Toyota's new ad campaign discussion

Both could be true, could they not?

 

Better than the "problem? What problem?" attitude some car companies (unsuccessfully) *cough* Ford *cough* tried.

 

I am a sucker for nostalgia-- shows the brand is, indeed, part of American fabric. American factory worker shots help reinforce that idea today. The mea culpa bit is a little pandering. Hope these only run for a short while. Let's move on... Keep with "MOVING FORWARD"

Toyota's COMMITMENT COMMERCIAL:
http://www.toyota.com/recall/videos/commitment-commercial.html

 

Watch this commercial (again) and smile

 

I couldn't disagree more...I love the new "Commitment" commercial.

Whether Toyota actually messed up is beside the point...the perception is that they messed up, and *that* is what must be dealt with. The commercial says, in a not very heavy-handed way, that Toyota's been around a long time, had a superior reputation (in the USA) for a very long time, and messed up.

Everyone knows that companies mess up...it's how they handle it, that separates the good ones from the bad ones.

In typical Japanese style they're admitting their error, and asking for forgiveness...they're saving face. It's the honorable way to handle such a situation. The only thing missing is a shot of an executive falling, ritually, on his sword.

It's a very American commercial, showing a very Japanese concept. Tough to blend together...and quite effectively done.

I predict that this campaign will be a success, and that Toyota will rise like a phoenix.

Chuck

 

90% are still on the road ... the other 10% made it home.


Sorry -- that is THE traditional reply to Harley Davidson's similar claim in its advertisements.

 

I hope it works to restore confidence the brand deserves. All the history of quality Toyota products should not be ignored and forgotten so quickly. The current media (print, tv, internet) atmosphere is awful. Quite frankly, the quirks with the brakes and cruise control are at most missed opportunities for TSBs that should have been issued as soon as Toyota heard about them...not just unannounced changes in the assembly line.
I noticed a similarity to the US political scene. I suspect we're in for a long period of media attacks on anything and everything that people don't like even if dire and wrong consequences occur. Just look at the speed and ferocious attacks on our political leaders (please, both parties)...some deserved yet many are just enjoying the opportunity to gain customers/viewers while they destroy reputations. I believe much harm has come to our nation and our economy (as well as Toyota) from this phenomenon.
This should be a wake up call to all politicians as well as manufacturers of expensive items like cars. They need to get it right the first time if possible, admit problems immediately, take corrective actions before being required to do so, treat their customers (or voters) as if they really are important, and tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth even when it hurts..."old crow tastes a lot worse than fresh" and it will usually make one sick. :amen: