New Delhi... that too, as I watched him in the rear-view struggling to apply brake and totally unsuccessful. Unlike Vijay Amrithraj in Bond Film, Octopussy. Thankfully, there was a minor dent on my car and none injured, though the auto was packed to its capacity. I had no choice but to let the poor auto-driver get away with his faulty brake!
The horror one goes through if his Toyota car's brake does not function well, can be visualised !!!
At the next traffic signal, we were parked side by side. We exchange pleasantries and moved on. He said he still regret his decision to rush and buy a Fortuner, rather than buy a Prado. But added he did not like the new Prado design ( Many of us feel the refined look of Prado dilutes its rugged personality)
At the shop, I ran into another friend, this time a Honda Accord owner... !
For a friday morning, 3 is a crowd!
With some popular car brands under scrutiny for their safety features, you would prefer to drive when the road is relatively empty.
As I stopped at a traffic signal, I spotted a friend right behind. He had just acquired a new Toyota Fortuner. His expression showed he is still coming to grip with the driving experience. Presumed he would have opted for the friday morning to fine-tune his driving skill.
Suddenly, I wanted move to a different lane, as I remembered how an auto-rickshaw came and banged my car from behind at Pusa Road, New Delhi... that too, as I watched him in the rear-view struggling to apply brake and totally unsuccessful. Unlike Vijay Amrithraj in Bond Film, Octopussy. Thankfully, there was a minor dent on my car and none injured, though the auto was packed to its capacity. I had no choice but to let the poor auto-driver get away with his faulty brake!
The horror one goes through if his Toyota car's brake does not function well, can be visualised !!!
At the next traffic signal, we were parked side by side. We exchange pleasantries and moved on. He said he still regret his decision to rush and buy a Fortuner, rather than buy a Prado. But added he did not like the new Prado design ( Many of us feel the refined look of Prado dilutes its rugged personality)
At the shop, I ran into another friend, this time a Honda Accord owner... !
For a friday morning, 3 is a crowd!
Confessions of a Toyota Fan
I have always been a die-hard fan of Toyota. Hence, when I wanted to buy a new car in Middle East, it was very easy to make a decision.
- The news of the recent crisis is a big disappointment as it is about quality, something Toyota was always popular for...
- Now Honda also has announced recall for faulty airbag, driver side
- Another small news item says, VW to recall its couple of models in Brazil ( over 190 K!) as 'a component was not sufficiently lubricated, which could cause the rear wheels to seize up or even fall off' !
At least these companies have taken the step to recall. Wonder, if other manufacturers are hiding any such, or even more dangerous problems from the innocent ( not so innocent, when we use cellphones while driving) car owners...
For some reactions in US, in lighter vein, check out :
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jWxfrg5k-nnvK7qZsDGR-0AR_ltA
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jWxfrg5k-nnvK7qZsDGR-0AR_ltA
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
CAR-FREE day at Dubai
Wednesday, Feb 17 is car-free day @ Dubai.
Wow, that is quite inspiring! ...at the same time ambitious. Dubai's public transport is not ready yet for a car-free day, esp on a working day.
Weather permitting, people can walk to work or cycle around. But that will be contrary to the very essence of Dubai's ( entire ME) lifestyle. And it is too late to get few camels back on duty too !
But, it is a great goal to work to. Hope more cities in ME will adopt a similar initiative and get the participation of all citizens, especially educational and health institutions.
Wow, that is quite inspiring! ...at the same time ambitious. Dubai's public transport is not ready yet for a car-free day, esp on a working day.
Weather permitting, people can walk to work or cycle around. But that will be contrary to the very essence of Dubai's ( entire ME) lifestyle. And it is too late to get few camels back on duty too !
But, it is a great goal to work to. Hope more cities in ME will adopt a similar initiative and get the participation of all citizens, especially educational and health institutions.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Hyundai new launch
Had a sneak preview of Hyundai's new Sonata last week. At a price in range 70-90 K DH/SR (in ME),they have a winner. The design is great. It is already a popular vehicle in its category. Market-leader, Camry, watch out... !
Earlier, while travelling to West, I had a look at the new SUV. The new design, at times reminds of Audi design, looks very refined.
In the year of Soccer World cup, this sponsor is gearing up to take a larger market share. Toyota's loss could be Hyundai's gain !
Earlier, while travelling to West, I had a look at the new SUV. The new design, at times reminds of Audi design, looks very refined.
In the year of Soccer World cup, this sponsor is gearing up to take a larger market share. Toyota's loss could be Hyundai's gain !
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)