You'd be crazy not to be pro-Toyota nowadays

Email Print posted by KeepItReal 10/11/2008 04:56:34 AM EST

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Toyota is adding 400 jobs in Michigan.

"Michigan has been begging for good news from the auto industry lately, and the Great Lakes state got some from a company that was once considered public enemy number one. Toyota has officially opened a brand new $187 million technical center in York Township that will provide 400 more jobs to the beleaguered state while giving the Japanese automaker additional manpower to develop more new vehicles for North America."

http://www.autoblog.com/200 8/10/10/toyota-opens-second -facility-in-michigan-adds- 400-jobs
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You'd be crazy not to be pro-Toyota nowadays | 3 comments (3 topical, 0 hidden)
Not exactly... (none / 0)

I own a Prius. I live in Michigan, just outside of Detroit. It's a brialliant car. I love it. And the fact that they're building in this area is cool, but not unusual. There are a number of foreign car labs in the area.

But... through sources I won't name, I happen to know that Toyota is using barely-legal tactics to prevent the big three from accessing modern electric technologies in certain supplier markets. Pisses me off. Toyota makes great stuff, and I will happily buy their products, but I can't get behind corporate behavior like that.

I realize that Toyota is playing hardball here, but they shouldn't be throwing pitches at the batter.

by peteplace on 10/11/2008 10:21:36 AM EST

Karoushi (none / 0)

Toyota is also responsible for a phenomenon that lead to the coining of a uniquely Japanese word:

Karoushi (n.) - Death as a result of working too hard.

Just as it was "uniquely American news" when Phil Hartman was shot dead by his own wife, it's "uniquely Japanese news" when overtime equals death.

by OneHitKill on 10/11/2008 11:19:34 AM EST

[ Parent ]
well, damn good product anyway (none / 0)
I bought my little Toyota 4x4 shortbed, no extra-cab pickup 20 years ago for $10k and, what a coincidence, watched the odometer turn 200,000 miles yesterday on my way home from Seattle ("festooned" with Obama stickers).  I see no reason it won't last another 100,000 with good care, and then my mechanic will probably tell me to replace the engine.  It gets only 25 miles to the gallon, but still.  and yes, I let it sleep in the bed.

by desertpear on 10/11/2008 02:26:14 PM EST

You'd be crazy not to be pro-Toyota nowadays | 3 comments (3 topical, 0 hidden)
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