Reuters news organization has informed me that my account has been "banned from commenting." This comes as no shock, because Reuters has previously removed my remarks regarding Toyota. This is, however, the first time I've been banned per se from expressing my opinion on a website.
The way Reuters' ban came about is interesting. A few weeks ago, I submitted a comment critical of the Recall King. It was published, but immediately removed. I resubmitted a time or two with the same result, whereupon I exposed Reuters' blatant censorship on Twitter and Facebook and submitted copies of the posts to Reuters via another comment, which, of course was never published nor did I expect it to be. Apparently, however, Reuters took notice.
Yesterday, I submitted a comment on Reuters' article regarding Toyota's latest recall of 333,000 units - RAV4s and Highlanders - for an airbag defect. What I immediately encountered was difficulty signing in, even if I used my Facebook account. So I finally requested password assistance and got logged on. Then I submitted a comment rakin' Toyota over well deserved coals for their never ending parade of defects. But unlike before, the comment wasn't published, even temporarily. Instead, I got a message that the comment would be "moderated." Apparently, that's Reutersese for "censored."
So I waited an hour or two - not expectin' much - and again fired off a complaint tweet and a post on Facebook exposin' Reuters' rebuff of free speech. Then - like before - I attempted to send Reuters copies, and that's when I immediately got the message that my account had been banned from commenting. Yessir, I'll bet ol' Reuters already knew about me exposin' 'em again on Facebook and Twitter, and decided to throw a tantrum by just flat out bannin' my remarks altogether. "That'll teach the guy to get smart with a kingpin of mainstream media such as Reuters."
If it weren't for serious issues of free speech, Reuters' childish response to my opinions about Toyota would be downright funny. Do they wish to control the dissemination of newsworthy information? Or is it merely hubris confounding common sense in the age of the Internet? Hard to say at this point, but it sure makes a body wonder what kinda relationship Reuters has with Toyota.
Rest assured, Reuters, that I'm not anywhere close to intimidated. I'll be exposin' the likes of you and Toyota every chance I get.
Update 4/23/2011 - Reuters must have complained to Facebook, because when I referenced this blog post, Facebook blocked the information from Posts by Everyone.
Update 4/24/2011 - Today I referenced this blog post again on Facebook, and the reference was published in Posts by Everyone.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Friday, April 8, 2011
Latest Toyota recall shows true colors
Moody's Investors Services' recent analysis of Toyota puts things in post earthquake perspective for Japanese automakers: Nissan considered for a credit upgrade, Honda viewed as stable, and the Recall King placed under review for another drop in credit rating. "The rating agency also said that the company's high level of incentive spending and its declining share in major markets like the U.S. indicated that consumer perceptions of the company's quality may have weakened compared with some of its competitors."
Speaking of consumer perceptions, Toyota's continuing lousy attitude toward cusotmers was epitomized by their latest recall. Thanks to a whistleblower - supported by his colleagues - media exposed several defects, including a brake problem. Then the Recall King acknowledged the defects but refused to issue a recall until an outraged public changed Toyota's mind.
Amidst Toyota's handwringing public apologies and promises to put more emphasis on customer satisfaction, here's yet another example of actions speaking louder than words. Evidence that Toyota has yet to learn any "big lessons," and will keep trying to get away with whatever it can, profits before people. As one consumer wrote, "Does
Update 4/16/2011 - The scandal has now worsened, prompting a recall of nearly 66,000 units, the largest ever in Vietnam. This is even more than the whistleblower revealed had been sold. And apparently the Recall King still doesn't get it. Toyota apologized for the recall but neglected to apologize for not listening to warnings from their whistleblowin' engineer and his colleagues.
Update 4/22/2011 - Whew. Its hard to keep up with all the Toyota recalls. Their "latest" is now a whoppin' 330,000 units for an airbag defect. RAV4s, Highlanders. Oops - yesterday (4/26/2011) Toyota announed a 51,000 unit recall of Tundra trucks re a drive shaft defect.
Update 4/27/2011 - Top Gear auto news has asked Toyota how the Vietnam recall will affect Thai-built Fortuners sold in the Phillipines, but the Recall King has yet to reply.
Update 6/19/2011 - Amidst Toyota's adamant denials of the obvious, the Recall King has now taken action against the whistleblower: http://www.thanhniennews.com/2010/Pages/20110614123057.aspx
Speaking of consumer perceptions, Toyota's continuing lousy attitude toward cusotmers was epitomized by their latest recall. Thanks to a whistleblower - supported by his colleagues - media exposed several defects, including a brake problem. Then the Recall King acknowledged the defects but refused to issue a recall until an outraged public changed Toyota's mind.
Amidst Toyota's handwringing public apologies and promises to put more emphasis on customer satisfaction, here's yet another example of actions speaking louder than words. Evidence that Toyota has yet to learn any "big lessons," and will keep trying to get away with whatever it can, profits before people. As one consumer wrote, "Does
Update 4/16/2011 - The scandal has now worsened, prompting a recall of nearly 66,000 units, the largest ever in Vietnam. This is even more than the whistleblower revealed had been sold. And apparently the Recall King still doesn't get it. Toyota apologized for the recall but neglected to apologize for not listening to warnings from their whistleblowin' engineer and his colleagues.
Update 4/22/2011 - Whew. Its hard to keep up with all the Toyota recalls. Their "latest" is now a whoppin' 330,000 units for an airbag defect. RAV4s, Highlanders. Oops - yesterday (4/26/2011) Toyota announed a 51,000 unit recall of Tundra trucks re a drive shaft defect.
Update 4/27/2011 - Top Gear auto news has asked Toyota how the Vietnam recall will affect Thai-built Fortuners sold in the Phillipines, but the Recall King has yet to reply.
Update 6/19/2011 - Amidst Toyota's adamant denials of the obvious, the Recall King has now taken action against the whistleblower: http://www.thanhniennews.com/2010/Pages/20110614123057.aspx
Friday, March 18, 2011
Toyota runs, but can't hide
Reputation for defects, known far and wide; Toyota can run, but Toyota can't hide.
Heartfelt thanks to Armen Hareyan and Torque News for publishing my article, "Toyota Losin' for a Reason." I'm honored to have my opinion featured. Visit TorqueNews on Facebook and TorqueNewsAuto on Twitter.
Word is gettin' out about the Recall King's lousy products and equally lousy attitude. Things have apparently gotten to the point where Toyota is experimenting with marketing efforts that seek to divert attention away from troublesome issues such as recalls, lawsuits, fines, and investigations. Meaningful info about the vehicle is all but eliminated, along with reporters' question and answer sessions. Those questions from the media can be embarassing. Much safer to spotlight a pagentry of music and models. All in unison, girls. Spell the plural of Prius.
But will it work? Will consumers be mesmerized into plunking down hard earned dollars for products no longer imbued with the mistique of a manufacturer that can do no wrong? Not likely. At least not for a stretch. Recall King Toyota must now face the consequences of deeds brought to the public's attention in a big way.
Its a little late for glitzy ads, Recall King. Try all the diversionary tactics you want, but the facts are rainin' on your parade.
Heartfelt thanks to Armen Hareyan and Torque News for publishing my article, "Toyota Losin' for a Reason." I'm honored to have my opinion featured. Visit TorqueNews on Facebook and TorqueNewsAuto on Twitter.
Word is gettin' out about the Recall King's lousy products and equally lousy attitude. Things have apparently gotten to the point where Toyota is experimenting with marketing efforts that seek to divert attention away from troublesome issues such as recalls, lawsuits, fines, and investigations. Meaningful info about the vehicle is all but eliminated, along with reporters' question and answer sessions. Those questions from the media can be embarassing. Much safer to spotlight a pagentry of music and models. All in unison, girls. Spell the plural of Prius.
But will it work? Will consumers be mesmerized into plunking down hard earned dollars for products no longer imbued with the mistique of a manufacturer that can do no wrong? Not likely. At least not for a stretch. Recall King Toyota must now face the consequences of deeds brought to the public's attention in a big way.
Its a little late for glitzy ads, Recall King. Try all the diversionary tactics you want, but the facts are rainin' on your parade.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Ruling supports plaintiffs re Prius brakes
Call 'em Priuses, Prii, or whatever you will (try Glitch-mobiles), but a class action lawsuit alleging defective brakes will proceed. The judge denied Toyota's request for a dismissal, and rightly so.
This lawsuit over Prius brakes stems from complaints galore, and alleges that Toyota knew about a defect years before the cars were recalled. Based on my experience, the allegations ring true. Even though the Internet is loaded with complaints of sudden engine failures in MR2 Spyders, Toyota refuses to acknowledge a defect, maintaining that the failures "could be caused by a number of things, such as not changing the oil at proper intervals." When I tried to discuss the postings from two major car clubs, Toyota's "customer loyalty" guy "didn't want to hear about all that." And NHTSA refuses to get involved because - thanks to lobbying efforts, no doubt - sudden engine failures such as those involving the MR2 Spyders are not considered a safety issue. Of course, this all goes hand in hand with blamin' the customer (sound familiar?), who winds up on the short side when it comes to having any practical recourse.
Like the lawsuit over Prius headlights, Toyota will probably settle this Prius brake case long before risking a jury decision. A jury is likely to look at the number of complaints, exercise a little common sense, and hand down a hefty tab for punitive damages.
What kind of company treats its customers in such a manner? And what kind of government lets 'em get away with it?
This lawsuit over Prius brakes stems from complaints galore, and alleges that Toyota knew about a defect years before the cars were recalled. Based on my experience, the allegations ring true. Even though the Internet is loaded with complaints of sudden engine failures in MR2 Spyders, Toyota refuses to acknowledge a defect, maintaining that the failures "could be caused by a number of things, such as not changing the oil at proper intervals." When I tried to discuss the postings from two major car clubs, Toyota's "customer loyalty" guy "didn't want to hear about all that." And NHTSA refuses to get involved because - thanks to lobbying efforts, no doubt - sudden engine failures such as those involving the MR2 Spyders are not considered a safety issue. Of course, this all goes hand in hand with blamin' the customer (sound familiar?), who winds up on the short side when it comes to having any practical recourse.
Like the lawsuit over Prius headlights, Toyota will probably settle this Prius brake case long before risking a jury decision. A jury is likely to look at the number of complaints, exercise a little common sense, and hand down a hefty tab for punitive damages.
What kind of company treats its customers in such a manner? And what kind of government lets 'em get away with it?
Friday, March 4, 2011
Toyota a liability for Lotus, FT-86
With all those engine failures in MR2 Spyders, no wonder Toyota is relying on Subaru for the engine in the still anticipated finale of the FT-86 (Scion FR-S). But as Toyota partners with Subaru and ventures once again into sports car land, informed consumers will also contemplate such things as Toyota's botched job designing MR2 hood releases. And now that Toyota has become somewhat less than a paragon of quality, we learn that sports car legend Lotus has been catchin' criticism from customers because of its involvement with the Recall King.
Frankly, I've always thought it strange that Lotus would link up with Toyota, even though - as I understand it - the Recall King's engines are not exactly stock by the time Lotus gives 'em a goin' over. Nonetheless, Lotus has now decided to quit with the Toyota engines. Right on for "Engine by Lotus. From scratch. Honest."
Since word got out about all those stonewalled engine failures in MR2 Spyders, Toyota seems to have a flair for teamin' up with other brands when it comes to sports cars. But I'm bettin' lots of folks see things the same way I do. Havin' been fooled once by Toyota's efforts to produce a sports car, I'm no longer impressed by anything Toyota is involved in, and certainly not the FT-86. Especially that often-loaded-with-bugs first year model. Among other things, co-partner Subaru is suddenly departing from its longstanding practice of only producing vehicles with all wheel drive.
Maybe Toyota could get Lotus to do the bodywork, chassis, and drivetrain. Then with Subaru doin' the engine... But wait. Where would Toyota come in? No problem. Just put the Recall King in charge of advertising. But by all means, keep 'em away from those floor mats.
Note: A weird thing happened when I linked to a Consumer Reports FT-86 article via a Twitter "Top Tweet" and tried to post a comment. A pop-up appeared, "We're sorry, we cannot accept this data." Such a delight. Nothin' like open communications. Thought for a minute there I was being censored.
Update 11/27/11 - Leave it to Toyota to spawn years of teaser type marketing and then spring a last minute name change to GT 86. Ho hum. Another front engined monstrosity weighing in at 2,662 pounds complete with a fish-like appearance and two squished in rear seats. Next thing you know, the Recall King will be strikin' up a partnership with Ford's Mustang.
Frankly, I've always thought it strange that Lotus would link up with Toyota, even though - as I understand it - the Recall King's engines are not exactly stock by the time Lotus gives 'em a goin' over. Nonetheless, Lotus has now decided to quit with the Toyota engines. Right on for "Engine by Lotus. From scratch. Honest."
Since word got out about all those stonewalled engine failures in MR2 Spyders, Toyota seems to have a flair for teamin' up with other brands when it comes to sports cars. But I'm bettin' lots of folks see things the same way I do. Havin' been fooled once by Toyota's efforts to produce a sports car, I'm no longer impressed by anything Toyota is involved in, and certainly not the FT-86. Especially that often-loaded-with-bugs first year model. Among other things, co-partner Subaru is suddenly departing from its longstanding practice of only producing vehicles with all wheel drive.
Maybe Toyota could get Lotus to do the bodywork, chassis, and drivetrain. Then with Subaru doin' the engine... But wait. Where would Toyota come in? No problem. Just put the Recall King in charge of advertising. But by all means, keep 'em away from those floor mats.
Note: A weird thing happened when I linked to a Consumer Reports FT-86 article via a Twitter "Top Tweet" and tried to post a comment. A pop-up appeared, "We're sorry, we cannot accept this data." Such a delight. Nothin' like open communications. Thought for a minute there I was being censored.
Update 11/27/11 - Leave it to Toyota to spawn years of teaser type marketing and then spring a last minute name change to GT 86. Ho hum. Another front engined monstrosity weighing in at 2,662 pounds complete with a fish-like appearance and two squished in rear seats. Next thing you know, the Recall King will be strikin' up a partnership with Ford's Mustang.
Monday, February 28, 2011
If Toyota can't do floor mats...
Toyota's latest recall - 2.5 million units - prompted an interesting response from Hagens Berman, one of the attorneys suing the Recall King over floor mats. While Toyota's friends at NHTSA are proudly declaring an end to their investigation of sudden, unintended acceleration, Mr. Berman dared to point out that this latest recall stands in "stark contrast" to what Toyota has been saying about the floor mat issue. Instead of backin' off, maybe NHTSA should be takin' a closer look.
Let's start with just how "voluntary" this recall actually is. The terminology sounds good for the Recall King, but based on the facts, it sounds a little too good. Smacks of another cozy deal with NHTSA, whereby Toyota gets to play word games. Now don't get me wrong. I'm delighted that Toyota is gettin' exposed and havin' to foot the bill - financially and PR wise - for this recall. But its kinda like those "record setting" yet slap-on-the-wrist fines allowing Toyota to walk away without any admission of wrongdoing. The punishment may be well deserved, but its hardly sufficient.
This latest recall is another credibility issue for the Recall King. Folks had reason to believe that Toyota had solved the floor mat thing, only to discover that "the rest of the story" was - or is - yet to be told. Wonder how long Toyota and NHTSA have known about these additional problems regarding floor mats? As things now stand, nobody can be blamed for concluding that there's more to this story than we've been told. One plaintiff in a sudden acceleration lawsuit has already spoken out, saying this latest recall is proof positive that unanswered questions remain. And folks in Minneapolis are plannin' a demonstration - 3/22, 8-9 AM, 300 4th St. - to tell the feds to hold Toyota accountable for not installing brake overrides.
So lemme get this straight. Toyota has problems designin' floor mats, but the Recall King is okay with electronics?
Let's start with just how "voluntary" this recall actually is. The terminology sounds good for the Recall King, but based on the facts, it sounds a little too good. Smacks of another cozy deal with NHTSA, whereby Toyota gets to play word games. Now don't get me wrong. I'm delighted that Toyota is gettin' exposed and havin' to foot the bill - financially and PR wise - for this recall. But its kinda like those "record setting" yet slap-on-the-wrist fines allowing Toyota to walk away without any admission of wrongdoing. The punishment may be well deserved, but its hardly sufficient.
This latest recall is another credibility issue for the Recall King. Folks had reason to believe that Toyota had solved the floor mat thing, only to discover that "the rest of the story" was - or is - yet to be told. Wonder how long Toyota and NHTSA have known about these additional problems regarding floor mats? As things now stand, nobody can be blamed for concluding that there's more to this story than we've been told. One plaintiff in a sudden acceleration lawsuit has already spoken out, saying this latest recall is proof positive that unanswered questions remain. And folks in Minneapolis are plannin' a demonstration - 3/22, 8-9 AM, 300 4th St. - to tell the feds to hold Toyota accountable for not installing brake overrides.
So lemme get this straight. Toyota has problems designin' floor mats, but the Recall King is okay with electronics?
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Stallin' the Toyota Way: '06 hybrid SUVs
Uh-oh. The Recall King is facin' a brand spankin' new investigation, this time for complaints about engines stalling - most of 'em at 40 mph or more - in 2006 Highlander hybrid SUVs. And here again, there's a finer point: How long has Toyota known about this issue? How many customers have complained to Toyota about this problem since 2006? Surely we aren't expected to believe that Toyota first heard of it via NHTSA.
If matters rested on just this one case, it would be different. But this is the umpteenth time we've had reason to wonder how long Toyota has known about malfunctions in its vehicles. The question arises, for example, with those embarassing fines from NHTSA, the complaints about Prius headlights, and a current lawsuit involving allegations that Toyota knew about Prius brake problems for years before finally issuing a recall.
When vehicles suddenly stall, won't restart, and have to be towed in, its not hard to imagine the kind of complaints voiced to Toyota. Looks like the matter should have been settled a long time ago, without any involvement from NHTSA. Foot draggin' can go a long way when it comes to such things as warranties and customers givin' up on pursuing a complaint. "Aw shucks. Let's just trade this thing in and move on."
Frankly, I don't see how on earth floor mats could... no, wait. Floor mats were causin' sudden acceleration. This time the vehicles are stallin'. In fact, some other models - Corolla, Matrix - started stallin' not long ago. Gee. I hope someone is keepin' track of all this. Maybe it'll help me sort things out if I connect Toyota's '06 Highlander hybrids with how the engine in my MR2 was threatening to stall as it disintegrated.
Lawsuits, fines, subpoenas, online petitions, investigations, recalls, multi-million dollar settlements, confidentiality agreements, criminal charges, and the list goes on ad nauseum. Talk about consumer affairs...
Update 2/24/11 - Did I say brand spankin' new investigation? There's been yet another massive Toyota recall, and now CHINA wants Toyota to explain. Seems the Chinese have doubts about the Recall King's claims that vehicles sold in China were not defective.
If matters rested on just this one case, it would be different. But this is the umpteenth time we've had reason to wonder how long Toyota has known about malfunctions in its vehicles. The question arises, for example, with those embarassing fines from NHTSA, the complaints about Prius headlights, and a current lawsuit involving allegations that Toyota knew about Prius brake problems for years before finally issuing a recall.
When vehicles suddenly stall, won't restart, and have to be towed in, its not hard to imagine the kind of complaints voiced to Toyota. Looks like the matter should have been settled a long time ago, without any involvement from NHTSA. Foot draggin' can go a long way when it comes to such things as warranties and customers givin' up on pursuing a complaint. "Aw shucks. Let's just trade this thing in and move on."
Frankly, I don't see how on earth floor mats could... no, wait. Floor mats were causin' sudden acceleration. This time the vehicles are stallin'. In fact, some other models - Corolla, Matrix - started stallin' not long ago. Gee. I hope someone is keepin' track of all this. Maybe it'll help me sort things out if I connect Toyota's '06 Highlander hybrids with how the engine in my MR2 was threatening to stall as it disintegrated.
Lawsuits, fines, subpoenas, online petitions, investigations, recalls, multi-million dollar settlements, confidentiality agreements, criminal charges, and the list goes on ad nauseum. Talk about consumer affairs...
Update 2/24/11 - Did I say brand spankin' new investigation? There's been yet another massive Toyota recall, and now CHINA wants Toyota to explain. Seems the Chinese have doubts about the Recall King's claims that vehicles sold in China were not defective.
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