…things need to change, or Toyota, the world’s largest car company by sales, “will not survive.”
…If Toyota feels like it’s losing ground, then the ground is probably moving.
The problem isn’t just one thing, either. It’s everything, everywhere, all at once. Chinese automakers are gaining ground quickly and setting a new standard for manufacturing costs. Software is becoming a core part of cutting-edge vehicle. Tariffs are still a thing. The auto industry has seen more upheaval in the last few years than it did over the last several decades…
Toyota has always had extremely strict quality standards…But that could soon change.
The brand is implementing something that it calls “Smart Standard Activity.” This is meant to slash…quality standards…Toyota believes it will lower the price of its components…
I’ve been keeping an eye on this: https://www.slate.auto/en
Stripped down, simple, no touchscreen bs, and the vehicle is customizable through their website. Pricing and ship dates are going to be announced next week if I remember correctly.
Unfortunately it looks like their pricing is creeping up into “regular EV” territory. I like the concept and hope I’m wrong.
What “regular EV” has pricing in the mid-twenties?
I do like the Slate, and I ordered one immediately, but I so wish they made a car instead of a dumb truck with terrible aero and a bed I’m never going to use.
I know there’s a SUV package but certainly that will add a huge premium to the price. I’m pretty sure the “mid-20s” is the “entry” price and bottom-dollar to get eyeballs and then all the upgrades will be crazy overpriced.
Yeah, the percentage of buyers who will actually shell out only that base price would be small. I want a non-enshittified car too, but I also want basic conveniences like power windows and a minimal sound system. I don’t think a lot of people would also rawdog the exterior and will pay for the wrap.
Honestly I wish they would just install the wiring, and then let the owners decide if they want to connect them.