MSM: Never Mind The Toyota-Bashing, Chrysler Is Screwed

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

Anyone who follows the auto industry with any regularity will know that comparing Toyota and Chrysler by any measure is laughable. For mainstream media types, who flit from frenzy to frenzy, all the negative press about Toyota might have left some believing that it’s the worst-off automaker in America. Luckily CNN Money is on-hand to set the record straight, with a piece titled “Forget Toyota. Chrysler’s got the most problems.” It’s a standard litany of TTACian criticism: declining sales, fleet and incentive dependence, no new product, flatlining consideration, and general suckitude. All of which helps make a solid month of media frenzy over sticky accelerators look kind of silly, especially considering that Chrysler’s stunning underperformance comes courtesy of the American and Canadian taxpayers.

Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

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  • Johnny Dorsey Johnny Dorsey on Mar 12, 2010

    I understand that the "bailouts" are really loans that are being repaid.

    • Rob Finfrock Rob Finfrock on Mar 12, 2010

      Well, to do that (neither has started doing so yet) the companies need to make money. They make money by selling vehicles people want to buy, at a profit. They're not doing that either (see the return of incentives and rebates) and won't until they offer truly desirable products at a fair price. Remember, GM and Chrysler were companies the marketplace had already dictated should fail. For the past five years, the only way most bread-and-butter GMs and Chryslers could sell was to put a mountain of cash on the hood. Yes, there are exceptions... but overall, neither automaker has what one could describe as a desirable product line. I believe the money's already gone. We'll never see it. I believe both companies should (and will) fail, and the lesson serve as an expensive example for years to come about why the government should never, ever interfere with market forces.

  • Charles Barnett Charles Barnett on Mar 12, 2010

    Toyota and others knew they were having issues and attempted to hide it. All Car Companies should have came forward with a full disclosures of what car were dangerous. Instead of waiting for a huge media blitz and tons of public pressure. I never seen so many car companies GM - NISSAN - TOYOTA - HYUNDAI having recalls all at the same time. I had no idea my car was affected until I looked on http://www.carpedalrecall.com and found I had a bad Anti Lock control unit on my 2008 Pontiac G8 , my co workers Ford Truck had a recall also. So be careful

  • Snakeboat Snakeboat on Mar 12, 2010

    If they don't kill off everything but the Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, 300 and maybe some small pos, then they're dead car co. walking anyway. They should make a wrangler truck

  • Jimboy Jimboy on Mar 13, 2010

    lectrobyte: actually the Sebring has a 5 star safety rating, better than Camry or Passat. if you're going to statements like that, have some evidence to back your claims; ie where did you read it , link to an article or the next door neighbor who fed you that line of crap. Just because the Sebring is not a popular vehicle does not make it a bad one. State some facts, not your feelings.

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