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Another PR mistake?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by The Electric Me, Feb 15, 2010.

  1. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    So The 2010 Prius in named Motorweeks car of The Year but Toyota declines to accept. Japan trys to give it an efficency award. They Decline.

    Now don't bother telling me how this is part of the Japanese culture. I understand.

    But as a global company, I think this was mistake. I'd accept the awards smiling. Given all the negative exposure Toyota and The Prius have gotten lately? Take the good. Advertise it through the roof! Let everyone know the 2010 Prius IS Motorweeks car of the year.

    Not appropriate? Is your automobile not efficient? Despite the brake update is it not still a good product?

    IMO Toyota needs to move away from the Japanese cultures instinct to apologize and be humbled...recovery means at some point being positive about your own product.

    IMO accept the awards. You've suffered the negativity, embrace a little positive when it comes along.

    Just my opinion.

    Japan gives Prius an award; Toyota declines - Autos- msnbc.com

    Chicago 2010: Bad Timing Dept. - Prius MotorWeek Drivers' Choice winner; Toyota declines JDM award — Autoblog
     
    #1 The Electric Me, Feb 15, 2010
  2. Silver bullit

    Silver bullit Right Lane Cruiser

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    Your message might be more effective if you give it to Mr. Toyoda.
     
    #2 Silver bullit, Feb 15, 2010
  3. LeadingEdgeBoomer

    LeadingEdgeBoomer Member

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    More accurately, Toyota turned down the JDM award, where Japanese culture actually is important. I cannot find where they turned down the Motorweek award, which is only relevant in the US, I think.
     
    #3 LeadingEdgeBoomer, Feb 16, 2010
  4. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    I think piercing a newborn's ears is a mistake too, but hey it's the culture.
     
    #4 32kcolors, Feb 16, 2010
  5. mad-dog-one

    mad-dog-one Prius Enthusiast

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    This award and the press opportunity would have been worth ten million $ in advertising if Toyota had handled it effectively. Remember how the Alaska Tourism Bureau used the analogy of Marilyn Monroe's signature mole after the Exon Valdez oil spill put a crimp on tourism. Come on Toyota, talk to some marketing experts that understand the west. Perhaps this is a consequence of the vertical conversation style that permeates Japanese culture. :hail:
     
    #5 mad-dog-one, Feb 16, 2010
  6. malorn

    malorn Senior Member

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    If any of you have seen the movie "Miracle" about the 1980 US hockey team. A scene comes to mind every time I read a post like this or read another article about Toyota and their current pr disaster.
    In the game against the Russians, the US is up 4-3 with about one minute left in the game. In hockey when behind it is customary for the team which is behind to pull the goalie to get an extras skater on the ice and an obvious advantage on offense. In the movie Coach Herb Brooks is waiting for the Russian coach to pull the goalie as seconds pass by he finally exclaims that the Russian coach "does not know what to do"!
    I think toyota has had the midas touch,especially with the US media, for so long that they really don't know what to do.
     
    #6 malorn, Feb 16, 2010
  7. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    I'm sorry, I think you are correct. They did NOT formally decline the Motorweek award. It might be there is nothing to decline. What do you do if an outside source "awards" you something?

    But at this point, Toyota has "understandably" been very low key about winning it. But I apologize, because my original post is technically in error. Upon further digging, I don't see where they formally declined The Motorweek awards, and it might even be impossible for them to do so, as what would they do? Tell Motorweek to NOT name them Car of The Year?

    I think the backbone of my point is still valid though. At some point coming out of this period for Toyota they are going to have to start "acting healthy". Recovering from the publicity and recalls that have plagued Toyota recently is a process. Declining awards, and/or simply not recognizing accolades might be part of The Japanese culture if "shamed" but when doing so Toyota only underlines the fact that they have had problems.

    If the media hadn't and currently wasn't so caustic and predatorial lately I might not care as much about this. But it's quite simply that I think Toyota has taken more negative publicity, almost constantly since the recalls began then they deserve. So to me, you have a little break in the clouds, a little positive news? Why not embrace it? If it's Toyota's contention to move away from recent troubles and get back to being a normal, healthy auto manufacturer then at some point you start acting like one.

    Here's to better times, when Motorweek Car of The Year can and will be something Toyota feels confident enough to embrace.
     
    #7 The Electric Me, Feb 16, 2010
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