As U.S. Auto Makers Struggle, Toyota Takes Over as Top Dog

The bankruptcies of General Motors and Chrysler are changing the landscape of the auto industry. The two U.S. companies are shuttering plants, shedding dealers and reducing their product lines.

As a result, Toyota Motor will become the largest seller of light vehicles in the U.S. It has held the top spot globally since last year.

The Japanese auto maker won't be the only beneficiary of the two companies' woes. But in terms of status, market clout and bragging rights, Toyota will be the No. 1 winner.
Its share of the North American light-truck and car market probably will rise to around 20% from 18.4%. GM will end up in second place with 13% to 16% -- with Ford hot on its tail.
Although Toyota stock doesn't change hands directly in the U.S., the company's American depositary shares (TM), which represent them, are listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
And, at a recent price of around $76 -- about $30 below their 52-week high -- they're a good bet for long-term investors.

Toyota resumes family leadership: Grandson to head top carmaker

For the first time in 14 years, Toyota Motor Corp. has turned to the family of founder Kiichiro Toyoda for its next president.
Akio Toyoda, Kiichiro's grandson, is expected to take up his new responsibilities Tuesday, after Toyota's shareholders vote on top management appointments, including his promotion after 25 years with the company. Toyoda, 53, has held a variety of jobs, not only in Japan, but also in the United States and China.

Toyota Unveils the Land Cruiser

MUMBAI: Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. (TKM) on Tuesday launched its internationally successful premium sports utility vehicle (SUV), the Toyota Land Cruiser.
The eighth generation Land Cruiser, which offers superior four-wheel-drive and is loaded with advanced technology and comfort features, was unveiled here by TKM Managing Director Hiroshi Nakagawa. Mr. Nakagawa said, “not only is the Land Cruiser a global benchmark in automotive engineering, it is also the ultimate lifestyle statement of luxury, comfort and best-in-class safety features. Our aim is to bring to our customers the world’s most admired SUV, backed by Toyota’s countrywide assured sales and service support.”
The new Land Cruiser will be available in two options. One will 9 nine speakers and the other will have an advanced 6 DVD, 14 JBl premium speaker system with EMV screen and a Moonroof. These options will be available at Rs. 81.64 lakh and Rs. 83.10 lakh (ex-showroom, Thane), respectively.

TKM Deputy Managing Director (Marketing) Sandeep Singh said that in spite of the recent slowdown, the premium SUV segment had witnessed a growth, driven largely by the introduction of new models. “We will execute comprehensive training programmes at our dealerships to provide the necessary sales support and create the desired impact among our high end customers. We will also implement a focussed marketing campaign (including print, magazines, hoardings, direct marketing, web and SMS) to inform all our customers about Toyota’s capabilities in advanced technology and over-powering performance demonstrated in the Land Cruiser.”

The multi-terrain ABS (anti-lock braking system) continually monitors engine revolutions and vehicle speed, instantly adjusting wheel-slippage regardless of surface conditions. The hill assist control further contributes to smooth hill starts making the Land Cruiser suitable for mountainous terrain. And as always, passenger safety and security has been prioritised by providing 10 airbags with seat position sensors, active traction control, vehicle stability control and clearance and back sonar (to assist in cornering/reversing).

The new Land Cruiser has the world’s most advanced four zone air-conditioning system where each passenger has an independent temperature control facility.

TKM is a joint venture of Toyota and the Kirloskar group with Toyota holding an 89 per cent stake. In 2008, the company made 54,327 units. TKM’s plant on the outskirts of Bangalore has a capacity to make 60,000 units and it now makes the Corolla Altis and the Innova. TKM imports the Camry and Prado models as completely built units (CBUs). As of March 2009, the company had 3,287 employees.

GM stops production of the Malibu Hybrid!!!

General Motors Corp. started notifying dealers today it has suspended production of the Chevrolet Malibu hybrid due to poor sales, this comes as the automaker continues work on a next-generation hybrid system set for 2010.
The letters notified dealers that they cannot order 2010 Malibu hybrids because of a glut of 2009 models, Chevrolet spokesman Steve Janisse said.
While there will not be any retail production, GM is still filling some fleet orders.