Why Toyota Is Now #1

[jshep]

Why Toyota is now #1 !

 

 

A Modern Parable

 

 

A Japanese company (Toyota) and an American company (General Motors) decided to have a canoe race on the Missouri River. Both teams practiced long and hard to reach their peak performance before the race.

 

 

On the big day, the Japanese won by a mile.

 

 

The Americans, very discouraged and depressed, decided to investigate the reason for the crushing defeat. A management team made up of senior management was formed to investigate and recommend appropriate action. Their conclusion was the Japanese had 8 people rowing and 1 person steering, while the American team had 8 people steering and 1 person rowing.

 

 

Feeling a deeper study was in order, American management hired a consulting company and paid them a large amount of money for a second opinion. They advised, of course, that too many people were steering the boat, while not enough people were rowing.

 

 

Not sure of how to utilize that information, but wanting to prevent another loss to the Japanese, the rowing team's management structure was totally reorganized to 4 steering supervisors, 3 area steering superintendents and 1 assistant superintendent steering manager.

 

 

They also implemented a new performance system that would give the 1 person rowing the boat greater incentive to work harder. It was called the Rowing Team Quality First Program(FPS ???), with meetings, dinners and free pens and a certificate of completion for the rower. There was discussion of getting new paddles, canoes and other equipment, extra vacation days for practices and bonuses.

 

 

The next year the Japanese won by two miles.

 

 

Humiliated, the American management laid off the rower (a reduction in workforce) for poor performance, halted development of a new canoe, sold the paddles, and canceled all capital investments for new equipment. The money saved was distributed to the Senior Executives as bonuses and the next year's racing team was "out-sourced" to India .

 

 

Sadly, the End.

 

 

However, sad, but oh so true! Here's something else to think about: Ford has spent the last thirty years moving all its factories out of the US, claiming they can't make money paying American wages. Toyota has spent the last thirty years building more than a dozen plants inside the US

 

 

The last quarter's results:

 

 

Toyota makes 4 billion in profits while Ford racked up 9 billion in losses. Ford folks are still scratching their heads.

 

 

IF THIS WASN'T SO SAD IT MIGHT BE FUNNY!

[Pipefitter]

Why Toyota is now #1 !

A Modern Parable

A Japanese company (Toyota) and an American company (General Motors) decided to have a canoe race on the Missouri River. Both teams practiced long and hard to reach their peak performance before the race.

On the big day, the Japanese won by a mile.

The Americans, very discouraged and depressed, decided to investigate the reason for the crushing defeat. A management team made up of senior management was formed to investigate and recommend appropriate action. Their conclusion was the Japanese had 8 people rowing and 1 person steering, while the American team had 8 people steering and 1 person rowing.

Feeling a deeper study was in order, American management hired a consulting company and paid them a large amount of money for a second opinion. They advised, of course, that too many people were steering the boat, while not enough people were rowing.

Not sure of how to utilize that information, but wanting to prevent another loss to the Japanese, the rowing team's management structure was totally reorganized to 4 steering supervisors, 3 area steering superintendents and 1 assistant superintendent steering manager.

They also implemented a new performance system that would give the 1 person rowing the boat greater incentive to work harder. It was called the Rowing Team Quality First Program(FPS ???), with meetings, dinners and free pens and a certificate of completion for the rower. There was discussion of getting new paddles, canoes and other equipment, extra vacation days for practices and bonuses.

The next year the Japanese won by two miles.

Humiliated, the American management laid off the rower (a reduction in workforce) for poor performance, halted development of a new canoe, sold the paddles, and canceled all capital investments for new equipment. The money saved was distributed to the Senior Executives as bonuses and the next year's racing team was "out-sourced" to India .

Sadly, the End.

However, sad, but oh so true! Here's something else to think about: Ford has spent the last thirty years moving all its factories out of the US, claiming they can't make money paying American wages. Toyota has spent the last thirty years building more than a dozen plants inside the US

The last quarter's results:

Toyota makes 4 billion in profits while Ford racked up 9 billion in losses. Ford folks are still scratching their heads.

IF THIS WASN'T SO SAD IT MIGHT BE FUNNY!

 

 

Hits the nail right on the head!

[TCAP'er]

This is so feaking OLD. I said this for years now, what the big 3 really need is to: Hire real skills and non skills talented workers ,test them first, (and NOT their own relatives) get rid of all the MASONS (the good'ol boy country club ;"UNION" included),the scammers FPS, FPTM, BS GROUP LEADERS, SUPERVISORS PETS, ASS KISSERS, PS'ERS, FONIES , MAINTENACE CLERKS, PM COORDINATORS..the list go on and on and on...... until then, there's no hope.

[Trimdingman]

This is so feaking OLD. I said this for years now, what the big 3 really need is to: Hire real skills and non skills talented workers ,test them first, (and NOT their own relatives) get rid of all the MASONS (the good'ol boy country club ;"UNION" included),the scammers FPS, FPTM, BS GROUP LEADERS, SUPERVISORS PETS, ASS KISSERS, PS'ERS, FONIES , MAINTENACE CLERKS, PM COORDINATORS..the list go on and on and on...... until then, there's no hope.

 

 

All of this amounts to a small fraction of the cost of a car. I, personally do not believe that there is a problem; but if there is, it is not due to inefficiencies in the assembly process. Other factors outweigh this. How about the price of steel? How about the cost of shipping? They are not going to re-locate assembly plants to save on labor. Assembly plants need to be close to the dealers to save on shipping costs. If they build plants in foreign countries, then people over there must be buying cars. Maybe they are trying to jump-start these countries' economies to create an upper middle class of new car buyers. In the assembly process, there is fat, but mostly lean.

[stapking]

Maybe they're number 1 is also they are able to manipulate our free trade agreements last time I heard JD powers ranked Ford right next to Toyota Honda number 1 barley. Not like Japan lets any of our products in oh, thats right they do but with such huge tarrifs on our products who could buy them. Oh, and lets not forget how Toyota has their customer appreciation days where the customers come in and the dealership looks at their car free of charge and while the customer is having a free hot dog the dealership fixes any recalls and they don't tell the customer.

 

It was just a while ago Toyota got in big shit from the japaneese goverment for not being honest about recalls. That's right though it was on the news for one day and then was quickly brushed under the carpet.

 

Sure would be nice to see if things were on a more level playing ground how Ford, Toyota and the rest would do.

[OAC_Sparky]

Sure would be nice to see if things were on a more level playing ground how Ford, Toyota and the rest would do.

Sadly, a level playing field will not change poor public perception that was cultivated from years of mediocre product and spotty quality from domestic automakers.

 

Not overnight, at any rate. While many of us may make decent coin and own two or three newer cars, to many people ONE new car is a major financial burden; and those burnt are not soon to forget.

[stapking]

Sadly, a level playing field will not change poor public perception that was cultivated from years of mediocre product and spotty quality from domestic automakers.

 

Not overnight, at any rate. While many of us may make decent coin and own two or three newer cars, to many people ONE new car is a major financial burden; and those burnt are not soon to forget.

 

 

I agree Sparky you know for many years the big three were lacking in certain areas. But I feel that we being FORD, GM and Chrysler are making grounds and out of the three I think Ford is really gaining ground though the naysayers will say different as always. Competition nowadays is good but I still say time will tell and I think still if the playing feild was more equal things would really get interesting. All we can do as Ford boys and girls is do the best job we can do. :flexing:

[Trimdingman]

I agree Sparky you know for many years the big three were lacking in certain areas. But I feel that we being FORD, GM and Chrysler are making grounds and out of the three I think Ford is really gaining ground though the naysayers will say different as always. Competition nowadays is good but I still say time will tell and I think still if the playing feild was more equal things would really get interesting. All we can do as Ford boys and girls is do the best job we can do. :flexing:

 

 

On a level playing field, the Asians would be toast. America needs to keep Asia strong to preserve Democracy over there. That is why they give Asian carmakers an advantage. They are no better than us. If they need to have an advantage, then they are not as good as us. I always drive Ford. If I drive something different, it seems unfamiliar. People who drive Japanese all the time find American cars unfamiliar. They mistake that for poor quality. There is nothing wrong with our quality.

[Half Full]

Sadly, a level playing field will not change poor public perception that was cultivated from years of mediocre product and spotty quality from domestic automakers.

 

Not overnight, at any rate. While many of us may make decent coin and own two or three newer cars, to many people ONE new car is a major financial burden; and those burnt are not soon to forget.

 

Very true, Sparky. Another concern though is the ability of the Japanese to manipulate the yen, keeping their currency undervalued against the American dollar, thereby increasing profits on their domestic built exports, and reinvesting in their R&D and marketing strategies to further undermine our market. Our dollar has increased 30%, this in itself is killing our auto parts plants and reducing our edge for profit in our assembly plants. The Japanese have assembly complexes built in coastal regions for their product to be assembled and directly placed on container ships destined for the North American and European market. They protect their domestic market from imports, not only from North American but other Asian based companies as well, and we welcome them into our market without so much as a wimper from our government. We are our own worst enemies, yes we must strive to create a flawless product customers find appealling, but we cannot do it unless our government puts some controls in place until they allow us access into their market.

[Trimdingman]

That's what I'm saying, and the reason we allow them to have an unfair advantage is to prop those countries up so that they do not go Communist.

 

Only 10 or 20 per cent of Americans ever buy new cars. It would be a lot lower in poorer countries. We need to cultivate this class of people. Socialism would make it so that no one could afford a new car. If Asia goes Communist, we would have 0% of the market. There would be no market. At least now Ford, for example, has controlling interest in Mazda, so they are making some money over there.

 

 

Anyone who gets burnt will not buy again. That is why it is important to have the best workforce possible. Never mind going cheap on wages. It is like the Fram Oil Filter man. "Pay me now, or pay me later."

[J-150]

this canoe shit is so old...

 

so I will have to dust off my equally old reply.

 

The American canoe was towing a barge full of retirees, so it had drag. But that's how Americans race. We don't leave anyone behind.

 

The Japanese canoe was equipped with a motor made by the the Japanese government and was paid for by southern US Senators/Governors. When the Japanese rowers get old, they get thrown overboard.

 

 

Now... ya wanna keep going with this parable?

[CSMJ]

FU/K and Y/O U jealous PUNK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go back to your $7 an hour job AHO/E

[Trimdingman]

this canoe shit is so old...

 

so I will have to dust off my equally old reply.

 

The American canoe was towing a barge full of retirees, so it had drag. But that's how Americans race. We don't leave anyone behind.

 

The Japanese canoe was equipped with a motor made by the the Japanese government and was paid for by southern US Senators/Governors. When the Japanese rowers get old, they get thrown overboard.

Now... ya wanna keep going with this parable?

 

 

Japanese auto workers get a pension, so their bosses have to put so much away for them, the same as American auto manufacturers. Just because Americans are now drawing THEIR OWN MONEY, how does that give the Japanese an advantage?

 

If you work for 30 years at Ford, and then retire at age 60, and draw a company pension of $2500 a month for 20 years, that is $600,000. Divide that by thirty years and that comes to $20,000 a year. That is roughly $10.00 an hour. If you build 65 cars an hour, that is just over 15 cents per car. Multiply that by 1500 workers on the shift and you get the grand total of $225.00 per car. Allowing for inflation, and deducting interest on the money put away you could maybe double that, but no more. Grand total: less than $500.00 per car. If you subtract the workers who quit, get fired or die before they get their 30 years, then you could cut that $500 in half.

Edited September 17, 2007 by Trimdingman

[CD4EMAN]

Americas perception is our reality!

 

Just suppose you are a person that works for 30-40k a year and have to support a family also. If you could buy a car that gets 35 mpg ranks with infinity and bmw in initial quality at a cost of about 17k and you get a 100k/10 year why would you not buy the forign car.

I will never own anything but a Ford but if I were to be put in lower income bracket and didn't work for an American car maker,I would have to look at the others.

 

My Fords are as good and better than any of the Jap or korean makers, We all have to convince America, our government needs to help by making ALL elected officals drive American cars and trucks, to help set the example.

 

The leader sets the pace!!

[Trimdingman]

Americas perception is our reality!

 

Just suppose you are a person that works for 30-40k a year and have to support a family also. If you could buy a car that gets 35 mpg ranks with infinity and bmw in initial quality at a cost of about 17k and you get a 100k/10 year why would you not buy the forign car.

I will never own anything but a Ford but if I were to be put in lower income bracket and didn't work for an American car maker,I would have to look at the others.

 

My Fords are as good and better than any of the Jap or korean makers, We all have to convince America, our government needs to help by making ALL elected officals drive American cars and trucks, to help set the example.

 

The leader sets the pace!!

 

 

We don't need to crawl like that. Our products stand or fall on their own merits. It is the Japs who pass laws to keep us out. Brainwashed morons drive Jap cars. Greasy Gooks have had their hands where you are sitting. Who knows where they had them. In WWII Canadian nuns were beheaded by Japs. Unspeakable attrocities were committed against Allied POWs. We nuked them, but they had it coming. We are now friends, but I still don't want to drive a rice burner.

Edited September 17, 2007 by Trimdingman

[Furious1Auto]

We don't need to crawl like that. Our products stand or fall on their own merits. It is the Japs who pass laws to keep us out. Brainwashed morons drive Jap cars. Greasy Gooks have had their hands where you are sitting. Who knows where they had them. In WWII Canadian nuns were beheaded by Japs. Unspeakable attrocities were committed against Allied POWs. We nuked them, but they had it coming. We are now friends, but I still don't want to drive a rice burner.

I don't understand the lure, unless it is people not liking being told what to do. Like the forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden! Or the rebellious child who does exactly what he is told not to. A break away from convention maybe! I don't know, but I do know that import buyers are contributing to the loss of jobs in this country!

[jshep]

this canoe shit is so old...

 

so I will have to dust off my equally old reply.

 

The American canoe was towing a barge full of retirees, so it had drag. But that's how Americans race. We don't leave anyone behind.

 

The Japanese canoe was equipped with a motor made by the the Japanese government and was paid for by southern US Senators/Governors. When the Japanese rowers get old, they get thrown overboard.

Now... ya wanna keep going with this parable?

 

 

Thanks for the REALLY GREAT and INTELLIGENT reply..........I hope you have a happy retirement too, when that day comes......

[unionj]

I don't understand the lure, unless it is people not liking being told what to do. Like the forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden! Or the rebellious child who does exactly what he is told not to. A break away from convention maybe! I don't know, but I do know that import buyers are contributing to the loss of jobs in this country!

Screw the old argument..............I just want a link to that pistol slinging cop video! Thanks.

[Furious1Auto]

Screw the old argument..............I just want a link to that pistol slinging cop video! Thanks.

Just right click on it and "Copy Image Location" then, go to your signature and click insert image. Then right click paste in the pop-up window, and click OK. Then click update signature, and it will be yours!

[mechanic]

 

Salaried supervisor leaving van dyke transmission in her toyota solara.

[Pioneer]

 

Salaried supervisor leaving van dyke transmission in her toyota solara.

 

 

Now, THAT is bullshit. When Monroe was still a Ford plant, no vehicles were allowed past the guard shack unless it was a Ford, including salaried workers vehicles.

 

There was a supervisor that worked in the east building that drove an old Firebird, and he had to walk through the hourly gates along with us when he drove it.

[Bored of Pisteon]

She should be fired immediately and her car sent to Warhoops across the street!

[zoomerjrt]

Now, THAT is bullshit. When Monroe was still a Ford plant, no vehicles were allowed past the guard shack unless it was a Ford, including salaried workers vehicles.

 

There was a supervisor that worked in the east building that drove an old Firebird, and he had to walk through the hourly gates along with us when he drove it.

I think its great to have great pride in Ford and only drive a Ford to work!!! But if your going to go this route then every UAW member should only buy American Made!!! Maybe this would force all the Wal Marts to rethink there products considering Wal Mart spends $90billion a year in China for there well made China toy's, yeah right!!!

[Pioneer]

I think its great to have great pride in Ford and only drive a Ford to work!!! But if your going to go this route then every UAW member should only buy American Made!!! Maybe this would force all the Wal Marts to rethink there products considering Wal Mart spends $90billion a year in China for there well made China toy's, yeah right!!!

 

When I said "past the guard shack", that would pertain only to salaried personnel and contractors. Sorry. I should have been clearer.

[Imawhosure]

Gentlemen and Ladies,

 

I believe we need to rethink our arguement.........especially since the old arguement is not working.

 

For years we have been screaming about made in America, and doggone if these people figure out a reason why it should not be so. I understand to the depths of my soul where it is you come from, but it does not resonate with the population of this country. In fact, they seem to despise us.....or at least dislike us.

 

We must attempt to find another reason to make this happen. While at first glance you would think the old arguement would work, truth be told it only worked in reverse. What I mean by that is------------>Toyoty made itself into Toyty of America, so it made it more palatable for Americans to buy it over a Ford or GM. Try to convince a Camry owner his/her vehicle is not American. MADE IN GEORGETOWN KENTUCKY!!!! You think they will listen to us, especially when they don't appear to like us anyway?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

 

Nope, I don't have the answer, but I wish I did!!!!! But made in America isn't going to work anytime soon. We gotta devise a reasonable reason to buy it. And lets not go to........because it is so close in quality, that is ridiculous!!!!!!!! That is like saying-------->you should buy a pepperoni pizza when you actually prefer a sausage pizza, and pay more for it to boot. Not gonna fly!!!!!!

 

Nope, think!!!!!!!!!!

 

Marketing is the key if the products are close or equal. We all know they are now close or equal, and Ford and its advertisers are dropping the ball.

 

If you create a reason for even a PET ROCK (lololol, do you remember them?????? And they sold like crazy!!!) to be a gotta have it commodity, it will sell. Once the buyer discovers that a Ford is actually a good vehicle or buy, (unlike a pet rock, lol) he/she will return again. It is not rocket science...........unless you are Fords advertisers, who can't create much of anything.........but revenue for their company.

 

Lets face it------------>Japanese cars were a pile of junk not 25yrs ago!!!!!! While word of mouth helped get them going again, the marketing created an atmosphere of a consumer retry!!!! What is up with Ford??????

 

Look at GM!!!!!!! They have created that atmosphere again.

 

If our dealers are capable of selling a vehicle to 30% of the people who test drive, then we need to increase SHOWROOM TRAFFIC!!!!!!

 

Hello advertisers!!!!!!!! The first thing I might fire if I ran this company is DEADBEATS, and OVER LAYERED MANAGEMENT, but the second thing I would fire 5 minutes later would be YOU!!!!!!