Is the Tundra the final ingredient for total domination?
Palais des Congrès, Montreal Auto Show - Mr. Wearing tells me that Toyota is writing the history books as you read these lines. I believe him. Although GM's long-term future looks fairly positive, it is hard to deny that the present and the very near future belongs to the #1 Japanese automaker. Fresh from their sixth straight year of sales growth, Toyota is heading full-steam ahead with their all-new Tundra full-size pickup.
My first question was simple but loaded: Do you think that the Tundra will get you the number 1 spot? His answer was also simple and loaded. He said that, since Toyota is already in the top spot for car sales, enticing and selling to more truck buyers could be a key ingredient in becoming number 1. He did state that the Tundra's design or reason-for-being was not to land Toyota the coveted position.
When asked if he thought that the Tundra could actually ride with the big boys such as the F-150 and GM Trucks, Mr. Wearing said that it no doubt can. "Toyota is telling its own story." "People do not need to be convinced to buy one of our products." He added that Toyota actually started out as a truck company. By way of features, the Tundra's 5.7L V8 is the most powerful in its class, it can haul nearly 11,000 lbs and Toyota quality will be obvious in every aspect of the truck.
Getting back to the competition, I again enquired about how Toyota was going to get people to look beyond the Big Three's offerings. He answered by mentioning the Tacoma and the near-legendary status it has amongst truck aficionados. This fact, combined with the Tundra's capabilities, should make it a sure-fire winner.
In closing, Mr. Wearing hinted that some announcements will be made in the next few months and that they may include news on the next Highlander.
photo:Philippe Champoux
 |
| Tony Wearing, Managing Director of Toyota Canada |
My first question was simple but loaded: Do you think that the Tundra will get you the number 1 spot? His answer was also simple and loaded. He said that, since Toyota is already in the top spot for car sales, enticing and selling to more truck buyers could be a key ingredient in becoming number 1. He did state that the Tundra's design or reason-for-being was not to land Toyota the coveted position.
When asked if he thought that the Tundra could actually ride with the big boys such as the F-150 and GM Trucks, Mr. Wearing said that it no doubt can. "Toyota is telling its own story." "People do not need to be convinced to buy one of our products." He added that Toyota actually started out as a truck company. By way of features, the Tundra's 5.7L V8 is the most powerful in its class, it can haul nearly 11,000 lbs and Toyota quality will be obvious in every aspect of the truck.
 |
| 2007 Toyota Tundra CrewMax |
In closing, Mr. Wearing hinted that some announcements will be made in the next few months and that they may include news on the next Highlander.
photo:Philippe Champoux