REPUTATION will usurp patriotism in Toyota’s battle to win over the Australia car market, despite the manufacturer this week announcing it will shut down production in Melbourne by 2017, according to Canobolas 4WD Club’s Greg Simmons.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Citing high costs and an unfavourable dollar, Toyota’s decision to halt production in Australia by 2017 will cost up to 2500 jobs.
But Mr Simmons, a Toyota Landcrusier driver since 2006, believes the car giant’s decision to pull the pin on production in Australia won’t have too great an impact on the brand.
“I don’t see why governments should subsidies big corporations when they wouldn’t stick their hand in their pocket to help me ... You’ve got to stand on your own two feet"
On reputation alone, he’ll stick with Toyota.
“I love my Toyota. It’s a top four-wheel-drive,” the Canobolas 4WD Club’s publicity officer said.
“Everyone at the club either drives a Toyota Landcruiser or a Nissan Patrol ... it’s a bit like Ford versus Holden, there’s a bit of that rivalry there. But Toyota is a great, reliable car.”
Mr Simmons did not believe it was up to governments to bail out companies like Toyota.
“I don’t see why governments should subsidies big corporations when they wouldn’t stick their hand in their pocket to help me,” he said.
“You’ve got to stand on your own two feet.
“It is sad, but from all accounts it’s probably been a long time coming. I feel for the workers.”
Toyota spokesman Bec Angel said despite the announcement on Monday, it was “business as usual” for the car maker and will be post 2017 too.
“We don’t anticipate there will be any impact on our dealership network,” she said.
“We’ll still be building the Camry, Camry Hybrid and the Aurion in Australia until 2017 and after that point we’ll be importing them.”
Ms Angel predicated there would not be any drop in sales on Toyota badged vehicles, nor would the price of any Toyota car rise when production ceased in Australia.
nick.mcgrath@fairfaxmedia.com.au