Customers and Automakers Benefit from Toyota RecallsPublished Feb 26 2010 Toyota vehicle sales are declining substantially due to recalls of 6 million cars and a sales halt on certain US models with sticky accelerator pedals. The recalls, contributing to Toyota's 16% decrease in vehicle sales this past month, have been linked to a sales increase by auto manufacturers GM and Ford. This correlation is debated, however; some automakers are convinced that Toyota’s turn for the worse may have negatively affected the vehicle market as a whole. Regardless of Toyota’s misfortune, and accusations that the company may have misled the American public before the recalls, there are two key facets of Toyota’s actions that may be admirable. 1. Toyota is learning from its mistakes. When Toyota admitted the severity of its vehicle defects, the company was quick to create and send a fix kit to all its US car dealers for the recalls. No matter how speedy Toyota dispenses these kits though, the company is losing thousands of sales due to the recalls, losses that are a big blow to Toyota’s profits. However, after fully understanding how the manufacturing mistake was caused, Toyota may learn a big lesson about the importance of complete electrical and mechanical vehicle testing before releasing new vehicle models. Most likely Toyota will become a stronger company in the process of these recalls, and increasing safety standards can only be a good thing for customers. All the media attention on these vehicle recalls will likely pressure manufacturers GM and Ford to do the same. Market competition over vehicle safety standards ultimately helps the market and raises consumer confidence. 2.Toyota is significantly going out of its way to repair the mistakes. Even though the sticky pedal vehicle defect is relatively rare, Toyota is spending (and losing) millions of dollars to ensure its customers are safe and satisfied. Toyota has kept many dealers open 24-hours-a-day to allow customers to bring in their cars to be fixed for free. This process is so perfected that the car repair work itself takes only about 30 minutes! Toyota has made all vehicle repair information readily available to keep customers completely informed about the situation and anything else they may need to do to remain safe. The company seems to be going far out of its way through the vehicle recalls by spending time and losing revenue to satisfy and protect customers. Despite Toyota’s recent failings and recalls, it is admirable when a company, especially a large corporate vehicle manufacturer, goes above and beyond for the sake of customer safety and satisfaction. The recalls and steps Toyota is taking as it learns from its mistakes are not only the right thing to do, but may also attract future loyal car customers. |
Category: More Articles |
