Toyota Gets It

From the NY Times:

Fuel-Efficient Cars Help Toyota to Strong Profits

By MARTIN FACKLER
TOKYO, Aug. 4 — Toyota Motor Company said its income jumped 39.2 percent to $3.2 billion during the second quarter, boosted by strong sales of fuel-efficient vehicles in the United States, where it passed Ford Motor Company in July sales to rank as the second-biggest automaker behind General Motors.

Toyota, which already ranks as No. 2 in the world, appears on pace to pass G.M. as the world’s biggest auto company, perhaps as soon as this year.

Toyota, which earned $2.3 billion in last year’s second quarter, said its revenue rose 13.2 percent while its vehicle sales rose nearly 8 percent worldwide, to just over 2 million.

'Why I don't understand this...this is just...just...shocking. Americans don't want fuel efficient cars! They want horsepower, SUVs you need a step ladder to get into, and maybe a hemi!'

Sorry American auto industry -- you just don't get it and Toyota does.

Toyota for years now has been offering good looking, good performing, low maintenance, fuel efficient cars. They get it, and after being pounded over the head by skyrocketing gas prices the dull-witted American consumer has finally figured it out too. It is possible to have a comfortable car that gets more than 15 mpg.

One can't help but be saddened by the fact that the richest country in the world is lagging so far behind when it comes to developing and implementing energy saving technologies. Toyota has been coming up fast in the American auto industry's rear view mirror for some time now. One can't help but think Detroit won't "get" it until a Corolla blows by them in the left lane.