And even in light of the auto recall earlier this year, owners of the No. 1 selling brand can reclaim their bragging rights, and tout the car’s award winning Star Safety TM system to the list of automotive attributes. The impressive combination of driver aids for accident avoidance that now come standard on all Toyotas including Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, makes the Toyota the only full line manufacturer to equip all of it’s vehicles with all of these top of the line safety features.
In fact no other brand has more 2010 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Picks than Toyota. Toyota brands have also received a total of six segment awards in the 2010 JD Power and Associates Initial Quality Study, and it’s recognized by U.S. News and World Reports as the “Best Car for the Money” in six size categories. The Toyota turn around maybe the automotive news story of the past five years, certainly for 2010.
How’d they do it? The company is investing a whopping 1 million dollars an hour into research and development for safety improvements and advanced technology. Besides the hefty investment in R&D, the company assembled a team of 200 of it’s top engineers and technical associates to provide comprehensive support and rapid response to consumer demands. The Swift Market Analysis Response Team or SMART conducts on-site vehicle analysis and works closely with dealerships to address consumer needs.
In an era marked by auto industry chaos, government bailouts and record lows in consumer confidence, Toyota looks more and more like that port in the storm, offering drivers a solid product at a fair price. And for Toyota drivers that means that the hits just keep on coming. The Toyota Prius sets the standard in the the green car movement, outselling every other hybrid on the market and the smart looking Camry has been ranked the best midsize sedan by Motor Trend magazine. The Venza, Sequoia and Landcruiser have all received best in class awards in the respective SUV categories. –roz edward
