![]() Cars on a Shanghai highway. Photo: Flickr user Desoumal |
Toyota, the world’s biggest automaker, says its top-selling car in Japan last year was the Prius — the first time that a hybird vehicle gained that distinction.
More than 200,000 Prius cars were sold in Japan, three times the number from 2008. Hybrids account for 10 percent of automobile sales in Japan, compared to 3 percent in the U.S.
And in 2009, China surpassed the U.S. as the world’s largest car market. American auto sales dipped 21 percent to about 10.5 million.
Will the United States ever regain its stature as an auto industry powerhouse?
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01/13/2010 :: 10:21:31 AM
César Martinez Says:
Yes. If the American Auto Industry remembers doing something that other american companies do well overseas : Sell. With foreign economies booming (asian people eager to spend) they HAVE to go out there and RECAPTURE those consumers. But, with what? With a GOOD quality product. FIRE those overpaid executives and throw that money into some REAL ENGINEERING departments. Recruit THINKERS, designers, R&D geniuses that can conceive the best vehicle at the best price. See what’s happening overseas with the new Ford Fusion and the new Ford Edge. Amazing lines, fun to drive, they’re hot sellers down here in Colombia. PRICING IS THE KEY.
Make a product that CAN be a real alternative. Even in wealthy economies, top of the line Toyotas and its Europeans counterparts ARE awfully expensive, but people is forgiving, given their QUALITY.
Don’t be lazy, get out of the suit and go back to the design room. And to the american worker : give 150% Asian workers don’t mind in doing so EVERY DAY. Be bold, determined and fire that SOCIALIST from the White House. Best of luck…