Hmmm! believe that the Detroit automakers have had enough from their Asian compatriots, well think twice before you feel the same. The heavy duty segment is yet to be conquered and the way Toyota has launched its Tundra campaign , I would say for all of us , ‘when the end is near , forget the fear’, lets see what this heated battle has in store for us .
What comes to mind when we talk about a heavy-duty vehicle, probably a Ford Pick-up or a beast from the GM territory, the times are changing for sure and in a few years there will definitely be a new name on your minds, Toyota. The way the Japanese giant is winning American customers in the heavy-duty segment; these are ominous signs for the American auto industry overall.
As it is, the Japanese have taken a head start in the Hybrid segment with launches like Prius and we all know what the Camry has achieved. Now its turn for the American manufacturers to pull their socks up and get ready for a face saving act, for otherwise we will soon call Detroit, Cannibal’s kingdom.
17,727 Tundra trucks were sold in May 2007, which doubles the number of the older version sold during the same month. Statistics reveal that the reason for such high sales is the loyalty shown by the Toyota customers, but I tend to disagree on this issue.
When a company launches an expansive campaign by enabling 30,000 people to take test-drives, with a ‘Prove it’ cliche, you would seldom face failure. The inspiring motto saw more than half the number of people booking for dealer calls and additional information after the test-drives.
Thus, I would say, even if the stats reveal brand loyalty, it is just the American excuse for a radiant Japanese beginning and as always, it has quiet become a trend with us.
[Image : Jalopnik]
