It could be nothing or it could be something, but Ford confirmed today that it’s CEO Alan Mulally met with Toyota Chairman Fujio Cho last week in Japan. Analysts speculate the meeting is to discuss potential partnerships for developing environmentally friendly vehicles an for Ford in particular to understand Toyota’s operational efficiencies. While a Ford spokesperson declined to comment, a Toyota representative indicated the meeting was simply a get acquainted meeting, something Toyota executives do often with their competitors.
Analysts said it was less clear what Toyota would gain through any partnership with Ford, given its run of recent sales success and its lead in areas such as hybrid technology.
Toyota is poised to overtake General Motors Corp. as the world’s largest automaker in terms of production next year, and many analysts expect it will also unseat Ford as No. 2 in the U.S. market as soon as next year.
While Toyota’s U.S. sales have jumped almost 13 percent this year, Ford’s sales have fallen almost 8 percent, according to monthly sales data.
Full Story on Washington Post.
Toyota recall
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MSNBC Home » Business » Automotive
Toyota to recall 533,000 Sequoias, Tundras
Faulty component could make vehicles difficult to steer
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Updated: 2:48 p.m. ET Jan. 19, 2007
WASHINGTON - Toyota Motor Corp. said Thursday it was recalling 533,000 Tundra pickup trucks and Sequoia sport utility vehicles because of potential steering problems.
Toyota said the recall involved 2004-2006 Tundra trucks and 2004-2007 Sequoia full-size SUVs. The automaker has received reports of 11 accidents and six injuries connected to the recall, said Toyota spokesman Bill Kwong.
The automaker said there was a possibility of excessive wear to a front suspension lower ball joint that could make it difficult to steer the vehicle and stay in the center of the lane. Drivers may also notice more noise coming from the front suspension, Kwong said.
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Toyota recalled about 775,000 pickups and SUVs in May 2005  one of its largest recalls ever  because of similar problems with the front suspension. The recall included 2002-2004 model years of the Tundra and Sequoia.
Kwong said the company received additional complaints involving newer models of the Tundra and Sequoia, prompting them to issue the recall.
Toyota, which is challenging General Motors Corp. to become the world’s largest automaker, has aggressively touted its redesigned Tundra pickup as a strong competitor in the lucrative truck segment dominated by GM and Ford Motor Co.
The first Tundras built at Toyota’s San Antonio plant are expected in showrooms next month. The automaker recently unveiled its Tundra CrewMax full-size pickup truck at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The large pickup will arrive in showrooms in March.
With its expansion, the Japanese automaker has struggled with some quality issues. Toyota had 2.2 million vehicle recalls in 2005, but showed improvements last year when its recalls fell to 766,000 vehicles. Toyota President Katsuaki Watanabe has repeatedly vowed to enhance quality controls.
Owners will be notified in mid-February of the Sequoia and Tundra recall and dealers will replace the left and right front suspension lower ball joint at no charge to the vehicle’s owners.
© 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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Toyota Sucks!!
By Stan Williams. January 5th, 2007 at 6:47 amIt’ll never happen. Don’t worry about it. As if Toyota would want to saddle themselves with Ford’s mess- and they’d gain what?
By Larry. January 2nd, 2007 at 7:09 pmToyota is currently where GM was in 1955. As soon as they get their internal issues handled, you’ll see nothing but their taillights. Sad but true.
If Toyota was smart and witheld some info at that meeting, it was just a waste of time. However, if not, it could help help Ford. As of now, Toyota is the most efficiant company in terms of number of emplyees it takes to make a car (Ford’s 30-something versus Toyota’s 20-something) so learning their secret can help. Also, a partnership in making hybrids can bring Ford back into the game since this is a market US automarkers have neglected and as of now, Toyota is the only major player. However, Ford should take a look at the LX platform from Chrysler and note how well it payed off (despite the Charger having 4 doors).
By bassman97. December 29th, 2006 at 9:17 pmYeah, I remember Mazda. Ford went after it. Not the other way around. =)
By Wildo. December 29th, 2006 at 5:51 pmhttp://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061229/BUSINESS01/612290336/1014
By Wildo. December 29th, 2006 at 6:19 amRemember Mazda?
By Marzz. December 28th, 2006 at 10:27 amWhy is it everytime this type of shit comes up, The media’s first response is MERGER?
If this was a merger, More then Allan and Marky Mark would would of went dont you think?
God this so stupid.
By Wildo. December 27th, 2006 at 6:09 pmO god No
By -RC. December 27th, 2006 at 4:09 pm