***RANT INSIDE**** you have been warned.
In this new era, manufacturers are expected to be responsible for more than just the product they make. The current stigma dictacts that the environmental impact of a product is nearly as important as the actual product itself. Safety regulations, emmisions regulations, efficiency environmental footprint, bio impact etc. etc.
The mindset is product life ownership- meaning the manufacturer maintains responsiblilty for their product through its life cycle. From the proceses in place for production to the products decomposition back in to the earth. Pretty heavy responsibilty to ask any one, let alone a business whose
purpose is to sell products to customers. While I think that this is a lofty and noble goal, it is clear to me that there has to be some limit to the liability incurred by manufactureres or they would cease to create products.
If you havent guessed yet, I am blogging today, about the recent Toyota recall. Moreover the giant scare tactic propoganda campaign being launched at a well reputed company with a high quality product line. There is a lot of rhetoric going on about the slanderous nature of the media and government pressures to dramatize the issues going on with the huge vehicle recall. While I do feel there is a certain level of responsiblity due by Toyota and by every vehicle manufacturer, let’s all try to remember that Toyota is not the first to have a massive recall. In fact, it seems that every car and truck manufacturer has been subject to many recall issues. My problem does not lie with the pressure for these companies to build safe cars and trucks provide a safety recall or meet safety standards. My concern lies with the out right slander of a company that has invested an amazing amount of time and money into the American market, produces mainly high quality built cars and trucks built by Americans in America, you guessed it, supporting American economy! Toyota has been a pillar of community involvement, providing training and education for thousands of Americans in their employ, increased the standard of living in nearly every community they decide to operate a plant in, and has surely greased the palms of same politicians that are now crucifying them.
In light of retracted statements and pressure from the public outcry of foul. Government Motors tactic of slander to increase their market share is an obvious ploy and Americans should be offended by the insult to their intelligence. The claims that Toyota has been trying to cover up large scale safety issue is rediculous and can easily be disproved by examination of the actual number of vehicles having been involved in accidents due to the The number of accidents direct attributed to brake failure is miniscule. The gas pedal issues are the same. Toyota cannot spend millions of dollars responding to every little problem that arrises in a product, no manufacturer can. IF there IS a problem that requires attention they must establish a minimum number of affected vehicle that would qualify as a recall investigation. This number is not 5-10 on a scale of ten of thousands, it has to more substantial percentage, in order to justify the massive costs of a recall.
I think it is irresponsible for members of our government to make statements on television that cause panic in the public, over inflamed accusations of irresponsibility. Wow, let’s take a look around at other companies who could fall into that category as well… um, let’s see -GM? maybe? How about begging the governement for tax payers money in order to “save jobs” and keep the company alive only to 8 months later find the money is gone, no jobs are saved and the executives have all helped them selves to nice bonuses. Bonuses from tax payers monies, bonuses that they didn’t deserve for running their companies into the ground and sacrificing their hard working employees jobs, meanwhile they refuse to invest in emerging technologies until they are congresionally mandated to meet efficiency requirements.
Seriously? Toyota is all over the TV and news apologizing and thanking poeple for their loyalty, giving information, asking the public to come in a and get there car fixed, keeping dealerships open 24 hours to meet demands. And I have to watch GM on the TV with new advertising “may the best car win!” GM I have news for you…you have already lost! You survive on the back of taxpayers and the government handouts… you are like the gangster villian telling me how hard core and badass you are while collecting a welfare check, living with your mom. You should be ashamed. The only ad from GM I will listen to is an apology.
As for Toyota, you have my devotion. The fact you have been villinized by our goverment in a blatent attempt to tarnish your reputation and gain market share just re-enforces that dirty politics and underhanded tactics that Washington has beed embracing for decades.
When will poeple wake up and smell the stench?
WireNutz 