It’s no secret that Toyota has experienced challenges recently – they have recalled 8.5 million cars, including the Champaign 2010 Prius and some Champaign preowned Prius vehicles, due to acceleration, transmission, and floor mat issues. However, it’s very important to keep these numbers in perspective because every car company experiences recalls (ahem, have you heard about GM’s recent recall of 1.3 million cars for steering wheel problems?). The truth is recalls don’t mean that car manufacturers are indifferent to driver safety. Instead, recalls are simply part of the process by which automakers address safety and reliability issues.
For the government or media to expect infallible cars all the time is unattainable because in reality all cars come with an inherent risk. At the same time, the government is concerned about driver safety and Toyota officials understand and appreciate this. To address the government’s concerns, CEO and President Akio Toyoda appeared in front of the US Congress. The session proved taxing for Toyoda but it did not get him, or his company, down. Instead everyone who is a part of Toyota has become more determined and more results-driven and they are working hard to regain customer confidence.
The steps that Toyota has taken in the wake of the recall situation are unprecedented. To start with, Toyota dealers across the country immediately began fixing the recalled vehicles, including the 2010 Prius. Champaign dealers helped Toyota to process 50,000 vehicles a day! That’s pretty impressive if you ask me. What’s even more impressive is that those same dealers even provided loaner vehicles and paid rental car and taxi fees to anyone who was getting their car worked on. These intense responses truly demonstrate Toyota’s commitment to customers.
Additionally, Toyota has begun offering lucrative incentive offers to make sure their customers continue coming back. They will sell any new car or truck to any qualified buyer by providing five-year, no interest loans; they’re providing oil changes and complete maintenance for free for the first two years; and they’re giving rebates of up to $3000 on certain models. All of these are great offers!
The actions by Toyota show that the car company is as determined as ever and should not be counted out. To learn more about what O’Brien Toyota of Urbana is doing for customers, stop in today and talk to their friendly sales staff. And if you’re in the market for a new vehicle, they have a wide variety to choose from, such as a new or preowned Prius. Champaign car shopping has never been so fun and easy!
