You know there was a story on MSNBC I believe. Many think Toyota is in bed with big oil. Toyota came out with some innovative cars ...they practically put hybrids on the map with the Prius. They have just stagnated and not done anything with EV even when everyone else is. They have indeed built a reputation for reliability by not innovating. They use the same power plants for as long as possible and use previous generation fuel injection tech. Anyone could do what they are doing by doing the same thing I feel.
being a Toyota tech should be much simpler because nothing really changes all that much at Toyota.
Toyota stagnated on ev's because Aioka Toyoda believed in hybrid and hydrogen, wasting billions on it and most importantly-time.
They own patents on many hybrid technologies they license out to Ford and others.
Most consumers see them as half-steps that cost the same as a ev.
Toyoda stepped down recently because he's so out of touch. Sato (Lexus) takes over.
In the meantime, Tesla went from 22k units to 1million per year - in less than 10 yrs. Probably the fastest growth in the history of mass production cars.
By 2030-2032, predictions are the global market will be 100% EV.
Even if Toyota could match Tesla's historic growth in sales to 1 million ev's per year in 10 yrs... they would only be making 1 million cars.
Problem is, they currently make 10 million cars a year. Those factories can't just start pumping out ev's.
So, starting this year, Toyota would have to pump out 1 million ev's every year to 2032 to break even. That is not counting the cost of ev manufacturing plants, which don't exist yet. Uphill battle.
I don’t think this is all correct. Responding specifically to the perspective in this video, Lexus GX, which Amd considers an exceptionally well built vehicle deserving of his cash, sells 27,000 units a year. The Outback outsells the GX by a factor of 6, and it's arguably a better vehicle in the conditions most people need an SUV in (eg snowy roads). Sure, Subaru and Honda are behind on the EV race (like everyone else) but they're also not selling 3 ton 4x4 V8s that most people just use to clog mall parking lots, with hyperbolic justifications about build quality and longevity.
Lexus NX and Rav4 are essentially the same underlying vehicle rebadged and with different trim. Fine, let's say both are "better built" than any Tesla, whatever that means. Neither is a Land Cruiser, or even a 4Runner or a Tacoma. Neither of these is built with the 25 year lifespan (mechanic not included) that the Toyota truck guys are really talking about when they talk about Toyota quality. Nobody is overlanding their prime.
Either way you slice it the RAV4 prime is a losing proposition. You can argue it is either the pinnacle of 90s era hybrid technology, or a really crappy EV that comes with a free 4 cylinder engine to help propel it along. Neither is a long term bet I would take. The reason there is a waiting list is that they only make about 30k of them a year. Not because of Toyota build quality or any of those other platitudes.
That said to each their own, If your thing is 40 mile range backed up by an excellent 4 cylinder engine, go Rav4/Nx. If you want full electric get a tesla. If you want a cool old land cruiser, sell a kidney and get an Icon.
2022 global sales:
1. Toyota RAV4, leading with 871,513 sales
2. Tesla Model Y that with 758,599 sales
The key here is that Tesla did it without marketing, the vehicle is double the price of the Rav4, and is on a radical upward sales trend.
Rav4 is on a negative sales trend.
Yes, a vehicle like the Land Cruiser is built to last 30 years +. That's the reason they are special vehicles. That's also the reason they don't sell well: The same reason Teslas do- what's underneath is what's special about both these vehicles.
Better built means just that. Construction, fit, finish, assembly, materials and details. Land Cruisers are built far better than almost anything available.
"hyperbolic justifications"... anyone can objectively look at the construction of a Land Cruiser, GX, or NX or Tesla and see all the manufacturing comparison. It's in your driveway. Tesla didn't hide it. They were smart about how they did it, but it's right there for you to see.
Tesla did things very smart, and they've come a long way very quickly and did it in the US. They are not, however, at the coachwork standard of Toyota or Lexus. But, as i've said many times, Tesla offers the best overall package.
Not sure why people get so butthurt hearing that. It's like saying "that is white paint" and then someone gets upset you called it white.
I personally don't think PHEV's work for me. Doesn't alter the point they are popular.
The reason there is a wait list for any car is production. That's why Teslas were backed up for a year.
They aren't making enough of any popular model.
That is a different argument from Toyota build quality. People do, in fact, look at Toyota's for reliability. That's not my argument, that's just part of the brand. That's because many Toyotas are on the most durable vehicle lists.
Of course to each their own. Speaking honestly about products is just that. Just because I state a fact doesn't mean i'm defending it.
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