Akio Toyoda: Really starting to like this guy!

[MarkWF1]

Akio Toyoda:

I just watched a video of Akio unveiling a futuristic concept car resembling a giant smartphone (see the article below.) Have to say I'm really starting to like this guy.. He gets it! Now if his spirit and attitude can jump the shark to the rest of his company.. Really looking forward to seeing what they do with the FR-S 86 in terms of extra's.. Just because folks say that "Subaru" is this and "Scion" is that. Doesn't mean they have to stay that way, or that Toyota cant get out there and compete in the open market as far as adding a few bells and whistles before they hit the lots.. I understand the difference in market pricing and strategy as far as each company is concerned.

Been reading a lot of the board the last few days, trying to catch up on all of this.. Lots of knowledgeable folks on the board. But there are too many Sooth Sayers and Opinions of each company for me. In the end I'm going to have to check out both models and make my decision when the time comes, just like the rest of you. I can afford either one but if Toyota gives even a hint to extra's that are available, or the market flushes out with the Toyota like I'm hoping it will, to put The BRZ in it's place. I'm going to have to go with Toyota.. Maybe it's just brand loyalty but I like this company!

Toyota Unveils High-Tech Concept Car Ahead of Show

[old greg]

Originally Posted by MarkWF1

jump the shark

That doesn't mean what you think it does

[Neutral_Eyes]

Originally Posted by old greg

That doesn't mean what you think it does

Glad I didn't have to call that one, I'm reading and "Wait, that's NOT what we want!"

Also relevant repost.

[KAuss]

The thread nearly "jumped the shark"

[MarkWF1]

LOL all righty then..;-)

[coyote]

It's 90% marketing. Designed to suck in the gullible.

Just assess the cars and ignore the bullshit.

[MarkWF1]

Originally Posted by coyote

It's 90% marketing. Designed to suck in the gullible.

Just assess the cars and ignore the bullshit.

Sounds like sage advice to me.. ;-)


Here's a good article with Vid of the aforementioned presentation..

http://mashable.com/2011/12/03/toyota-fun-viivideo/

[Soravia]

It's a design study, not a finished idea. Not even the first step towards a finished idea.

But I like his thinking when it comes to bringing the mojo back to Toyota. Even the new Camry looks a tiny bit sharper. (Still a boring Camry)

[MarkWF1]

Originally Posted by Soravia

It's a design study, not a finished idea. Not even the first step towards a finished idea.

But I like his thinking when it comes to bringing the mojo back to Toyota. Even the new Camry looks a tiny bit sharper. (Still a boring Camry)

Soravio,

Yea guess that's what I was trying to say, overall, his spirit and attitude shines through.. I like it! This is what attracts me to this car and Toyota right now more then anything.. It's his attitude's and spirit with what they are trying to do.. Just hoping it transfers through to the FR-S after the sale with how and what they do for there customers, like us that really could get into are cars more then the average joe..

Time will tell, and I'm wishing them the best of luck in this regard..

[Dark]

I like him and his enthusiasm, no homo.

[MarkWF1]

Originally Posted by Dark

I like him and his enthusiasm, no homo.

No Homo..Nuff said!

[switchlanez]

Originally Posted by coyote

It's 90% marketing. Designed to suck in the gullible.

Just assess the cars and ignore the bullshit.

Akio's passion for "fun to drive" is what got us these cars in the first place. If people want to respect that by choosing Toyota over Subaru in significant numbers, the Camry/Corolla committee might notice and start jamming sportiness down the pipeline e.g. fund the TRD/Gazoo/F arms more seriously, develop special edition 86s, usher into a new dynasty in competitive motorsports.

If we buy significantly more BRZs, Subaru will have lots of money to make more... Subarus... without a strong visionary leader like Akio who delivers stuff like the LFA, IS-F, 86, and GRMN MR2 concept. The Toyota sports car movement will be a flop; it'll be a pathetic end to a short-lived manifestation. "Nice try, Akio."

Yes, Akio's stance happens to work nicely for PR. But behind that PR I see a movement being led by our stand up guy aiming his missiles at a wall built by the "committee" over these past few decades. Akio's efforts contradict Toyota's established marketing strategy. People who choose Toyota aren't necessarily suckers to marketing; they'll Occupy Toyota and the conscience of its committee.

I don't understand what he's saying but skip to 6:08 through the end ("ippo ippo" means something like "step-by-step"):
[u2b]4EVuxmM-FLA[/u2b]

[70NYD]

Fuck that fun-vii video looks logans run meets tron meets surogates...
It's freaky that it's 2010's and the future projection hasn't changed..

[Soravia]

Imagine this, your 86 (what year will that be? Time for 89? LoL!!??) sporting HUD on the screen, and I mean literally working across your screen for yor GPS pleasure of the track on a nice rally course or something like that? By that I didn't mean going all out on some back roads, I swear. XD

Anyway, cars that use these technologies don't have to be all smart and funky. If done right, they can help us drive our cars smarter. Because most drivers out there don't know how to drive you know. And I'm not trying to sound like Audi ad here.