I imagine that they got some pretty good tax breaks when they wanted to start building cars and trucks over here. :?:
Could it possibly have something to do with the fact that they were a majorThis is exactly why I no longer subscribe to Consumer Reports
From an article about Toyota's recalls
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-toyota-cost26-2009nov26,0,2914702.story
"Two years ago, Consumer Reports magazine -- often accused by U.S. automakers of unfairly favoring Asian brands over American -- suspended its practice of automatically giving new Toyota vehicles a positive recommendation. The action came after the magazine's vehicle testers decided that the brand's history of dependability could no longer be relied upon."
"Toyota's "recommendation percentage" fell to 88% this year, trailing Ford, Chevrolet, Honda, Volkswagen and Hyundai."
Can you believe that? They gave Toyota a free pass on quality without even testing them.
Consumer Reports doesn't have advertisers. And they don't let anyone even use their name in advertisements - unlike J D Power, Motor Trend, etc.Could it possibly have something to do with the fact that they were a major
advertiser and $ponsor to many behind the scenes events?
I think that just might have been a measurable factor.....
:eyeroll:
Ok, let me rephrase that differently. I wonder how much Toyota "donated"Consumer Reports doesn't have advertisers. And they don't let anyone even use their name in advertisements - unlike J D Power, Motor Trend, etc.
That's why it's complete crap... they are supposed to be completely unbiased and fair. And most people believe they are unbiased.
I know what he means. It's just that they try to come off as being unbiased - and convince people they are - when they were doing what I suspected all along.By donation I think he means bribes and under the table means of attaining un the earned "automatic" status.
Jax "Vinnie from Chicago" Hemi