Worst Idea Ever: Toyota To Produce Prius For GM?

[Danny]

A new story entry has been added:

Worst Idea Ever: Toyota To Produce Prius For GM?

Seriously, Toyota. I was making a JOKE when I wrote on April Fools' Day that Toyota is going to co-produce the Volt with GM. This time, though, it's not the Volt at the center of the conversation, it's the Prius. And this time, it's not a joke.
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[The Electric Me]

Let me first state that I plan to read the replies to this thread with great interest and I'll change my opinion if with new information or a unthought of POV I become convinced in another direction. This is not a set in stone opinion.

Ideally, you'd hope GM someday produces a hybrid or alternative automobile capable of competing with the Prius themselves. But realistically given GM's current situation what is wrong with a partnership with Toyota? If Toyota is willing to do it, and it can be economically beneficial to both companies what's the problem?

I knew a lot of people who bought GEO's knowing they were rebadged Corollas. I know a lot of people outside of the desired age demographic that bought Scion XB's in part because they knew they were built by Toyota.

GM needs a new direction, and a new reputation. If Toyota is willing to partner and it makes economic sense for both companies I don't really see a downside. More direct automotive partnership even between competitors just might be the wave of the future.

I'm not 100% versed on the details but I know Ford paid Toyota for the right to use at least some HSD technology in the new Fusion Hybrid. That's more or less a one sided "purchased" partnership.

For me the economics would have to work, but if it can be made to be beneficial to both GM and Toyota, and both parties want it to happen, then what's the problem?

GM needs to diversify, needs to "Move Forward" to borrow Toyotas tag line if this can be accomplished through partnership I don't see a problem.

The only drawback I can think of would be how would this affect GM's potential research and design? I would guess while working with Toyota on a "GM Prius", Toyota might want some type of assurance that GM not produce a competing hybrid of their own. If that is the case then how would it affect the Volt or any other potential GM born hybrid?

If you can't Beat em, Join Em? I guess given GM's current tenious existence I have to side with anything that might give them a boost domestically, even if that means a partnership with a competitor.

If this can be made to work and be beneficial to both companies why do we care? The Corolla was rebadged and sold. The Matrix as well. Is there some type of offense taken with the idea that The Prius might be called something different and "shudder" have a GM badge? Right now, ANYTHING that can help re-establish GM and get consumers in their lots has got to be taken as a positive for GM and the USA.

[Rangerdavid]

Aboslutely worst idea ever!!

[wstander]

Originally Posted by Danny

A new story entry has been added:

Worst Idea Ever: Toyota To Produce Prius For GM?

If it keeps people working, and the quality remains, why not?

I too bought GEOs in the past, and nearly bought a Vibe/Matrix.

[Danny]

I have a hard time explaining why I don't like the idea. But I do know that it makes me want to vomit for some reason.

[Matt Herring]

Win/win for both companies.

GM gets a highly valuable product with a rock-solid reputation to bolster their reshuffled product line.

Toyota essentially "franchises" their Prius line/technology to GM (highly profitable) and becomes a key player in the reshuffled GM.

I know some on this site might view this as a negative (aka it's "our" Prius don't share it with anyone mentality) but if a company like Toyota can continue building great products and has the opportunity to gain any edge in the market it's a huge edge for them.

If I owned a company that made widgets and I sold 100,000 a year and another company wanted to guarantee me the purchase of 50,000 widgets a year (which might generate as much profit as 25,000 that I would sell)...now my sales are 150,000 for the year and 50,000 are already guaranteed as SOLD.

Plenty of companies operate as shadow companies and make huge profits doing it. Sony makes Panasonic LCD TV's but they are sold as Panasonic.

[Unlimited_MPG]

I'm guessing it's not going to happen...looks like GM is dumping NUMMI on Toyota.

GM Media Online

"As part of its long-term viability plan, General Motors has decided that its ownership stake in the New United Motor Manufacturing Incorporated (NUMMI) joint venture with Toyotawill not be a part of the 'New GM’. After extensive analysis, GM and Toyota could not reach an agreement on a future product plan that made sense for all parties. Accordingly,NUMMI will end production of vehicles for GM in August, and there are no future GM vehicles planned for the joint venture at this time.Given that, GM believes it is in the best interest of the ‘New GM’ and its stakeholders that we placeour ownership interest in NUMMI in 'Old GM’. We have enjoyed a very positive and beneficial partnership with Toyota for the past 25 years, and we remain open tofuture opportunities of mutual interest.”

[Prius Team]

I'd like to weigh in on this posted article, if I may.

The picture of Joaquin Phoenix incorrectly portrays the meaning of the "thumbs down" from Roman culture. This signal actually meant the gladiator's life should be spared by putting "down the swords". This signal was mistaken by French artist Leon Gerome, and continues in popular culture today.

See more here. Don't believe that, well then here's another interpretation.

That's all I have to say about this matter. Hope it helps clarify everything.

Doug Coleman
Prius Product Manager
Toyota Motor Sales, USA

[Danny]

Doug, you're just asking to be banned.

I saw Prius Team in this thread and was hoping for an official response!

[M. Oiseau]

If this comes to pass, and it presents greater competition to the local dealers, forcing them to treat me more like a customer, then this is the best idea ever.