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Toyota reports all-time record sales

By George Skentzos |

Toyota has broken an all-time industry record this month, becoming the first car company in Australia to sell in excess of 25,000 vehicles in a single month.

Toyota reports all-time record sales

Sales figures released today reveal that Toyota sold more than 25,600 cars for the month of June, breaking its own record of 24,539 which it set 12 months ago.

It’s strongest performer was the Corolla with more than 5000 sales, closely followed by the HiLux which contributed just over 4500 to the overall total.

With the financial year ending just yesterday, Toyota also announced that it has sold more than 247,500 vehicles for the fiscal year – also an all-time industry record.

No other brand has ever sold more than 200,000 vehicles in any 12-month period in Australia.


 
  • Lolcake?

    here we go again:

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Wow – what can i say

    OH WHAT A FEELING …

  • John

    looks like a lot more boring cars out there…

  • No Name

    lolcake – yep gues someone who loves their toyotas will start poking fun.

    Can’t odds the figures. Toyota have made their nest and reaping the benefits at the expense of others by basically offering products that people want with good pricing and the best customer care. When will the opposition learn?

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Hay look, a picture of the TRD Hilux high on a hill top … why isn’t the Maloo ute parked next to it ??

    anti-spam word : Toyota

    oooow … there’s that warm and fuzzy feeling again.

  • http://- crouchy

    No thanks to the Turd Hilux! Any word on its sales? Much like the car im going to assume they are shit house…

  • http://- crouchy

    Hey Luke GT… i find your comment amusing as if we were to compare the maloo’s power, handling, style and interoir to the hilux you would be straight on the back foot and start with your whinging…
    “oh you cant compare them, they are completely different blah blah blah”
    Wanker.

  • Bret

    No suprises really, considering the MASSIVE advertising campaign and DISCOUNTS that Toyota have been doing.
    So what another 4000 odd pre-tax time fleet sales Hilux’s.
    (Remenbering that more than 4/5 of all Hilux’s are fleet).

  • Bret

    “The JD Powers APEAL Study examines how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive, based on owner evaluations of ten measures covering more than 90 vehicle attributes.

    And while Toyota came sixth in the quality survey, it slumped to 26th in the APEAL study, finishing well below the industry average”

    Just what everybody allready knew.

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Crouchy – were is the Maloo, why isn’t it pictured next to the TRD Hilux in the picture above. There has been a comparison between the two but for some strange reason i just can not figure out why the Maloo is missing from the picture.

    Why is that … mmm !!

    Bret – FACT … the Hilux enjoys a much greater percentage of private sales then 4/5.

    It is in high demand from many facets of the market – farmers, tradies, industries, mines, off-road enthusiasts (like all Toyota bush bashers) and ofcourse, mums & dads.

    OH WHAT A FEELING

  • Phill

    The Nazi party dominated Germany too,the people were brainwashed to think they were good.History Repeats.

  • Grant

    25,000? i bet they’re all beige

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Bret – doesn’t say much for Holden and it’s recent heart sobbing patriotic adverts or Ford’s new Falcon adds that have ruled the TV screens for the past month.

    Why haven’t they had the same effect … !!

    Ooops, forgot – when you sell Daewoo’s no amount of advertising or heart wrenching adds is gonna twist any ones arms to buy a Daewoo.

    At the end of the day, you can advertise as much as you want but if your products doesn’t have the substance, it’s gonna sell … PERIOD !!

    Ford + Holden = less then Toyota

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Phil – Quality and Customer Satisfaction Surveys all around the world wether it be Australia, USA or the UK prove they are good.

    Oh yeah … so does the market !!

    Better still :

    * 2007 Leaked Australian Quality Survey

    * 2007 RAC National Australian Survey

    * 2007 JD Powers WA Motorist Survey

    * 2008 JD Powers National Australian Survey

    so … tell me, how does Holden and Ford compare to Toyota in each of those most recent Quality / Customer Satisfaction Surveys ??

    Does Toyota ever rank outside of the TOP 3 – let me help abit … NO !!

    OH WHAT A FEELING

  • Phill

    I’ll take a fridge/freezer combo thanks.

  • Tomas79

    Australians have vote with their wallets!!!

  • http://aca Luke GT

    oops – meant to say … it’s not gonna sell

    re: Luke GT July 1st 7.22pm

    Embarrassing !!

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Phil – you can find the fridge/freezer combo amoung the numerous and delightful Daewoo’s now on offer at your local and riveting Holden Dealership.

    Tomas79 – EXACTLY !!

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Phil – i believe the Australian population has benefitted from being un-brainwashed that Holden and Ford are the only products.

    Sure … Toyota sells alot of cars but many other Japanese, European and some Korean manufactuers are enjoying increased showroom activity themselves while GM and Ford are finding fewer and fewer.

    We all now who done the brainwashing … thank god the population has awaken to relise that much better exsist outside the Holden stable.

    Admittedly, i don’t mind Ford … they have a respectable fleet as they sell no Daewoo.

  • Luke GT singing to himself.

    Point taken Luke GT – Toyotas dominance will be their downfall. Cars are a status symbol for most folk. They aspire to be different, wanting to drive something different. So those folk driving the minority cars will be pretty chufffed at not being seen in a Corolla.

    Gotta admire Toyotas success, bet the other are kicking themselves.

  • http://aca Luke GT

    what ever, heard it all before.

    Fact is … Toyota has made the centre stage and ‘well and truely’ kicked Holden and Ford off it.

    Naturally, there will come a time when Toyota’s huge success is reduced but odds are, they will remain amoung the biggest sellers of all wether it be 1st, 3rd or 5th.

    Every dog has it’s moment and right now … it’s Toyota !!

    No-doubt the BIG T will be smart enough to preserve much of thier huge wealth to give them the muscle to remain strong and competitive for many generations to follow.

    Sure … i’m blowing the trumpet, but doesn’t any team when they have a win !!

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Toyota’s huge month is not exactly what it is cracked up to be and i will tell you why.

    On the news tonight, it was reported that many automotive companies have had a huge month in front of the increased Luxury Car Tax so most brands will report a good month for thier more expensive vehicles including BMW inwhich a spokesman said they have sold about 1/3 more cars in June then thier average.

    However – as good as June will be for many car companies, the big fear now is how is the increased tax gonna affect them from ‘here on in’ … !!

    So … yes, a great month for June but what now !!

    That’s the question all the car companies are pondering.

  • BOSSCR

    FACT:

    By simply writing FACT in capitals, you can claim whatever you like, unsubstantiated and all.

  • Reckless1

    There you have it – proof that the buying public is dumb.

    More than 5000 Corollas and not one with ESP.

    Toyota is a master of high price, low spec selling, able to fool bogun consumers.

    What do the sales people tell customers who ask about ESP? “don’t worry about that – we don’t include it and we know best”?

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Singing to yourself – your statement about being different … have you ever considered that’s why a sizeable proportion of the population have moved away from owning a ‘typical’ Holden or Ford !!

    Worth a thought …

    That said, a proportion of Toyota’s current success is derived from the resource boom were many companies are turning over commercial vehicles.

    So while Toyota is enjoyng this segment of the market, every other manufactuers have equal oppurtunity to cash in on the bonanza aswell but unfortunately for many of them, they carn’t compete for a number of reasons including reputation of thier commercial vehicles … or better still, lack of.

    It also comes to supply, marketing, business and so forth.

    A sucessful company is governed by many successful departments and not just a single facet.

    Toyota obviuosly have thier ducks lined up and good ‘em.

    Don’t hold it against them, just those who haven’t … SIMPLE !!

  • Luke GT singing to himself.

    Exactly Luke GT, thats what i’m saying, was Ford/Holden now toyota, It’ll be Kia/Hyundai next.

    Don’t get me wrong I’m not knocking Toyota, they have a good reliabilty record and a great customer service attitude. Just saying the others need to regroup and sort their attitudes out.

  • Phill

    Please don’t sing,your way off key

  • http://integra Wheelstud

    i agree reckless1……….they hang shit on Ford for not having curtain airbags standard on the FG but Toyota get away with selling “showbag cars” ……..thats cars with lots of goodies but no real substance.

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Reckless – what crap.

    Most Toyota’s are hugely competitive in price, equipment specification, quality, resale, safety and so forth.

    Your comment is nothing short of pure sh*t.

    Lets face it, people got smarter and moved away from Holden … PERIOD !!

    How many customers understand when they buy a Barina, Viva, Epica or Captiva that they are infact buying nothing more then a Daewoo.

    How many people who drive away in a Barina understand they just purchased a 2 star death trap.

    Oh yeah – as of next month (August) the Corolla comes with ESP to augment it’s already impressive 5 star NCAP rating.

    What is Holden doing about the death trap … EXACTLY !!

    While Holden decided to persist with a ruff/gruff, harsh, gutless alloytech mated to a dated, clunky 4 speed trash box – Toyota introduced the Aurion with a class leading drivetrain.

    better still, Holden introduced the VE to the market with A/C as an option, limited airbags, a pretend spare wheel and of course the trash drivetrain i just explained while the Aurion came stock standard with everything – in relative terms.

    So what exactLy were YOU saying about over priced and under spec’d … !!

    For the same price, you can have a 2 star Daewoo Barina or a 5 star Toyota Yaris …

    Shall i continue !!

    You live with the fairies in la, la, land.

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Singing – that is a sensible reply, one i can respect.

    However … don’t think for a minute that Toyota will be easy to overcome. They have alot of wealth, resources and expertise they can employ in greater amount to maintain a strong position within the global automotive market.

    They are also one of the most dedicated and determined automotive companies of all.

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Wheelstud – the cars with substance sell, those without … don’t !!

    Take Holden for example – an ordinary Commodore at the best, a very average commercial fleet and then an array of Daewoo’s … what substance.

    NOT !!

  • realcars

    Reckless one u hit that Toyota nail on the head and drove it home mate!

    Toyota are taking their customer base for granted and if Hyundai can rise to the challenge I think Toyota will regret it.

    Talking to a friend that works for Hertz last week and he says they are going to ramp up purchase of Hyundais for their fleet and may eventually replace Toyotas as the main rental option as they have proven reliable and more cost effective.

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Realcars – heard all the same ‘hoo haa’ crap from you before yet it just never seems to happen … does it !!

    boring …

    What’s the matter, gotta talk about Hyundai these days because you have lost all hope in Holden and Ford

    HA, HA, HA !!

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Anway, bed time for me and i will sleeping tight tonight Knowing Toyota hAs just made another awful mess of Holden.

    Damn … it just keeps getting better.

    OH WHAT A WARM AND FUZZY FEELING

  • realcars

    As I have always recommended.

    If u want a car to drive purely as a mode of transport why buy a Toyota when u can get similar for less with more over at Hyundai?

  • Dean

    Looks like the fleets went crazy on the Toyotas again for the end of the financial year.
    Take out fleet and rental sales and Holden would probably be No.1 and Ford No.2 hahahahahahah

  • Dean

    hahahahahahaha
    Toyotas are “Showbag” cars
    hahahahahahaha

  • Lolcake?

    Realcars, was it like that 5 years ago? No, it was a very different story. Hyundai were just rubbish.
    But now, it’s a very different story. They produce decent cars. Like the i30, I bloody love it!
    But people who buy Toyota arn’t very well car-educated (well some). And they just go off history and what people tell them. Eventually it will change (over time) and Hyundai could quite possibly become the new Toyota. If they keep designing the cars (the i30 for example) in Europe, they will sell

  • Lolcake?

    Dean, are you that stupid?
    How many commodores and falcons are bloody fleet? Astra’s are also on some fleets. I know it wouldn’t be as many as Toyota, but it is still a lot….

  • http://tvr topdog

    I think you will find Dean that most of all holden sales are fleet and goverment not many private buyers at all if you read the sales figures fact is im affraid to say that most private buyers with there own cash prefer cars from japan and thats fact i thought i better let you know so dont go on and look like a fool

  • Chucky

    Dean Says:
    July 1st, 2008 at 9:23 pm
    Looks like the fleets went crazy on the Toyotas again for the end of the financial year.
    Take out fleet and rental sales and Holden would probably be No.1 and Ford No.2 hahahahahahah
    ———————————————————————————————————————

    I hope you’re being sarcastic. If you take out fleet sales, Mazda will probably be number one. This is because Mazda produces quality cars which are good looking and that are more than just A to B transport.

    I just can’t fathom someone willingly choosing a Toyota Camry over a Mazda 6 for example. Not to mention the other competition like Subaru Liberty, Ford Mondeo, Honda Accord & Euro etc. There’s just too many blind and boring sheep out there who know nothing about what other cars are out there and just rely on some other boring dull sheep who says that Toyota is the only brand that makes reliable cars.

  • http://tvr topdog

    well said chucky.There are just so many good cars out there, i think the mid size market
    is the big hot area at moment.there almost as roomy as commondore most are faster than holdens six use less fuel much more stlye thats why private buyers going mad on them the japs are giving most what thay wont

  • TP

    Toyota have DOUBLE THE MARKET SHARE then second place Holden. Take out fleets and there is still daylight between them. Mind yoy the highest fleet selling Toyota, the Corolla, when based on private sales only beats the Commodore which is first only when fleets are included! So wake up, Toyota is best in both markets

  • VW_Freak

    Luke GT Says:
    July 1st, 2008 at 8:36 pm
    “Oh yeah – as of next month (August) the Corolla comes with ESP to augment it’s already impressive 5 star NCAP rating.”

    You’re such a know-it-all with Toyota product… Toyota call it VSC, not ESP. Anyways, Toyota are yet to announce when VSC will be made available in the current ZRE152R series Corolla. There’s a good chance it won’t be until a midlife facelift. Toyota are due to bring out facelift Yaris, Hilux and RAV4 models in the upcoming months, but no mention about VSC in Corolla.

  • VW_Freak

    Lolcake? Says:
    July 1st, 2008 at 9:26 pm
    “Realcars, was it like that 5 years ago? No, it was a very different story. Hyundai were just rubbish.
    But now, it’s a very different story. They produce decent cars. Like the i30, I bloody love it!”

    You love it eh? Here’s an intersting story for you – one of our regular Toyota customers rented an i30 whilst in South Australia on a business trip. Drove over a cattle grid with a missing 6 or so inch section (much like hitting a rather large pothole) and set the airbags off in the process! Plenty of other vehicles driving over it with no effect. Sounds like Hyundai are still making rubbish…

  • Lolcake?

    Im not saying it’s to a standard that high as of yet. Actually, I’ll never buy one. But, there getting there. If you compared it to a Hyundai produced 5 years ago,to say the i30, it would be a very different story.
    I own a Toyota, and have so for many years. I’ve always hated Korean cars, the reason being they were cheap, nasty and normally a death trap. But things are changing. They will eventually be on par with other companies out there. Just as Toyota did.

  • Jamison

    Yup…

    People still DONT GET how business work.

    Toyota, yes has been lacking performance cars. But thats because they are too busy making everyday vehicles that people actually buy.

    Again, 2 years and you’ll see Toyota back on the performance market.

  • Joober

    Only problem is Hyundai is a Hyundai, its got the stigma of cheapo all around it, although it is winning some hearts here and there especially when reviewers give the thumbs up on some cars, i reckon they can do more…

    What it needs to do is take the challenge and make a mark in motorsport of somekind whether it be Rally, F1, Dakar , at least when it beats Toyota, GM, Honda, Ford and so forth, people will start recognising it more…

    Oh back to the topic, congrats Toyota… although its boring cars are nothing to be really impressed about, it knows the market well!

  • Tomas79

    What’s the definition of boring people? Going from A to B without braking down?? Or just not having to mechanically tinker with it on the weekends to keep it going??

    Personally I love genuine 4wds, and with some notable exceptions, I find all the other offerings from the other major brands in Australia boring!! Holden and Fords don’t even offer genuine 4wds anymore!! :-(

    Also to all the people winging about the lack of ESP on corrolas, lets not forget it is a moderately powered FWD car. So it doesn’t require ESP as much as a RWD 6cyl+ car will!!

  • Adam (aka Mada)

    So is Luke GT Dingo in drag?

    I’ll simply wait for the profit figures to some through to see the real success.

    Toyota is lucky the mining boom occured.

    I congratulate Toyota, they can sell large amounts of cars the Hertz, i know as i work for an auction that has seen about 300 yaris, corolla, camry, aurions over the last month and ther’re still coming.

  • http://aca Luke GT

    VW Freak … Toyota confirmed months ago that the Corolla will be offered ESP (ooops … VSC) as of August 2008.

    You are such a ‘know nothing’ all !!

    For thE rest of you clowns – Toyota enjoys strong sales becuase they are popular across all facets of the market … PERIOD !!

    Mums & dads, farmers, tradies, industries, mines, 4×4 enthusiasts and so forth all buy Toyota products in numbers … FACT !!

    Drive.com recently published thier annual fleet sales percentage and they hightlighted that approx 84% of Commodores and Falcons (up from approx 80% in 2007) are currently fleet purchased while 60% of the Corolla is purchased by the private buyer.

    The article also went on to state that so far this year – the Aurion has infact been purchased in greater numbers by private buyers the the Falcon … ooch !!

    Maybe some of you clowns should actually conduct some worhwhile research instaed of sprucking nothing but pure rot.

    The fact that Toyota can outsell Holden and Ford combined says it all …

    Oh yeah, for those who think Toyota is boring … obviously the market thinks diffferently. The only thing that is boring is Holden and all of those decade old Daewoo’s they sell … PATHETIC !!

    OH WHAT A FEELING

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Adam – as i said, Toyota sell strong across all facets of the market : do Holden and Ford – let me help you abit … NO !!

    Oh yeah, Toyota Motor Corporation released thier FISCAL profits in May for the 2007 / 2008 reporting period (for some unknown reason Toyota’s financial year goes from April 1 – 30 March of each year) and reported yet another whooping profit … 16.7 BILLION in Oz dollar terms.

    That effectively secures 7 consecative years of mass multi-billion dollar profits inexcess of 15 billion for each year. Peaked at 19.5 billion a couple of years ago.

    Ford and GM however … ahhh, don’t meed to go there.

    Better still, GM last week reported thier lowest share value in more then 50 years.

    So … what exactly were you saying about success !!

    You live in la, la, land with the fairies.

  • Adam (aka Mada)

    Luke GT,

    What is the profit figures for Toyota AUSTRALIA for the past 5 years?

    Ford?

    Holden?

    Wanna bet Toyota AUSTRALIA has been less profitable?

    Mazda’s AUS retail sales AND profit match Toyota AUS yet sell almost 1/4 less…

    Yes lets argue over who is more productive. Even Honda AUS would be more efficient than TOyota AUS.

    Toyota AUS can brag about being market leader but not much else…
    What is ultimately more important?

  • Adam (aka Mada)

    So are you Dingo in drag?

  • alec

    I have never understood how someone can be a Toyota Enthusiast here in Australia in the same way there are Car enthusiasts for other brands.
    You need something to get ENTHUSIASTIC about before you can be an enthusiast!!

    I understand the love for the Cruiser and Hilux, but the cars….

  • alec

    tomas79,
    You obviously don’t understand what ESP is for & how it works if you think the car’s size & power has anything to do with the need & benefit to fit it!

  • Millatime

    Here’s something that hasn’t been widely reported…

    Cardigan sales have gone through the roof, also incontinence pads and lawn bowls memberships..

    Oh what a snoooooze….!

  • Fenno

    Pick up any newspaper/magazine/periodical/newsletter or watch any prime time tv slot and usually there is always one consistancy…a Toyota advert offering great deals etc. etc.

    It’s all about marketing. One does’nt need to build an exciting car to sell plenty of them…just make the ad for it gimicky (200 killer wasps??!!) or flood the media with that ad and you have guaranteed sales…

    I hear now Toyota give a free prostate exam now with every camry (or ask any old codger and they’ll tell you it’s a Teyota Camray) test driven…see??? Guaranteed sales.

  • GhisGT

    Toyota just reported a June loss…

    Toyota Motor Co. –11.5% at 193,234 (6/07: 245,739)

  • Millatime

    Here’s a thought, I was going to post some amazingly insightful and earth-shatteringly truthful comments on Toyota, so I began typing the anti-spam word;

    R34GTR

    ..and now I can’t think of a single inspiring word to say about Toyota.

  • GhisGT

    Millatime:

    But TRD have the Aurion and HiLux!!

    Oh wait… yeah, now I’m with you :)

  • J

    Read an article on Drive about Quality vs. Appeal study done by JD Power. Interesting finding is that vehicles that are perceived as high quality, also rate lowest in appeal, and vice versa. I really think this is what all these Toyota vs. World responses boil down to. Toyota fans say they have highest quality, nay sayers say that Toyota lacks appeal. Here’s the rub – both sides are correct. So, move on – it’s all good! :-)

    If there were such a thing as the perfect car that wipes the floor of all others, then it would truly be the only car in manufacture as no one would want the others. The fact that there’s so many cars to choose from shows that *no* car can be a one size fits all. Celebrate diversity!

  • Bret

    Dingo (Lukeyboy) says:
    “FACT … the Hilux enjoys a much greater percentage of private sales then 4/5.”

    WRONG AGAIN Dingbat.

    Hilux’s sell “almost 1 in 5 to private buyers”. Gee thats over 80% fleet! FACT

    And on the advertising, WRONG AGAIN Dingbat, Toyota advertising has been absolutely massive in the last 6 weeks, both corporate AND huge “dealer” flooding of local press and media. Arecent AFL game had over 45% Toyota adverts during the 3hr prime time telecast. Whats that cost??

  • GhisGT

    ^^^

    Nice to see some real facts come through :)

    Oh what a (sinking) feeling!

  • realcars

    Everybody seems to forget the shit Toyotas of the
    60s,70s,80s and 90s.Wasn’t until the 90s that the handling was no longer bordering on the dangerous for most Toyota models.

    Wasn’t that long ago.How soon we forget.

    Marketing is Toyota’s forte.Nothing else.They have done many clever marketing moves over the years and have been relentless with it. Master stroke allowing Holden to sell Corolla and the then new to this market Camry as rebadged Holdens during the nineties as an example.

    Oh and Jamison u are so superior.

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Wow … have a look at all the sore losers on this site – yet again, Toyota has screwed Holden and Ford right up the backside with a whooping size 20 steel capped boot … OOOCH – WHAT A BLOODY MESS !!

    WHEELS July 2008 pg54

    quote :

    ” It seems that HSV’s and track days just don’t go together. At least this time they carn’t blame the journo(Dumbrell was doing the driving when the GTS died).

    The car refused to fire after a stop, preventing the Holden gun from attempting to defend HSV’s honour. A cool down and a battery disconnection to reset the ECU didn’t help … GAME OVER !!

    HSV engineers came from Clayton and persuaded the car to run late in the afternoon. Still unsure of the problem, they took it back to the workshop and found a speed sensor wire had backed out of a terminal in the transmission. With no speed input to be found, the ECU would not let the engine start.

    The FPV also struck problems during the road test with the stability control and ABS deactivating themselves several times. They returned once the car was restarted. FPV have yet to provide a diagnosis as this was written ”

    unquote

    Gee… another road test and yet anoter break down for a Commodore / HSV and Falcon / FPV.

    Why is it a regular occurance that Commodores breakdown or a compliant is atleast lodged relating to quality issues when a road or track test is completed … mmm !!

    Like i said, the Falcon and Commodore are infact amoung the least reliable motor vehicles that can be purchased on any showroom floor and Quality / Customer Satisfaction surveys have long proven this ‘year in – year out’.

    OH WHAT A WARM AND FUZZY FEELING

  • http://impreza toyota rules

    bret you wanker where the hell did you get that information! hilux sales are mostly private i would say at least 70%! the hilux is a way more supior product than any thing in it’s class and you still have to wait 3-5 months for some models even after 3 years on the market!as for trd hilux try and buy one there is currently 3-4 months wait and the order bank is growing! “realcars” are you for real, toyota has set all it’s reputation on cars from the 60-90′s what about the starlet,corolla, celica, camry, landcruiser, hilux, hiace, you trying to tell me that these cars are heaps of shit get real realcars your a bigger wanker than i thought!!!!!!!!!!!!! toyota does not have to prove anything the sales prove how much australians love the product and there the ones leaving holden and ford in droves i rest my case!

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Realcars and Circus – The days of Holden and Ford leaning back on their history and heritage they earn’t in the early days are quickly running out. Time moves on and so does the market – we live today and into the future, not yesterday !!

    Catch up .. if you can

    You clowns must walk around with a litle black book full of a 1000 excuses to waffle-off each time Toyota conquers your beloved Holden and Ford month after month and the best part of it all … they keep extending the lead. It is no longer embarrassing for the Blue and Red brigade – just down-right shear genocide … HA, HA, HA !!

    Oooow – there’s that warm and fuzzy feeling again

    OH WHAT A FEELING

  • silky

    gee, imagine if they had of rolled the Ford, lmao!

  • Bret

    Dingo (Luky & Toyota Rules – all one and the same, twat people do realise).
    That QUOTE regarding the hilux sales is not mine, but comes from the same “irrefutable” source as the fleet figures you posted. D1khd.

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Any company can advertise as much as you want but if your products don’t have substance or a solid reputation – they won’t sell … PERIOD !!

    Fact is – Toyota offers the most diverse and consistant fleet of all. Their cars, SUV’s, People Movers, Commercials and 4×4′s are consistantly amoung the best on the market in each of thier respective categories and this is not only supported by any Quality / Customer Satisfaction Survey but by the views and experiance of the market whom just happen to be the greatest judges of all.

    i understand how ‘gut wrenching’ and ‘soul squashing’ it must be for the bogon to witness terrible genocide month after month but fact is – much of the rot spilled on the web by ‘The Circus’ is generally not even remotely connected to The Real World.

    Go back to bed and dream of fairies in la, la, land … maybe in your own little world’s Holden and Ford can be as successful as Toyota – even if it’s just for a day

    OH WHAT A WARM AND FUZZY FEELING

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Bret – i am going under a single name only (Luke GT) and no other.

    Luke GT happens to be my first sons name followed by the initials of his middle and surname. It is not hard to work out who is me. I often change names which are generally family names such as my sons, brother, father and so forth but eitherway, it’s not hard to work out who’s me.

    Don’t ask me why but i do have my reasons associated with getting my comments deleted. As for the name Dingo (damn i loved that title) – i carn’t even post it anymore.

    My real name is Shane !!

    cheers

    ps. Toyota Rules is not me but saying that, i like the title … naturally !!

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Bret – Toyota Rules explanation on the Hilux is infact true.

    There is currently a 3 – 4 month wait on a new Lux because of high global demand particularly with the diesel variants. Toyota admitted late last year that they under-estimated the demand for diesel Hilux’s so have been adjusting production accordingly.

    As strong as the sales have been for the Hilux, total sales have infact been less then possible and it has only been recently that Toyota Australia has been able to secure more units from the Thailand operation.

    That said, the same goes for the Corolla. Greater sales for the Corolla was limited last year and into some of 2008 because of global demand but now Toyota Japan has adjusted it’s capacity to suit current demand which in turn has allowed more available units for Australia.

  • GhisGT

    Toyota sales dropped like flies last month in the US.. wonder what happened there?

    At least with the Commodore and Falcon problems on the track day, the problem was only minor. Unlike the Toyota dealer who had to give his legs a work out thanks to terminal engine failure during a nice quite drive around the block.

    I shed a tear :)

  • Phill

    Luke GT – Do you live in Australia?

  • GhisGT

    Luke GT –

    Sales dont mean a good product.

    Want Proof? Two words for you:

    Microsoft Windows.

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Bret – like all Toyota commercials including the Hilux, they are in high demand by all facets of the market … mums & dads, farmers, tradies, industries, mines and 4×4 enthusiasts.

    I have stated this many times now but it just doesn’t get through.

    Fact is … you understand it is true but ignoring to accept it doesn’t even remotely change the reality of the market – not even an inch !!

  • Bret

    Luke, I don’t even understand what that last post was meant to say.
    Hilux sales are more than 80% fleet – FACT, PERIOD, AND WHATEVER ELSE YOU WANT TO TYPE IN UPPER CASE.

    It’s not me that is ignoring the facts here, and all your claims won’t change the market (despite trying reeeally hard).

    And if you think I give a rats what market share any manufacturer actually has, then you are sadly mistaken. As long as I have the opportunity to do factual resaerch and make an informed choice, on the vehicles that I choose then I will be happy. Historically, I have owned more toyotas than any other brand (probably more than you), but cannot see my way clear to aspire to any current Toyota model – now or in the near future – you only get burnt so many times before moving on.

  • Abandoned Luke

    Daddy, Daddy, please come away from the computer and come and play with us. Being on the computer just makes you angry and it frightens us.

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Phil – do i lIve in Australia … pathetic.

    Born and breed Australian just like my parents, thier parents and my children. Grew up in the country (real Australia) drink VB, eat meat pies, follow AFL (go the Hawks) will be watching the State Of Origin tonight (go the Moroons) and have even served my nation in the Armed Forces … have you !!

    I am as Aussie as you get ‘em yet Toyota to me is a far superior choice then Holden and Ford because they simply make a better product … PERIOD !!

    What’s funny about it all, Holden advertises that they are Australian yet fact is – it is 100 % American owned.

    Travel to ‘real Australia’ were our farmers, tradies, indusry workers and miners are the very backbone of our national econmomy and which automotive manufactuer rules the roost … let me help you a bit – it’s NOT Holden or Ford.

    The country and country people to me are the Real Australians of this nation and they love thier Toyota’s (and Nissan) by the abundance.

    A red-dust covered, hard worked, whip aerial covered, bull bar claded ’70 series Cruiser with a cattle dog and a block of VB in the back is far more Australian to me then a pretty Commodore or Falocn coasting around the suburbs of Sydney.

    Travel long and remote to Alice Springs, Ayres Rock, the Birdville pub or even Kakadu and what would you see more of then any other … yeap, that’s right – a friggen Toyota.

    What about one of our most recognised National understakings of all – The Snowy Mountain Scheme – which vehicle established a strong reputation as an honest and hard working hack … that’s right – The Toyota Landcruiser.

    Was Holden and Ford even thier ??

    Infact, Holden doesn’t even sponsor our very own national Sport – AFL.

    So don’t ever question me as an Australian or the fact that Toyota hasn’t rightfully earn’t it’s place in the Australian Automotive History ever again.

    That said, not only has Toyota manufactuered vehicles in Australia sense the 60′s, but they are also the biggest seller of automotive products of all and exhibit a larger export regime then either Holden and Ford.

    They employ many thousands of people, participate in various forms of local motorsport and are respected by the hardest working population in Oz … PERIOD !!

  • Millatime

    There’s about a 3 month wait for DIESEL Hilux and Prado, the petrol variants dealers can’t give away.

    Q:Why is this? A:The buying public is incredibly stupid.

    Unless you travel 40 odd thousand K’s a year, or tow large weights regularly, it will take the average motorist 8 or 9 years before diesel will actually save you money. The average motorist also replaces his vehicle every 4 years, therefore MOST PEOPLE LOSE MONEY ON DIESEL.

    Yet as we know a 3 month wait for diesel vehicles, while petrol vehicles can’t be given away.

    So how stupid are the buying public?

    Incredibly, evidence is the fact Toyota sells more boring lifeless dull motor cars than any one else. Are they better? Is diesel a cheaper fuel for the masses?

    No.

    The consumer just follows what everyone else is doing.

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Bret – FACT, no they are not !!

    You are the one ignoring facts, not me !!

    Eitherway, it doesn’t change the fact that Toyota commericials and the Hilux included are purchased in great numbers by all facets of the market.

    And here is another thought for you … our hard working Farmers, Tradies, Industries and Mines form the very backbone of our economy which just happens to feed, educate and offer security for families and it is commercial vehicles from Toyota and Nissan that are the most respected and regarded to perfrom the duties as a rugged, reliable, dependable and durable work hack that satisfies these industries.

    No amount of your pathetic and lame ar*e excuses will ever change these very simple and to the point facts … not even remotely.

    Holden, Ford and every other manufactuer have equal oppurtunity to tap into the lucrative market themselves yet i guess they just don’t exhibit the same respect or reputation as Toyota or Nissan commercials have long established themelves… and rightfuly so.

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Millatime – what page number in your Black Book Of Pathetic Excuses was your latest wacked-out comment quoted from … ??

    What ever the excuse, doesn’t change the reality of the market that Toyota outsells Holden and Ford combined … PERIOD !!

    2006 – Toyota outsold second place Holden by 66 000 units

    2007 – Toyota outsold second place Holden by 90 000 units

    2008 – Toyota to outsell second place Holden by in-excess of 100 000 units.

    Sales like that just do not happen by mistake … PERIOD !!

  • realcars

    The Toyota bloggers on this thread are just as gullible as the lemmings that buy Toyota without question or comparison.

  • realcars

    Luke GT is Dingos twin!!!ha Ha Ha

    So much passion for a passionless brand.

  • http://integra AU XR6 gas ute guy

    Not many Aussies on here ……….thats whats wrong with our country……….we used to look after our own but now its just all aussie bashing. Dick Smith was right…….if we all supported our home made products we would have better and cheaper products. And dont give me that crap about Toyota reliability……they have as many problems as any other car……….ask a “real” mechanic.

  • Bret

    Dingo (can’t be bothered typing Lu…)

    I live in a rural community, do Toyota 4WDs dominate the Farming community here? No bl00dy way.

    I have many friends that work in the mining industry. None of them have toyotas as their private vehicles, not even as a second car for the missus – I have asked some of them why: sick of the bl00dy stupid things is a common reply.

    Defence avoids Toyotas where possible. Why? High running costs due to exessive and costly maintenance and parts. And yes, thats accross the borad, from Corolla office hacks to Troopies.

    Either you live a very shelterd life, are totally stupid or are nothing more than a Toyota propaganda stooge.
    Your call, which one?

  • Bret

    HILUX SALES ARE MORE THAN 80% FLEET.

  • realcars

    A red-dust covered, hard worked, whip aerial covered, bull bar claded ‘70 series Cruiser with a cattle dog and a block of VB in the back is far more Australian to me then a pretty Commodore or Falocn coasting around the suburbs of Sydney.
    …with a milk crate for a seat and bulldust bellowing up through the rust holes in the floor.

    Good script for another Toyota propaganda campaign.

    If they can reincarnate Lawsie they will be in full propaganda mode again.Ha Ha Ha

  • realcars

    I have finally discovered the reason people buy Toyotas in Australia. They want to be John Laws u know what I mean.Ha Ha Ha

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Realcars … another thought (and probably a more accurate one), many people brought a Toyota after comparsion and no-doubt walked in to Holden and straight out again.

    GasGuy … EXACTLY – ask a real mechanic and wee all know what they say … don’t we !!

    Bret … what ever fella. Your dribble isn’t even remotely connected to the reality of the market. Your comment is downright ridiculous and absolutely and completely pathetic.

    Seriuosly, who are you trying to kid apart from yourself and the rest of the circus. Put it this way, any country folk, farmer, miner or traveler will kill themslves laughing at your pathetic comment.

    Go back to bed will ‘ya and dream of nice little happy fairies in la, la, land were everybody is nice.

    Oh yeah – i suppose the thousands upon thousand of Toyota commercials and 4×4′s sold in Australia each year just vanish in mid-air or are collected as collectables while the commercials sold by Ford and Holden in much, much, much less numbers meracuously (spelling) multiple to fill all the country folks and town halls.

    CLOWN !!

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Bret – despite the hardest evidance … Quality / Customer Satisfaction Surveys and Monthly Sales smacking in you in the face, it still doesn’t get through !!

    Amazing … !!

    Anyway, enough talking to clowns – the State Of Origin is on soon so must go and watch the Moroons walk over the Blues … hopefully.

    Damn it’s gonna hurt if they don’t

    GO THE MOROONS !!

  • http://porsche DOHCV8

    Luke GT/Toyota Supporter/Oh what a feeling/ Dingo;

    Why do you use different names to post? Because you get deleted? Ask yourself why that is!!!!

    Millatime is right and as usual you resort to slagging off those with a different view than your own – that’s pathetic.

    Most people will be out of pocket by buying diesel vehicles and never recover the savings. Instead of spewing poisenous bile out onto the net, surprise yourself and do the numbers.

    Do consumers act like sheep? Absolutely and all retailers know it. The car manufacturers know it too. Holden claim Commodore is Oz’s favourite car and Toyota respond calling themselves Oz’s favourite Car Co. Why? Because that claim alone will guarantee them sales.

    So no doubt you will crap on endlessly with facts and figures and stats, and yes Toyota’s sell well, we know that, but we also now know that the car buying public behave exactly like sheep. So that eliminates completely sales figures as an effective measure of how good a car is.

    So what are Toyota’s like? I think MILLATIME is right in describing them as boring lifeless and dull, and I would add dreary insipid and sleep inducing.

    Your devotion to the brand is admirable, however, we are still waiting for you to reply to BRETT’s question. Are you the worlds loneliest stupidest psycho, or are you either directly or indirectly on Toyota’s, or one of it’s agencies, payroll?

  • http://impreza toyota rules

    *Comment deleted in accordance with Code of Conduct*

  • http://impreza toyota rules

    dohcv8 if you dont like getting your ass kicked by toyota don’t come on this forum go to a holden or ford only site that way you can babble on all you want about how bad holden (or is that daewoo) is going! and how the new falcon is not selling! ford have huge discounting on the new falcon only 1 month after its release! does holden have anything these days that does sell apart from commodore that is 99.9% gov fleet sales! OH WHAT A FEELING!

  • Bret

    Toyota loser, (from now on, I’m done with all the other names)
    Your propaganda drivel does not change the facts.
    More than 4/5 of Hilux’s sold are to fleets – PEOPLE just don’t buy them, unless there is a tax dodge on the end of it.

  • Mmmm

    Whats wrong with fleet? They obviously buy them because they don’t constantly break down, cheap to service, repair etc. And they also are fairly priced (being fleet)…

  • http://aca Luke GT

    People don’t ‘em … except for Farmers, Tradies, Industries, Mines and the public market by the thousands as per published sales month after month.

    Better still, Toyota sell more Hilux’s to the private market then Ford does the Falcon ute – another fact … ooch !

    Oh What A Warm And Fuzzy Feeling

  • Millatime

    Toyota = overpriced blandness.

    Oh what a snooze fest.

    The car buying public are supremely ignorant, how else do you explain Commodore being number 1 vehicle in sales for the last 10 years. Now they are turning to Toyota in droves.

    Oh my God ignorance is bliss, it’s time for me to return to Europe, where a car is judged on it’s dynamics, not how many a manufacturer can churn out.

    Oh and Luke GT, read my last post again, there’s not a single excuse in it, only fact. I don’t have a black book of excuses but you have provided ample evidence that you have written amd mastered several.

    “Oh what a warm and fuzzy feeling” means it’s time for you to change your incontinence pad.

  • http://impreza toyota rules

    millatime (what sort of a name is that) if you think toyota is “overpriced blandness” what the hell does that make holden and ford! get a grip mate or better still go back to your overpriced unreliable bland europien cars and leave the biggest selling most reliable best resale value range of cars to us australian’s! because as you can see by the june sales figures toyota rules down under!commodore has only been number 1 in the country because 99.9% of there sales are to the goverment, no private buyer would waste there money on one!! corolla will buy the end of this year be number 1. OH WHAT A FEELING!

  • Millatime

    Toyota Rules –

    Let me repeat myself for those amongst us who have trouble with comprehension (pay attention now T.R.)

    As car enthusiasts (which is why we’re here T.R.) it’s all about driving dynamics. Not primary school playground talk about who’s No.1 or 2 or 3… If that sort of talk gets you off well there’s lots of tonka’s in the sand pit to play with and build things and rank in order so you feel safe and secure. Good for you, well done and mummy is so proud of you.

    So as car enthusiasts let’s get back to driving dynamics and I’m sorry but it’s exit Toyota stage left immediately.

    If you like dreary and dull, which most people do, Toyota are world champions as we all know, but as car enthusiasts dear God please spare us.

    I see from your latest post you’ve dropped the “warm and fuzzy” from your “Oh what a feeling”. You must have had the nursing staff change your incontinence pad, well done and good for you, it’s great having dry pants isn’t it!

  • http://impreza toyota rules

    why do you guys continue to think that there is only one toyota suppoter on this form “I AM NOT LUKE GT” he is one great toyota supporter i am just a toyota fanatic who loves to take the piss out off your less inferior products. say all you want but as the saying goes THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING! and i just love rubbing your nose in it! OH WHAT A FEELING!

  • Golfschwein

    That’s fine by me, Toyota Rules. Same with TP. Each to his own. I am. But don’t mimic this other bloke. It’s very likely that he’s certifiably unwell (mentally) and the site owners and some of the rest of us communicated between us a long time ago that the best option is don’t engage and don’t provoke and that’s because…I can’t say.

    If only you’d seen what we’ve seen over the last year.

    PS Did you find out what Millatime means? Can you guess what Golfschwein means? What sort of name is Toyota Rules, anyway?

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Things just keep getting better … reports have justed surfaced that due to GM’s mass share priCe plummet last week to the lowest sense 1954 that bunkruptcy is now a real concern for GM …

    Infact, they need to raise approx $15 billion just to see thier current operations continue until the end of 2009.

    Thats, what Toyota just reported in profit – AGAIN !!

    After all of those years of pure arrogance from GM, it is now others having the laugh.

    OH WHAT A WARM AND FUZZY FEELING !!

  • Wheelnut

    Quote [Dingo]:Hay look, a picture of the TRD Hilux high on a hill top … why isn’t the Maloo ute parked next to it ??

    Any logical person with the slightest scerrick of intelligence and automotive knowledge would realise that the TRD isn’t a direct rival for the Maloo and therefore wouldn’t even consider a TRD when looking at a Maloo the only other real rival for the Maloo is of course the FPV Pusruit or the F6.

    Because you Toyo-tossers keep going on about the Maloo vs TRD thing; its reasonable to assume that you would also compare a Yaris to a Koenigsiegg; ot a Prius to an FA-18.

    Rivals to the Toyota Hilux Crew Cab [on which the TRD is based] include the Rodeo and Triton as they are also available in crew cab with V6s and 4WD NOT the Maloo

  • Millatime

    Luke GT -

    Oops, there goes another incontinence pad..

  • Wheelnut

    Quote [Dingo]: yet again, Toyota has screwed Holden and Ford right up the backside with a whooping size 20 steel capped boot

    Again I ask How can you Screw something to a wall with a Steel-Capped Boot? Id much rather use aCordless Driver Drill or even better a Nail-gun

  • Wheelnut

    Quote [Joober - July 2nd] Oh back to the topic, congrats Toyota… although its boring cars are nothing to be really impressed about, it knows the market well!

    Joober; why even bother trying to get back on topic as recent history has shown once Dingo and his infinite split personalities makes an appearance on any particular blog on this site it just turns itno a slanging match where there is absolutely f-k all chance of getting back on topic..

    He tries so hard to convert people over to his way of thinking yet instead of being civil and level headed he is always on the offensive and makes regular personal attacks which is completely the wrong way to try and get people on-side and convince someone about something..

  • Wheelnut

    toyota rules Says: July 3rd, 2008 at 8:10 am
    dohcv8 if you dont like getting your ass kicked by toyota don’t come on this forum go to a holden or ford only site

    Aahh; we could say the same about you and your views on Toyota.

    Because I don’t think that you have realised that on this site there are actually articles about cars other than Ford Holden and Toyota.

    Articles on which most of us real car enthusiasts have commented on and stayed on topic – that is until you get on and hi-jack them all so all we end up talking/arguing about is Toyota.

    So much so that in most instances it ends up that the first 10 or so comments are about the Alfa Romeo Aston Martin BMW or whatever car the article is about and the other 500+ comments are about Toyota – and how the Yaris is a far superior car to any other car in the world…. given that you love comparing apples to oranges

    Therefore; if anyone should leave this site and visit a dedicated site where they can rabbit on about their beloved marque; its YOU

  • Wheelnut

    There were actually more VWs than Toyotas used during the construction of the Snowy-Mountain River Scheme.
    Their size meant they could make it up the narrow tracks and the fact that they were air cooled so the water in the radiator didn’t freeze.

  • Wheelnut

    I congratulate Toyota on becoming #1 However; I think that Mazda will soon become the next #1 – htey have gradually made their way up the ladder and are very close to breaking into the top 3 therefore; if trends towards more compact cars continue its only a matter of time

    I belive the reasion for their sucess is because overall their passenger car range offers far better value for money than Toyota not to mention better looks etc just look at howmany 2s 3s and 6s are on the roads now ATM

  • Fenno

    Wheelnut…
    I agree with your comments on Mazda and would love to see another Japanese product battle for the mnatle of #1. But unfortunately Mazda’s relationship with Ford mean that a lot of the commercial models will lose half of their sales to the Ford equivalent. Secondly Mazda have no ‘real’ 4wd’s and we all know that Toyota pretty much have that section of the market wrapped up (It’s not just with the sales figures but out in the real world Toyota 4wd’s work in this country better than anything else)
    The one to really look out for would be Hyundai.

    Luke GT/ Toyota rules or whoever you are. This is how you comment on backing a brand without resulting to outright insults.
    Millatime…stop goading him or I shall reveal your true identity…LOL

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Fairdinkum … this is great, have a look at all the sqauwkers (spelling) going off.

    I am honoured to have such influance … THANKS !!

    So … not only has GM’s share price plummeted to new lows not witnessed for over 50 years and fears of bankruptcy protection but on the news tonight (for those who might have watched), Ford Australia has just withdrawn financial support from most of it’s V8 Supercar teams.

    Haven’t seen the full figures yet for June 2008 but apparently the Corolla and Hilux both outsold the Commodore while the ‘Rolla leads the ‘Dore at the half way mark for 2008.

    Better still, total half-year sales of Holden and Ford combined equal less then that of Toyota’s sole effort

    OH WHAT A WARM AND FUZZY FEELING

  • Bret

    Toyota Loser,
    Don’t try to paint the picture that Ford are cutting funding due to financial strife. The truth is their total spend on sporting sponsorship will not change, and their commitment to V8SC, whilst being cut marginally, is really only being distributed differently. (Although I’m sure the bleating QLD media didn’t explain that)

    BTW did you know Toyota’s market share in passenger cars has DROPPED 2%. Seems the fleet sales of the commercials are needed to prop up the sales figures.

    Hiace busses, Hilux, Kluger, Lancruiser all up. Almost everything else down.
    Yeah, Corolla 1, but down 900 units.

  • Phill

    Luke GT – You call yourself an Aussie but you dont support Australian motorsport,You just keep crapping on about Nascar,OH and hows Toyota going in the FIAGT3 championshps,competing against the likes of Ferrari 430,Lamborghini Gallardo,Ascari KZ1rR,Porsche 997GT3,Aston Martin DBRS9,Jaguar XKR,Morgan Aero 8,Dodge Viper,Corvette Z06R,Ford GT,Ford Mustang FR500.Oh I forgot THERE NOT IN IT.Your like a villan in a batman comic “THE DRIBBLER”.Go back to America

  • Andrew M

    Bret,
    what we have just witnessed is yet another example of how media has certain people believing everything they hear.
    first it was the obvious believing of toyotas marketing, and now this.

    ford is not withdrawing funding from V8′s.
    Here is some quotes from the OFFICIAL press release, rather than a rendition of Dingo’s fantasy

    “Ford Australia today confirmed ongoing significant investment in V8 Supercar racing as part of the company’s diversified sponsorship portfolio. ”

    “This more targeted strategy, in conjunction with our ongoing support for other Ford teams and sponsorship of the Formula Ford Championship, will allow us to obtain the best possible return for our investment.”

  • Bret

    Andrew,
    Yeah I’ve read the official statement too. And that was the point I was trying to get through to dingo.

    Hey Dingo, did the Morons (no not a typeo) win the buggerby thing? Just imagine how much better that would be if they used a BALL. No! ya kidden me! Really? What do they do with the ball?

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Holden + Ford = Less then Toyota !!

    * Fairlane … GONE !!

    * L6 … GOING !!

    * Jobs … SOME RETRENCHED !!

    * 2007/08 Fiscal Year … $84 MILLION LOSE

    * v8 Supercars … FINANCIAL SUPPORT WITHDRWN FROM MOST TEAMS

    OH WHAT A WARM AND FUZZY FEELING

    ps. I support Australian Motorsport, not just 2 American owned companies challenging each other becuase they are scared stiff to allow anyone else to enter – Nissan GTR anybody … oooch !!

  • Bret

    Dingo,
    If you bothered to find out some facts once in a while – Financial support has been concentrated to just 2 teams (much like Holden).
    The overall cut to V8SC is quite small. And, with one notable QLD exception, must teams have already admitted that it isn’t their major source of funding anyway.
    I do feel for ol DJ, he puts his heart and soul into it.

    And why have they done it? Not because, as you suggest, financial trouble, but rather to open up the field to other potential manufacturer support. The formula is on the move! Quite the contrary to you other B/S ascertion that they may be worried about competition.

  • Bret

    Australian sales of Australian made Fords – UP
    Sales of imported fords – up.

    Australian sales of Australian made Toyotas – DOWN
    Sales of imported passenger Toyotas – DOWN.

    B/S your way around that.

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Bret – sorry mate, i must have missed some of your comments … did you say :

    * Toyota 25 600 ( + Lexus 700) = 26 300

    * Holden 11 500

    * Ford 10 200

    Thought so ….

    Holden + Ford : 11 500 + 10 200 = 22 700

    Toyota / Lexus = 26 300

    26 300 – 22 700 = 3 600 deficit …. OOOCH !!

    What pages are you clowns upto in those little ‘Black Books Of Pathetic Excuses’ … there must a thousand pages !!

    HA, HA, HA … OH WHAT A WARM AND FUZZY FEELING

  • peterd

    luke gt

    you are such a dumb arse
    fairlaine – replaced by G6

    L6 replaced by V6

    profit well ha – its the R&D they do – something that Toyota DONT do in Aussie

    V8Super cars – same $ just spent in a different way

    Mate go take the meds and stop trying to alter history to suit your warped mind

  • Andrew M

    is this the bit where we start adding other branches of motor companies to formulate 1 sales number.

    whats the sales of ford added to Mazda? anyone?

    sales doesnt prove a good profit, nor does it prove the best vehicle.

    ill take the best vehicle for me rather than follow the other sheep.
    sorry, but i want more than “just a car”

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Go to ‘Drive.com’ and checkout the 2008 Passenger Vehicle Fleet Percentage.

    Commodore and Falcon sales are now approx 84% fleet, up from approx 80% last year.

    Also states that the Aurion infact sells more units to private buyers then the falcon while the Hilux Ute sells to more to private buyers then the Falocn Ute.

    The Corolla currently sells approx 60% private and 40% fleet.

    Unlike Holden and Ford … Toyota enjoys strong sales right across all facets of the market including fleet and Private which is why they are not only the world’s NO.1 seller (kicked GM of it’s purch … OOCH !!) but also consistantly the most profitable and wealthiest of all.

    2007 / 2008 FISCAL year :

    * Holden recorded the largest single loss in US corporate history by reporting a massive $40 billion loss in 1/4 qtr alone and ended the reporting period in dismal shape. Now (as reported) there is a possibility they may have to eventually file for bankruptcy protection and this comes on the back of multi-billion dollar loses sense 2004

    * Ford has also reported multi-billion dollar loses albeit not as extreme as GM and did infact report a modest $100 million profit for the last reporting FISCAL year

    * Toyota … well – has reported milti-billion dollar profits for the past 9 consecative years with the last 7 being the most lucrative with annual profits ranging between $15 – $19.5 billion. Toyota expects less this FISCAL year of around $12 billion due to the slowing economy in the US

    Toyota’s wealth is now much greater then GM, Ford and Crysler combined.

    Oooow – theres that warm feeling again !!

  • Andrew M

    ha ha ha ha ha
    not that it matters, but i just realised Dingo cant do simple addition correctly ha ha ha ha

    oh, and the warm and fuzzy feeling is you peeing your pants.
    go to the toilet you smelly old man.
    just because they now make nappys for old people, doesnt mean you have to use them.

  • Phill

    As an Aussie say Its good,That a specific motorracing formula for Australian Motorracing was created for Australian cars,otherwise Australian(top level) motorsport would have been flooded with imported performance cars that have no identity with Australia(by that i mean you cant buy a Falcon or Commodore in japan)and our motorracing seen would have become a poor cousin to the Japanse touring car series GT500.This is our race catigory,with our cars has grown to become Autralia’s unique motorracing series,one of the best and the closest touring car series in the world(touringcars WikiPedia).I hope toyota enter in 2years with an IS-F,packing a crete motor that would just make the series better,as an aussie you dont have to support it but as an aussie you dont have to bag it either.Oh I am not a turbo hater

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Andrew – ooops … make that 21 700 combined for Holden and Ford which means a 4 600 deficit to the red and blue brigade against Toyota – and in a single month .. OOOCH !!

    Phil – ask yourself this, after all the years competing in Australian Motorsport and weekend advertising most weekends with the V8 Supercars … what good is it doing them considering Holden and Ford are reporting thier worst ever sales, or atleast in the modern era anyway

    Truth to be told – it’s obviuosly not achieving much at all and better still, they are achieveing even less when they only compete against each another – yeah, real hard to win … NOT !!

    IT’S PATHETIC !!

    The fact is with Holden (GM) and Ford, when competition enters the fray such as Nissan did a few years ago and Toyota today in the NASCAR series … all of a sudden they just don’t look as good – do they !!

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Phil – one of the closest competitions in the world, are you serious … there are only 2 manufacters, that’s it !!

    Australian Rally Championship has got 6, NASCAR 4, Formula 1 10, WRC ?? (a few) and so forth.

    Watch the V8 Supercars and it’s like … “who’s gonna win -Holden or Ford”

    real exciting … NOT !!

  • Phill

    Luke GT – Phil – ask yourself this, after all the years competing in Australian Motorsport and weekend advertising most weekends with the V8 Supercars … what good is it doing them considering Holden and Ford are reporting thier worst ever sales, or atleast in the modern era anyway
    The answer is heaps for the australian motor enthusiest,it kept australian musle cars in demand otherwise everyone would have to put up with bland FWD corollas and camrys.
    Did toyota conform to Nascar rules,i think the answer is yes.They will just have to conform to our rules,its that simple.Are Toyota chicken

  • Phill

    FIA GT3 The Ford GT is on top of the leader board weres Toyota??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

  • Phill

    When the going gets tough,Toyota don’t enter

  • Andrew M

    you dont have to have multiple manufacturers to have a competitive series.

    take a look at carrera cup.
    no wait……..you wont because it doesnt have toyota in it
    sorry i was getting ahead of myself.

    its not the number of manufacturer entrants that make for competitive motorracing

    even if you look at categories that have half a dozen different manufacturers, there are usually only 2 different manufacturers that would realisticlly win.

    ill take your Formula 1 example and run with it for a second.
    did the 10 different manufacturers make it competitive during Ferrari’s strong dominance?
    NO!!!!!

    point proven!!!!!!!!!!

    to gauge the competitiveness of a category, you dont look at the number of different manufacturers in it.
    that has absolutely nothing to do with it

  • http://porsche DOHCV8

    LukeGT/ToyotaSupporter/Ohwhatafeeling/Dingo/ToyotaRules;

    Why do you use different names to post? Because you get deleted? Ask yourself why that is!!!!!!

    The Ford Falcon has actually enjoyed a surge in sales this past month, as reported today by a TMCA executive. And in the print media you will also find these words “Falcon is the best locally made car bar none”. (Cars Guide).

    So forget your irrelevant sales charts and give credit where it is due. I want to drive a car that appeals on some level, and I’m not talking about a spread sheet in a boardroom. As a keen driver I want to connect on some level with the car and at the moment the best locally made car to do that with is Falcon.

    We are still waiting for you to reply to BRETT’s question. Are you the worlds loneliest stupidest psycho, or are you either directly or indirectly on Toyota’s, or one of it’s agencies, payroll?

    If you can respond in an intelligent manner by all means do so, and as I am a keen driver lets talk about how involving a car is to drive, and the pleasure derived from doing so.

    If, however, you feel the need to rehash your sales statistics once again then please just take your bat and ball and go away, and allow us enthusiasts to enthuse about great cars and great drives.

    You cannot be so stupid as to not understand this.

  • Wheelnut

    As I have said previously – V8s have never been an exclusively Holden V Ford thing.. nowhere in the rules and regulations does it state that only Ford and Holden are allowed to compete in the V8 Supercars.

    Other manufacturers have been able to compete provided that they have a car which meets the specifications or technical criteria. [all forms of motorsport have them]

    Toyota had a perfect opportunity to do so when they made the Aurion – if only they had made it RWD instead of a bigger; slightly better looking Camry.. Yet they would rather be an Also Ran in F1 instead.

    That is instead of being a big fish in a small pond they would rather be a small fish in a big pond

  • Wheelnut

    Heres a thought – Dingo did you ever go to or watch a Lotus Cup race when they were around? I ask this because the Lotus Elise and Exiges use Toyota Engines

    Therefore; I can only assume that as the entire field was made up of Toyota powered Lotii it would have been heaven for you as 1-2-3 would have been filled with Toyotas

    Or was it because it wasn’t competitive enough for you as it only involved one make of car?
    A car which is able to produce more power go faster and handles better than a corolla – the Toyota which the engines come from..

  • Bret

    Wheelnut,
    Just a slight correction:
    The Aurion is in fact a USA V6 Camry with a few minor panel & bumper changes. There was never aany oportunity to make it RWD, or Bigger, or a V8 – it simply is not a new car, there was no serious engineering input.
    V8SC rules have always been flexible enough to allow other manufacturers, but I believe that more rule changes are happening and the time is not far away.

  • Wheelnut

    If that is the case then why didn’t Toyota simply make the Oz Camry a RHD version of the USA Camry – forget about the mdoifications etc and introduce a new RWD Car.. instead of having what is essentially just another Camry with a bigger engine

    Don’t you think that the money spent on such engineering and cosmetic modifications could have been put towards a completely New Car.

    Changes are on the way However; AVESCO informed Toyota of the proposed changes and invited them to take part [in 2010] However yet again they have said No – they would still rather be a small fish in a big pond.

    It’s expected the 3rd make to enter V8s ATM is likely to be Chrysler

  • Wheelnut

    I mean very few of the other manufacturers such as VW BMW Merc Porsche etc make significant [cosmetic] changes to their cars just because it has a bigger engine

    Look at Holden the Commodore is available with a V8 V6 and soon to have both a Turbo 6 and 4cyl engine yet they have the same body [from Omega to Calais] and use the same platform

    Yet Toyota have similar looking cars built on the same platform with different engines – yet the only real difference is the body. which makes you wonder
    why didn’t they go the extra step and give each car throughout the Aurion range a different looking body as well

    I mean the BMW M3 sold here looks the same as the one sold in Europe. So why not make it that the Camry sold here looks the same as the one sold in the USA

    There is no need to make such an effort to make such a differentiation between the models

  • Bret

    Anti-spam “racing”, I couldn’t NOT reply!

    Re Aurion: Thats the Toyota way – take an existing product, spend a minimum on to bring it to market, then spen the the majority of the budget on advertising to convince the brain dead masses that they did part one properly.
    And don’t be confused about how much toyota spent on bringing Aurion to market – minor facelifts without any engineering is relatively cheap.

    Re V8SC: I picked up the entry of another make from the Ford press release on funding shifts. Kinda “releasing” teams to the opportunity of changing to a new entry.

  • Bret

    Wheelnut – SNAP.
    The reason for the cosmetic changes to the Aurion over the Camry is just marketing – so that they can convince the brain dead that it is a “large” car competitor.
    The entire “body” is infact the same. The changes are limited to qtr panels, grills, bumpers, light clusters and bonnet.

  • Bret

    Adam, agreed, in part. The statesman and fairlane are in fact different bodies, stretched as you say. The Aurion has the same body as the Camry, just some minor styling changes to the corner extremities.

  • Andrew M

    wheelnut and Bret,

    no rule changes are being put in place in V8SC.

    they will not change any rules until a proposal from another manufacturer has been put in place.
    that actually makes it easier for other manufacturers to enter since they are willing to write the rules around any new entrant.

    V8SC have asked toyota if they want to submitt a proposal,
    toyota have not submitted a proposal end of story.

    the only thing V8SC are firm on is a time and minimum entrant committment.

    just to sum up what im saying…….
    any rule changes will be made to suit any interested manufacturer.
    they are not really making any new changes yet as they dont know what to change them to, or what needs to be covered

  • Joober

    Adam your spot on about the effeciencies,

    Remember Aurion is the 4cyl Camry in Asia with the Aurion body, and in US the Camry is teh 6cyl Aurion in the Camry guise. its all about perception, you got to hand it to Toyota for their understanding the human desires.

    Even if the Aurion was a RWD, I doubt very much their will join V8′s because… Theres no V8′s in TMCA stable. Im with you Wheelnut, Chrysler would be more benefiting to join the V8′s with their V8 hemi’s

  • Phill

    Come on Chrysler Join The Fun

  • Andrew M

    chrysler say that at the moment they are happy just to sponsor the safety car.

    they say they are happy with the sales response from just doing that.

    if they had more than the 300C to flog off, then i suppose chrysler may reconsider.

    at the moment chrysler dont have a full on performance range that would be promoted through V8SC

  • Andrew M

    INTERESTING!!!!!!!!!!!
    i just read it has been confirmed that 888 (team Vodafone) has been in talks with Toyota for a while now.

    be interesting to see how that pans out.

    888 would catch toyotas eye because 888 are at the top of their game and the move to 888 would see pretty much instant sucess for toyota.
    thats the way toyota like it.
    they wont enter unless they have more than half a chance, and the well sorted and respected 888 outfit is very much that.

    the prohibiting factor may be Lowndes who is a Ford contracted driver, and 888 say they dont want to lose him

  • Duck

    YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! By, bye Lowndes the Loser! :D

  • Andrew M

    Duck,
    did you even read what i posted?

    learn to read you bitter “Loser”

  • Joober

    “Landcruiser V8 (’70 & 200 series – petrol & Diesel), GS460, LS460, LS600hl, LX570 and soon (October ‘08) the IS-F are all V8 powered cars of TMCA. ”

    True, but they aint no tourer cars, 4×4′s in general and the Lexus badge wont benefit if Toyota puts a Toyota badge on the car, because theres no direct relevance E.g. A V8 commodore on the grid is a V8 commodore on the road to many people, but what can you say about the Toyota?, and Many people see Lexus as a separate entity to Toyota.

    Andrew, I doubt Toyota will join in the end, although it probably gives more of a chance if it makes Toyota “less-costly” to come in. I think Toyota’s Strategy is strongly in the Returns…

  • Duck

    Yes I did Andrew M, but I personaly don’t care if he leaves ford vodafone.

  • Bavarian Missile

    Dingo talking to himself as usual……………..

    IS-F awesome ! Well I guess it would be to someone that drives a Sportivo……..

    More boring Toyotas on the road, greeeeeatI gather the hat factories must be working overtime to supply all those Camrys back parcel shelves

  • Wheelnut

    During the V8 Telecast They interviewd Dick Johnson and Roland Dane to get their response to the news that Ford will only back SBR and FPR next year.
    Matty White asked them whether or not they would consider racing Holdens Next Year… neither of them ruled it out

    Roland Dane said they could race both / one of each

  • Wheelnut

    Apparently the contract for Chrysler to supply the [superfluous] pace/safety car ends at the end of the year and its reported that AVESCO may opt for a VE Sportwagon and a FG sedan

  • Wheelnut

    ATM I din;t think AVESCO need to make any real changes because as the saying goes if it aint broke…don’t fix it. and given the record crowd attendances tv ratings and amount of corporate sponsorship not to mention the close competitiopn etc proves that they must have got the formula just right

    The only thing they could do is get rid of the Pace/Safety Car.

  • Wheelnut

    Oh; and replace drive through penalties with post race time penalties

  • Andrew M

    Wheelnut,
    i think that was just bitter/tough talk from the both of them to be honest.
    if they all went to holden, there wouldnt be enough funds to go around on the red side.
    if they switched sides they would throw away all their current development studies. sure Dick says they could easily change the sheet metal, but its not that easy. it would cost DJR more money to swap, and that is something DJR has been tight on for many years.
    DJR and 888 are well embedded in the new FG racecar program, so no matter what they say, they will be there to stay for at least a few years.

    if there are 2 teams that should have retained Ford support, it is 888 and DJR.

    Roland Dane has also confirmed he has been in talks with toyota. (i dont see anything progressing from that for at least a few years if it is going to happen)

    Duck,
    you didnt understand my earlier post then if you said you read it.
    even though 888 has talked to toyota, it looks unlikely to happen anytime soon as Lowndes is contracted to Ford, and 888 dont want to lose lowndes.
    all that means 888 will stay with ford for at least a few years.

  • Bavarian Missile

    Hallo gorgeous……….I like what Dick said..”there still makin Red Cars”…..god hes dry!Dont tell me who won its still on…….

  • Andrew M

    Wheelnut,
    and just to further add to my tough talk theory,

    888 wont run one of each make.
    Roland is a smart enough man to realise that wont work.
    many teams have tried that in the past with no success.
    they would then have to find development costs for 2 seperate platforms.
    its much better for them to benefit from being able to share Data etc.

    once again, just tough talk

  • Andrew M

    yeah, you gotta love Dicks dry humour.

    i almost feel like taking a banner in protest when i head to the next round.
    it is also Dicks home track, so im sure it will also be echoed by many

  • Bavarian Missile

    Lets hope he wins there then babe cause you know what you said you would do the last time he did well at that track.I think it went along the lines of running to their head quarters in the buff ……….better strap the tackle down you dont want to put those Toyota drivers to shame!hahaha

  • Wheelnut

    888in in talks with Toyota…. Going over to the BEIGE side would be far worse than going over to the Dark side wouldn’t it?

  • Wheelnut

    Another one of Dicks classic one liners was during a wet race at Sandown where he said “I’ve got about as much grip as a dog on lino”

  • Andrew M

    my nude run applied if they won bathurst (just to clear that up)

    Wheelnut,
    he puts some good lines out when he commentates the utes and formula ford every now and then.

    he had a good one when Davison won this year too

  • Duck

    CarAdvice wheres my post you deleted?

  • Andrew M

    Also,
    im sure my tackle would make the toyota
    guys jealous, as they would love it if a toyota came that white. ha ha ha ha ha

    it would be a shade of white they would be envious of.

    i can see them taking swatches of the white now, to see if toyota can tint their vehicle to an even “whiter shade of pale” (great song by the way)

  • Andrew M

    Duck,
    i may have found it,
    did it go along the lines of……

    “whinge, whinge, whinge,
    sob, sob, sob
    bitter, bitter, bitter,
    excuses, excuses, excuses”

    if this is yours, (and i think it is)
    please ask at reception

  • Phill

    Andrew M – That is interesting,it would not surprise me that in the next 2 years toyota make a move on V8SC now they have a chassis.Toyota made 4 billion profit and spent 400 million a season on F1,what would be the cost of supporting 3,2 car teams in V8SC??And yea Andrew Johns is a tainted player forget him,we will just have back Israil Falou & Greg Inglis,

  • Bavarian Missile

    HAHAHA…rrrr so it was ! Those remote controlled kangaroos almost did the trick for you! No point in having another rock garage sale although you may want to if he crosses over to the dark side.

  • Duck

    Sorry CarAdvice wrong Artice. Dearly sorry!

  • Bavarian Missile

    hahaha I thought builders were all tanned…….that would make you almost beige,once again the envy of Toyota drivers!ya think they would be looking at the colour? I can imagine them now chasing you with colour swatches hahaha

  • Duck

    Andrew M, why are you so Angry at ME? Because I said something mean to your very loveable 888 Lowndes? It’s probably one of your little punishments.

  • Duck

    I’d like to know because you can be very bitter sometimes.

  • Andrew M

    Duck,
    you need a serious dose of maturity.

    BM,
    the hammer head i use is of the steel kind.
    the other one doesnt see the light of day on site

  • Andrew M

    Phill,
    toyota wont enter V8SC unless instant success is pretty much guaranteed.
    if toyota enter, they would want to buy in to an already highly successfull team.
    no way wll they take on a smaller team and build it to be successfull.

    888 is probably the best proposition for toyota, but as i said, if its going to happen, it wont for at least 2-3 years.

    i personally think they should be made to take on a smaller team because the focus of the whole investigation RE a third manufacturer, is to bring more funding to the lesser budgeted teams.

    if they are allowed to take on one of the majors, then the rich only get richer, and the successfull more successfull, and the gap between the field grows even more

  • http://. Naughtyius Maximus

    Is that steal kind? Surely not! Good Grief!!!!

  • http://. Naughtyius Maximus

    Geepers come onto this thread and more bad luck from the bitter Duck. Now…..if DJR goes over to the dark side then he might have some hope as at moment lookin dark side heaps for Holden!

  • Bavarian Missile

    awwwwww,I guess if you used that on a building site you may get a head ache if you know what I mean, I know what I prefer to see running down the street and its not the hammer. Tanned or white not fussed! If it was silver I would think it maybe the type that takes batteries you know like a Prius !

  • Bavarian Missile

    Hey NM……….sorry missed your call the other morning meant to ring ya back ,how ya been honey?

  • http://. Naughtyius Maximus

    Busy as.

    All good and your cool darling!

  • http://. Naughtyius Maximus

    LMAO……………..would that be nano lithium ion batteries as they last longer hey! Tool talk there sweet pea!

  • http://. Naughtyius Maximus

    FAIRDINKUM…..take ANDREW M, MYSELF AND MISSILE OUT OF PIC and humour on here “non existant”

  • Lord Davey

    WTF?? Whats up with this off topic retard chit-chat?? haven’t you guys got personal emails for this??

  • http://. Naughtyius Maximus

    OMG, gee sorry Lord of the Rings. Maybe show some “initiative” and get topic on track! If thats too hard then see your quack!

    As for me with topic…..who cares as boring bland solid performers that are devoid of massive soul and are lifeless cars!

  • Bavarian Missile

    Yep I think that was the idea wasn’t it………..when was it on track?

    Me fab NM especially after talking tools and having a laugh talking of which

    Wheres Lord Dingo ?

  • Wheelnut

    I too liked dicks comment that Ford are still making Red cars….

    and if the reason why Ford are only going to sponsor SBR and FPR next year is because they are the only Fords which are predominantly Blue or feature more Blue in their paint-job than the other Ford teams.

    Then they should go back to the way things were when they made the Model T…. and have it so you can have your Ford in any colour you want so long as its BLUE

  • http://. Naughtyius Maximus

    HA HA…..two Lords. Lord of the Flies! They just zap out and come on line with Mr Bean comments!

  • Duck

    ggeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Swans are doing crap there playing like sh*t tonight! No Goodes does not help…………………………………

  • Duck

    NM, give me a joke will ya? please?

  • Bavarian Missile

    Fancy seeing you here ,red n blue ha! Well I know from that pic you just sent me of you what I prefer your tackle in!The red looked the best but Im VERY hung up on beige on you……..skin coloured!Sigh!

    Ok back to cars although thats a little boring compared to well hung hammers!hahaha

    So here we all are reading about Toyota again but no mention of how Toyota on the 3.7.08 announced that warrenty claims are up too!

    “Toyota reported 324 billion yen in claims and 392 billion yen in accruals for the fiscal year ended March 31. Those figures were up significantly from a year ago, when the company reported 280 billion yen in claims and 337 billion yen in accruals. “

  • Bavarian Missile

    Here you go Duck although Id of got out on the 4th floor !

    “A group of girlfriends are on vacation when they see a five-story hotel with a sign that reads, “For Women Only.” Since they are without their boyfriends and husbands, they decide to go in. The bouncer, a very attractive guy, explains to them how it works.

    “We have five floors. Go up floor by floor, and once you find what you are looking for, you can stay there. It’s easy to decide since each floor has a sign telling you what’s inside.”

    They start going up, and on the first floor the sign reads, “All the men here have it short and thin.” The friends laugh and without hesitation move on to the next floor.

    The sign on the second floor reads, “All the men here have it long and thin.” Still, this isn’t good enough, so the friends continue on up.

    They reach the third floor, where the sign reads, “All the men here have it short and thick.” They still want to do better, and so, knowing there are still two floors left, they continued up.

    On the fourth floor, the sign is perfect: “All the men here have it long and thick.” The women get all excited and are going in when they realise that there is still one floor left. Wondering what they are missing, they head on up to the fifth floor.

    On the fifth floor, they find a sign that reads, “There are no men here. This floor was built only to prove that there is no way to please a woman.”

  • AC COBRA

    “Going to the beige side” hahahahahahahahahaha

    Gee Holdens are slow on the race track at the moment, maybe they need some Toyoda beige whitegood bowler hat’s, with FWD skinny wheel spinning injection to make Red Rooster fast again, if it hadn’t been for that sad sour blocking driver named Tander it should of been Ford 1,2,3, again…..

    GO FPR WINTERBOTTOM !!!! coming first is where he belongs :-)

  • Duck

    Ha! hahahaha! You are truly good BM! :D

  • Wheelnut

    If Tander was blocking – I’m sure Lowndes would have let his pit crew the officials the fans and everyone else know.

    Lowndes didn’t say a thing about Tanders driving and whether or not [he believed] Tander was blocking therefore no-one else can accuse him of Blocking.. I mean Lowndes knows all about Blocking

    Mind you Lowndes would have said Tander was blocking even if he wasn’t even if he was actually racing for position.

    Infact Lowndes was blocking Whincup from having a decent go at Tander yet Whincup still has the ability to Pass

  • Duck

    Yeah! At least Tander is up there for Holden (good on ya Tander), the only one that is! Fords still up high on the podium though.

  • AC COBRA

    Tander has done it before remember when he had made clear tactics to support pRick kelly during a race in the 2006 championship receiving a drive through penalty and now does more unpassable driving this year for himself because at the moment knowing he dosen’t have a fast car frustrates the hell out of the tander team, I was wishing Lowndes would push him of the track but he is not as stupid as some think he is..

  • Andrew M

    Tander wasnt blocking, end of story.
    sure lowndes had a slightly faster car, but in this game you have to be more than slightly faster to pass the likes of Tander.

    Lowndes wasnt blocking Whincup either.
    Whincup was let by on what was probably a good instruction.
    whincup is better placed in the championship, and he had the better chance of cracking Tander because whincup had a setup that would have looked after the tyres better.

    lowndes had the rear of his car softened prior to race 1, and whincup didnt.
    and we all know what softening the setup does dont we? yep tyres wear quicker.
    whincup would have had much better tyyres at the 10 laps to go mark.
    before that, whincup never looked like passing lowndes

    yep, the worst blocking display was from Tander at the final round in 2006.
    extremely poor sportsmanship. i felt the team should have been disqualified from that race. they were warned at the start of the race about team tactics.
    i mean you cant honestly say a man of Tanders Talent would pretty much stal on the exit of a corner.

  • Bavarian Missile

    Couldn’t agree more Andrew…..both Toll and HRT were done for blocking that 2006 race including Mr run out of talent himself Skafie.I do think Lowndes was the moral champion in that race unlike Crash Bandicoot.

  • Wheelnut

    Lowndes was the moral champion because after the race he tried to convince Roland Dane not to go ahead with the [failed] protest.. As in the end it was just another racing incident even though there was alot riding on that particular race for both teams

  • Bavarian Missile

    It was plain dirty racing on Toll and HRTs behalf nothing less……..

  • Andrew M

    R Kelly wasnt the champion because he couldnt even do a burnout or a bonnet stomp.

    he could have at least taken a leaf from the book of the previous champion Ingall.

    it should be a pre-requisite that a burnout must take place to receive the cup.

  • Bavarian Missile

    Ford drivers dont have a problem smokin, Jamies exceptional at it especially in reverse!The Holden guys are just a bunch of girls especially Kelly,hey he even sounds like one! I know thats going to get someone biting hahaha

    Good to see Webber finally qualified well for tonight race,

    Hows Toyota doing in it? Still crap in the Championship!

    01 Ferrari 91
    02 BMW Sauber 74
    03 McLaren-Mercedes 58
    04 Red Bull-Renault 24
    05 Toyota 23
    06 Williams-Toyota 15
    07 Renault 12
    08 Honda 8
    09 STR-Ferrari 7
    10 Force India-Ferrari 0

  • http://aca Luke GT

    YEAH HAA … Toyota has just won both the Sprint Cup (1st tier) and Nationwide (2nd tier) in NASCAR this weekend.

    YOU LITTLE BEAUTY !!

    Last weekend Toyota finished 2nd & 3rd in the Sprint Cup and 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the Nationwide Series while this weekend they finished 1st in the Sprint Cup and 1st & 2nd in the Nationwide.

    Latest NASCAR results todate :

    * Sprint cup

    1. Toyota … 7 wins
    2. Chevrolet … 4 wins
    3. Ford … 3 wins
    4. Dodge 4 wins

    * Nationwide Series

    1. Toyota … 13 wins
    2. Chevrolet … 4 wins
    3. Ford … 2 wins
    4. Dodge … 0 wins

    Craftsman Trucks

    1. Chevrolet … 5 wins
    2. Toyota … 5 wins
    3. Ford … 2 wins
    4. Dodge … 0 wins

    Locally – Toyota comfortably leads the Australian Rally Championship (ARC) after winning 3 races from 3 so far. The 4th round is the ‘Rally Of SA’ in about 3 weeks.

    GO TOYOTA … OH WHAT A WARM AND FUZZY FEELING

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Bavarian – while Toyota is counting thier parcel shelves they are also counting thier multi-billion dollar profits while Ford and GM count thier multi-billion losses.

    Better still, GM shares have just hit thier lowest ever sense 1954 (or is that 1956) which has now raised concerns about the eventual possibility that GM may have to file for Bunkruptcy protection. It was also reported that GM need to secure about 15 billion dollars just to retain it’s operations until the end of 2009.

    OH WHAT A WARM AND FUZZY FEELING

  • Bavarian Missile

    Oh what a red neck feeling……..

  • Bavarian Missile

    Glad to hear your happy Dingo after all theres not that many of you when it comes to being an excited Toyota owner,there the ones asleep at the lights normally,I have toot at to wake up!

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Andrew – If Toyota entered the V8 Supercar Series, it will be interesting to see who will abandon Holden and Ford in favour of Toyota.

    Personally, i would perfer Toyota not to enter at this stage becuase they have investment elsewhere (F1, NASCAR, Japanese GT) and would much prefer them to continue developing the teams they already have before taking on new adventures.

    Toyota still has work to do in F1 albiet some great improvements this year so far while NASCAR is proving a huge bang for them not to mention various other sports such as ARC, Japanese Motorsport and so forth.

    Eventually, i believe the V8 Supercar Series will require additional support ($$$) and if Toyota is asked to step up then i equally believe they will dictate some terms of thier own … at the end of the day – money talks !!

    Put it this way, Toyota will not alter it’s production at Altona (FWD 4 & 6 cyls) to meet the current terms so CAMS will have to change thiers eg. allow forced inducted AWD, V8 powered imports (IS-F) or what ever.

    The odds are, CAMS will have to equally step up to the plate and allow adjustments to thier current terms otherwise Toyota or any other manufactuer/company won’t even give it a second thought oherwise … GUARANTEED !!

    I believe the IS-F which just happens to be a RWD 5.0 V8 would certainly shake up the field … considerably.

    The question is – would Holden and Ford want Toyota or any other manufactuer to enter the series becuase odds are … all of a sudden the blue and red brigade won’t look so good with a repeat of the Nissan days.

    Personally, i would like to see a range of manufactuers enter the V8 Supercar as they already have done in the Australian Rally Championships with 6 manufactuers now competing.

    As far as i am concerned, Holden and Ford carn’t afford anymore shame then what Toyota has so effortlessly inflicted upon them in the sales race.

    OH WHAT A WARM AND FUZZY FEELING

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Bavarian : words speak half as loud as actions and right now – Toyota is all action … sales, profits / wealth fleet diversity / consistancy, strong standings in Customer satisfaction / Quality Surveys (around the world), stability, direction, reputation, motorsport and so forth.

    Anyway, i start nightshift tonight (may send a message or two from work) so time for a nap.

    And YES … i am very happy with Toyota’s allround performance so far this year and can only see it getting better.

    Oh yeah – someone above stated that Toyota’s profit was $4 billion and spent $400 million on F1. Toyota’s latest reported FISCAL profit (2007/08) was infact $16.7 Billion (Aus) which means they have reported nothing less then $15 Billion for the past 7 consecative years. Profits have ranged between $15 – $19.5 billion.

    However, the $400 million investment in F1 is good enough … $420 million exact !!

    OH WHAT A WARM AND FUZZY FEELING

  • Bavarian Missile

    Dingo it doesnt matter how much you polish a t.rd its still a t.rd…….Toyota with all its wealth still cant put passion into their product.They try with the luxury brand but still fall short.

    BMW must be congratulated for winning the Worlds greenest car with the 118d…..yep thats a diesel! And what brand would be the cleanest luxury brand,that to is BMW!Best interiors in the world according to most jernos Audi! And finally who has won the most engine awards for the last 10 years BMW 19 ACTUALLY! Lexus ,1 ?

  • Wheelnut

    Dingo the V8 supercar series now operates under a system which ensures that the cars are all closely matched to one another thereby ensuring closer racing competition.

    What I mean is regardless of how much money Toyota decides to sink into V8s there are and will continue to be various rules and regulations relating the performance of the car

    ATM both Ford and Holden use the same tyres same gearbox same capacity engine which produces the same amount of horsepower. all of which has resulted in the closest racing we have seen in years – record attendance figures and TV ratings attest to that

    I doubt CAMS or AVESCO will make drastic changes to the category inorder to suit Toyota..There are a number of other manufacturers who would be willing to take part in Australias Premier motosrport category… one which Murray Walker has called the best Touring Car category in the world.

    BTW Toyota have been asked if they would like to be involved on at least 4 occassions and everytime they have said NO – so if you don’t mind no more whinging from you Toyo-philes…. you’ve had your chance.

    As for V8s needing more financial support. ATM there are a number of companies that are clamouring over themselves to get involved with V8s and sign various sponsorship deals

  • Wheelnut

    Dingo If you want a race where there are cars with a combination of either turbo supercharged 4cyl 6cyl V8 FWD RWD AWD Sedan Coupe etc… Then I suggest you have a look at GT Production Racing

    Where all different makes and models from all over the world compete against each other and even have sub categories within the clas so Imprezas compete against EVOS GTs against Clubbies etc..

  • Wheelnut

    I was wondering how long it would be before Dingo or one of his split personalities used some kind of survey or series of statistics to back up his arguement.

    Surveys and Statistics can be and quite often are manuipulated inorder to help achieve a pre-determined result it all depends on various factors suuch as who you ask; how you word the questions etc

    Glad to see you didn’t disappoint us on that one Dingo!

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Bavarian – In less then short 20 years, Lexus has developed to become one of the most renouned and respected automotive brands that can be found anywhere in the world today.

    I agree, passion has not been a strong link but that is changing as Lexus invests with greater focus towards just that with the release of various ‘F’ series that will make it to the market over the next few years and the IS-F being the first example.

    One point you can be guaranted of and that is Lexus will only continue to develope and grow greater market strength… only a fool would believe otherwise.

    That said, Lexus runs rings around BMW when it comes quality as proven for more then a decade in the multitude of Customer / Quality Satisfaction Surveys that have been published in the US and UK. Infact, BMW never rates strongly in these surveys.

    In the US, Lexus ranked the highest for 12 consecative years and currently 2nd behind Porsche. In the UK, Lexus won again this year making it 8 consecative years.

    As for a turd, true … you carn’t polish a stinker – look at Holden and Ford for example with woeful sales … OOCH !!

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Wheelnut – I watch most forms of motorsport because i find them alot more entertaining because of participation from a variety of manufactuers including our own Rally Championship which now hosts 6 manufactures … Toyota, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Ford, Honda and VW.

    I lost interest in V8SC many years ago when Nissan was forced from the competition. Infact, i even loved it when the Ford Sierra graced the mountain – what a fantastic pocket rocket.

    It is your reasons above i personally hope Toyota don’t waste thier money and enter V8SC becuase it is too heavily regulated which restricts the true potential of one manufactuer over another. The attendances may be strong but it just doesn’t seem to be translating into greater showroom activity for either Holden or Ford and no-doubt Toyota and other manufactuers will be mindful of this when ‘if’ or ‘when’ they ever decide upon entry.

    Personally, i believe it will be the falling fortunes of Holden and Ford in this country not to mention the ever growing losses Ford and GM are accumulatng that will eventually dictate a change of direction for the V8 Supercar Series and as i stated, unless other manufactuers get a say in the terms … i doubt any of them will even be remotely interested otherwise.

    It will be loss of CAMS and the sport itself and not that of any other manufactuer… so to me, i doesn’t matter eitherway.

    Did you watch ‘RPM’ today – seems like sponsorship and the otherall confidance is not as strong as you believe. The report was somewhat ‘sombre’ in the future direction of the V8SC – Ford in particular.

    Anyway, i have nothing to prove because i couldn’t be happier with Toyota’s 1/2 yearly results with strong sales, huge reported profits, strong future directions and ‘you-beau’t results in the various motorsport events Toyota now contests around the world.

    OH WHAT A WARM AND FUZZY FEELING

  • Wheelnut

    So what is it Dingo Do you or don’t you want Toyota to enter V8 Supercars..?

    You say you do because you believe there supposed technical superiority will enable them to dominate the race..Then you don’t because you believe the sport has too many regulations

    Its almost as if you want them to enter but only as long as its on their terms.. you can’t take it both ways

    As I have said before all major forms of motorsport have a set of criteria rules and regulations which must be met by those wishing to compete. I mean Toyota were willing to accept the F1 terms etc therefore; why should V8s make any changes [specifically] for them either?

  • Wheelnut

    If the Teams or Manufacturers had more of a say in the way the sport was run… there is no way the sport would succeed because you would have a scenario where for example
    Holden wanted to run Supercharged V8s… Ford wanting to run Turbo 6cyls and Toyota wanting to run Hybrids
    They would never be able to agree on any of the rules or anything else for that matter

    Sure they can make suggestions or proposals etc in relation to rule changes however they shouldn’t have the final say – it would be like the inmates running the assylum

    You need an impartial governing body which makes decisions based purely on what’s good for the sport. ATM there is nothing wrong with the sport as we’ve got the closest competition in years with different winners/champions etc so why would AVESCO make any major changes

  • Wheelnut

    All I can say is that if the Aurion was RWD instead of a face-lifted Camry it probably would have been more appealing to real [performance] car enthusiasts as it would be able to handle more power and take on a wider range of competitors.

    You cant realistically compare the FWD Auron to the RWD Falcon or Commodore as their platform and layout has a major influence on their performance and handling etc.. Yet YOU and other Toyo-philes do…. the same way you compare the TRD Hilux 4×4 Crew Cab Ute against the Maloo….and the Yaris against the Koenigsiegg

  • Wheelnut

    Lets assume that V8 Supercars didn’t have as many regulations as they do… [Hypothetically/Theoretically]

    you would have an Aurion with the engine fromn the Extreme Dragster

    Yet Ford could use the engine from a Koenigsiegg [which is based on a Mustang block] and Holden could have a 1000Kw Supercharged V8 as used in the CAPA Drifter…. both of which would still out run and out perform your Aurion

    However; if the changes meant the use of 6 cylinder engines
    Ford and Holden could bolt turbos on to their engines both of which produce 300Kw+ more power than a TRD Aurion

  • Wheelnut

    Quote [Dingo]: As far as i am concerned, any manufactuer who may sit down at the negotiating table will be there for thier own benefit and not for the sport itself and if they are not happy then they will equally ‘get up’ and ‘leave’.

    I agree but you need a mediator someone to assess the situation and try to workout a solution that is acceptable to all those involved – because without the manufacturers without the cars and without the fans there is no sport….
    that’s where AVESCO and TEGA come in
    and ATM its working well

  • Wheelnut

    I also agree that IF support of the V8s starts to dwindle then maybe they may have to make some slight changes to ensure survival but they would be mad to introduce a completely new range of rules and regulations to suit one particular marque – there will always be a need for compromise a bit of give and take…. because as you said if one company believes they’re interests are being ignored they will walk away

  • Wheelnut

    I wouldn’t be surprised that in a couple of years [2012]when Ford and Holden introduce their next generation V6 engines If AVESCO introduce a V6 Supercar series..

    I mean not only will it contine the traditional Ford Holden rivalry; but both engines will be about the same capacity and produce the same amount of power plus the new more compact cars which will feature these new engines [such as the [TT-36 Torana] could be RWD FWD or AWD

  • Wheelnut

    Quote [Dingo]: Lets not talk Aurion against the Commodore and Falcon because we all understand it is a great car. Just won more awards in the latest round of Gold Star Awards….

    So You finally admit it… The Commodore and the Falcon are great cars

    And which car won the Award – was it the Commodore or the Falcon?

  • TP

    Aurion has one the past two years of Large Car of the Year… its engine is derived from the same engine which was in Wards 10 engines of the year… its sold throughout the world. Hmmm I wander which vehicle is more distinguished.

  • TP

    Your arguments are plain and simply…FLOORED to the ground.

  • AC COBRA

    TP generating a humane argument is plain and simply….. FLOORED to death.

  • Fluffy

    More Toyocrap in the roads well good for Toyocrap.

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Another good weekend of motorsport for Toyota which has positioned them strong in the manufactuers standings :

    * F1 … 4th

    * NASCAR – Sprint Cup … 1st

    – Nationwide … 1st

    – Craftsman Trucks … 2nd

    * Australian Rally Championship (ARC) … 1st

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Wheelnut – driving home from work this morning i was keenly listening to the radio of which the main topic was about Ford abandoning support from most of the teams.

    The responses were from many disgruntled fans critising Ford for dumping Dick Johnson who has been loyal to the ‘Blue Oval’ for many years and of course the triple 8 team.

    Judging by the responses, not a good PR move by Ford especially with the release of the FG.

    Should be interesting to see how Ford’s fortunes and the V8 Supercar Series develope over the next couple of years … mmm

  • Wheelnut

    Ford are reducing funding to the V8s and putting more into other categories such as the ARC…. BUT at least Ford are maintaining some kind of presence in a sport that they are dominating unlike Toyota who pulled out of the WRC [factory backed teams] all together when they were at top of the tree – inorder to become an also ran in F1

  • Wheelnut

    Its not a good PR move by Ford…

    However; I doubt very few of those disgrunlted Ford Fans who were thinking of buying a new FG XR6 or XR8 will look at an Aurion etc. Because the majority of them would be real car enthusiasts who love their RWD V8s.
    Therefore; I’d say they will probably do what was once the unthinkable and look more closely at a Holden SS

    Particularly considering that’s what DJR [and 888] are also looking at doing next year

  • Wheelnut

    I understand that Roland Dane [888] is reportedly in talks with Holden and Toyota. Yet under the current rules and those proposed for next year it would be impossible for him to race an Aurion as the criteria still requires the cars to be Aussie Built RWD Large Family Sedans with a
    5.0 Litre V8 producing 620Bhp.

  • Wheelnut

    TP The Commodore is also sold overseas where it has won a number of awards not to mention received rave reviews from some of the worlds most recognised/respected motoring journalists – not only for the way it performs but its simplicity; the level of specifications; value for money; and its build quality.

    which could be the reason why it was nominated for International Car of the Year a couple of years ago – Unlike the Aurion.

  • Wheelnut

    The Engine in teh Aurion may be an outstanding High Tech engine but from what I’ve read its only used in the Aurion/Camry.
    Whereas the Engine in the Commodore is used in a range of other GM performance Cars which have also won awards.

    And if you’ve got a car with such a engine [or any other component] that works well it makes sense to use the same technology in other cars instead of building a range of parts etc specific to one particular model.

  • Duck

    ^Couldn’t have said it better myself Wheelnut! :D

  • Bavarian Missile

    Well Toyota maybe doing ok here but in the US not so good ,looks like Toyota have started falling back down the ladder and with the US economy not about to pull out of a recession too soon jobs are about to be lost I say!

    This from Auto blog

    “Toyota posted a 10% sales decline for its bread-and-butter brand of over the month of June, with numbers that are even worse — an 11.5% drop — when the Scion and Lexus brands are added into the equation. In response to these very un-Toyota-like sales declines, the automaker is now revamping its vehicle production in the States. Though it has already introduced measures to slow the production of full-size Tundra trucks and Sequoia SUVs, reports indicate the further cuts will be made at the San Antonio truck plant. The Indiana plant, which also produces Tundras, will see workers transferred to other lines where more popular vehicles are assembled. Even plants in Japan that export vehicles to the U.S. could be affected. Toyota is hardly used to seeing double-digit drops in sales in the U.S., so it will be interesting to see how the giant Japanese automaker responds in the months to come.”

  • Wheelnut

    That’s right Babe particularly as the USA is the world’s biggest and most competitive Car market…
    When The US economy sneezes the rest of the world catches a Cold

    Toyota USA could be forced to follow GM and Ford who recently:

    closed 4-6 plants which were operating at less than 60% and move production to a plant in another state which was not only operating at less than full capacity but also building the same/similar vehicles

    As well as putting a couple of future projects on ice not to mention streamlining their range of veihcles by axing a few existing model Trucks/SUVs in favour of more compact vehicles – the Pontiac G8 Sports Truck for example

    Both of Which Dingo criticised them for doing no less than3 months ago.

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Bavarian – Any manufactuer who sells large SUV’s and Trucks in the US are unfortunately gonna suffer from sales loss due to the slowing US economy, Toyota included.

    However, Toyota is growing in other markets such as Russia, China, India, Europe not to mention setting new records in less populated countries such as Australia and Canada.

    Any well organised and managed corporation such as Toyota will adjust thier operations to suit the times but unlike General Motors, Ford and Crysler – they have a strong, stable, wealthy, organised and well managed organisation that will support Toyota in the changing environment.

    In the past 9 consecative years, Toyota has reported mass multi-billion dollar profits and in the last 7 consecative years, nothing less then $15 Billion with the latest FISCAL reporting period of 2007/ 2008 being $16.7 Billion.

    However, due to the declining market in the US and current projects, Toyota’s has revised their current FISCAL period of about $12 Billion which will be less then the last 7 consecative years but still a very strong return none-the-less which equates to a $1 Billion dollar profit per month.

    Ford is will not be so fortunate and although they returned a modest $100 million for the latest FISCAL period, they have revised thier earnings for the next 3 years as losses while GM has encountered new lows and now looking for $15 Billion just see satisfy current operations until the end of 2009 not to mention becuase thier share value has plummeted to an all time low sense 1954 (or was that 1956) fears have been raised about the eventual possibility of filing for Bankruptcy Protection.

    So, YES … Toyota have some concerns regarding the declining US market however thier strong corporate wealth, continued profit (and projection albeit less), stability and efficiency will ensure a very strong Toyota during economic change while GM, Ford and Crysler will be hit even harder then they have in the past couple of years alone which has already taken a mass toll on them all before going into even more dire times.

    So now you have the full story and not part of.

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Wheelnut – good move from Toyota to withdraw from the WRC and reallocate thier resources to F1.

    Although F1 has been challenging, Toyota has certainly been returning much better results this year on the back of a stronger, more confident team and greater development and i am confident they will continue to move forward. After the latest race at Silverton in the rain, Toyota has now moved to 4th position … CONGRATS TOYOTA.

    As much as i respect WRC, i believe F1 will be far more beneficial for the Toyota in not only in competing in the pinnacle of automotive engineering but the experiance gained is invaluable in future development of thier cars.

    That said, thanks to our very own Australian Rally Championships (ARC), Toyota very much still has a presance in rally racing and a dominate presance at that thanks to Neal Bates, Simon Evans and the TRD Australia Team.

    Personally, i like Toyota’s current participation in the various motorpsort around the world (F1, NASCAR, Japanase GT, ARC (and other rally events), Drag Racing (USA & Aust) and so forth which is why i hope Toyota reserve themselves from entering the V8SC at this stage as they really don’t it.

    As for Ford investing more into their team in ARC, great move as i am a big follower/supporter of the Australian Rally Championship and have been delighted with an increase in teams (manufactuers), sponsors, spectators, TV coverage and so forth. It is our own Rally Championship and i believe we should all get behind it and Ford’s additional funding towards thier team is welcomed.

    Toyota has dominated the cahmpionship for awhile winning the manufactuers title in 2006 & 2007 and no-doubt the 2008 season but it will be good to see Toyota loss some races in favour of other teams as it will good for the sport.

    You don’t have critism from me with Ford withdrawing some investment from the V8SC and placing added support in the thier ARC operation becuase i much prefer ARC then the V8SC.

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Wheelnut – you really surprised me with your statement that Toyota only uses the 3.5 V6 (2GR-FE) in the Camry/Aurion … i really thought your knowledge would have extended much further.

    The 2GR-FE infact powers many different Toyota models while Lexus utilise the same engine albiet with Direct Injection (DI).

    In Toyota application – it produces about 200kw/340nm and powers the Camry/Aurion, Corolla Blade/Master G, RAV4 V6, Kluger/Hylander and Tarago models throughout the world

    With DI as used by Lexus – it produces about 230kw/370nm and powers the IS350, RX350, GS350, ES350 and the upcoming RX450hl.

    As you aware, TRD Australia has now supercharged the 2GR-FE which powers the TRD Aurion and now supplied to Bolwell Nagari which are tuned for greater output.

    Ooops … nearly forgot, the 2GR-FE is now to supplied to Lotus as the article on this site indicated only a few days ago.

    TRD Australia has also fitted the 2GR-FE in Peter Kittle’s TRD Buggy whom competes in the ‘Australian Off-Road Championship’ (AORC) and becuase of lessons learned here, TRD is now considering developing a Drag Racing version of it to replace the current 3.2 L6 Supra engine in Tony Wedlocks TRD Aurion Drag Car.

    So … as you can see, the 3.5 V6 (2GR-FE) is used extensively in Toyota and Lexus models throughout the world (and others as mentioned) and can be found in Regular, Direct Injected, Supercharged and Racing derivatives. .

    Oh yeah – the fact that the engine is now used in performance models (Corolla Blade/Master G, TRD Aurion, Bolwell Nagari, Lotus) and racing derivatives (TRD Road Racing Aurion, Peter Kittle) is testiomy to the strength and development of the engine.

    So there you have it … a history lesson on the Toyota 3.5 V6 (2GR-FE) donk.

    Cheers

    ps. please don’t ever use Commodore and Quality in the same sentance.

  • Wheelnut

    Quote [Dingo]: As much as i respect WRC, i believe F1 will be far more beneficial for the Toyota in not only in competing in the pinnacle of automotive engineering but the experiance gained is invaluable in future development of thier cars.

    From what I can gather basically the only real thing that has made its way into normal road cars from F1 is the flappy pasddle gearbox

    whereas WRC havs given us AWD; Turbos; ABS; ESP; Traction Control; because its easier to transfer such things over to a road car from a WRC car than it is an F1 car

    And by competing in WRC; car companies can get much more relevant data in terms of performance and safety etc as well as a better Idea how their road cars will go in a crash than they could in F1 Because the WRC cars are actually based on real production cars

  • Wheelnut

    Quote [Dingo] ps. please don’t ever use Commodore and Quality in the same sentance.

    only if you don’t uise the words Toyota performance or passion in the same sentEnce

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Ooops … forget – the 2GR-FE also powers the Avalon sold in America (and Canada, i thinks !!).

    ps. The Commodore was nominated by our boys (Wheels i believe) for World Car Of The Year and got no-where

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Wheelnut – F1 is the pinnacle of all automotive engineering and the lesson gained in engine development, performance, aerodynamics and so forth is invaluable especially now that Lexus is developing high performance machines such as the upcoming ‘F’ series not to mention the global recognition (marketing) for such participation.

    Don’t forget that Toyota dominated WRC for several years before they opted out in favour of F1 development while TRD Australia very much keeps those rally expertise intact with thier ARC Team of which Neal Bates and Simon Evans are integral members

    Oh yeah – Toyota has much more passion then the Commodore has quality.

    Anyway, back to bed for me as i am between nightshifts, I shall return some comments tonight if i get enough time.

  • Duck

    ^Thats a joke! Holden has not go the best quality (I agree) but there got more of it then Toyota do with passion! Toyota has passion, year right!

  • Duck

    “Anyway, back to bed for me as i am between nightshifts, I shall return some comments tonight if i get enough time.”

    If you do nightshift you don’t keep going on the computer and start righting “Toyota based” comments on CarAdvice. Sleep is important for nightshift Dingo, so go back to bed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Duck

    If Dingo says he’s doing nightshift he should not be making some comments for a while……………………will have to wait.

  • Bavarian Missile

    Dingo my point was not that how GM or Ford were doing but that Toyota is falling down the ladder in the US,does it matter the reason its happening ,there will be jobs lost in the US and maybe Japan because of it,doesn\’t this show you as big as Toyota are there not infallible or repellent to what is happening to everyone else in the automotive manufacturing side of things.

    Regarding F1 Toyota have failed miserably in F1 since they joined 6 years ago ,I mean they are yet to win a race yet though they continue to throw money at it,I feel 2009 will be their last season in FI as they mentioned at the beginning of the year if they didn\’t improve Toyota would pull the pin,you say Toyota currently run 4th ,maybe but at 25 points to 96 with Ferrari there not close to the front contenders. Toyota are in F1 for sales only and if the money they invest in it doesn\’t reflect on its profits F1is gone too for them!

    Toyota in drag racing is hardly worth mentioning when the\’re only 3-4 cars in its class in Australia,they pick their fights well dont they!

  • Wheelnut

    If Toyota has more passion than Holden does quality then given that Toyota started in 1958 and Holden back in 1948.. tell me how many old Toyotas do you see on the roads [that were built after 1958] compared to Holdens?

    There are easily far more Holdens which indicates that compared to Toyota the old Holdens [and Fords] are relatively more reliable – yet if there is a problem they’re easier to fix.

    My point being that if you are passionate about making something you build it to last.. look at the attention to detail and craftsmanshipthat went into an antique piece of furniture or an old building…. that’s passion

    Not only that but [overall] the design of a Toyota generally ages much quicker than a Holden from the same year.

  • Wheelnut

    And the fact that there are more Old Ford and Holdens still going means that there are more people wanting to do them up and restore them because of their classic designs etc..

    I mean there aren’t that many Toyotas [old or new] at the National Motor Museum at Birdwood; Adelaide Hills either

    Old Fords and Holdens are also more desirable to collectors than Toyotas – I am yet to see a 1970s Celica reach over $500K at Auction.. maybe if they had a bit more Australian racing heritage or history!

    So I guess people are more Passionate about Ford and Holden than Toyota too – particularly when you look at the work that goes into some of the Ford/Holden Strreet machines you see at car shows

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Bavarian Missile – i disagree.

    Markets and economies are in constant change and has always been like that and always will be, it’s the natural evolution of global economies.

    Any organisation (or individual) in business wether it be a local or a multi-national corporation exhibit understanding of this natural evolution and if savvy enough (as Toyota has demonstrated) will exhibit the necessary skills and market foresight to move and evolve with the ever changing markets.

    Agree, i believe some jobs losses will come about in the US however i reserve comment the same will happen in Japan as Toyota’s Operation in the ‘Land Of The Rising Sun’ are currently stretched at the brink keeping up with the growing demand from other global markets of which Toyota is developing such as China, India, Russia and even Europe.

    Toyota is positioned in a very powerful, stable, strong and lucrative position to move with the times althought some moments can pose greater challengens then others.

    To be honest, the such rapid decline in the US market has caught many automotive manufactuers off-guard as they probably estimated a less rapid decline.

    As for F1, i completely disagree.

    Toyota HQ passed comment that if their F1 operation didn’t improve by the end of the 2009 season they will consider pulling the pin and the operation has responded to the challenge and done just that. At midway through the 2008 season, Toyota has managed to not only nearly triple thier entire 2007 season points tally but have risen to 4th in the manufactuers standing.

    If you would bother to take the time and read the articles that are often published on Toyota’s official F1 Website, they are not currently focused on chasing the ‘big guns’ but cement themselves as the ‘Best Of The Rest’ which is 4th position and this attention will be carried into the 2009 season before moving further forward.

    Toyota is happy with thier much improved performance this year todate althought alot of hard work remains and nodoubt Toyota’s F1 team will continue to rise to the challenges of which just happens to breed good racing teams.

    F1 is the pinnacle of all automotive engineering and when you challenge the big guns whom have been involved in such motor racing for years upon years (Farrari sense day 1), wins are never gonna come easy.

    Take Reanult for example – domianted F1 about 2 years back for a couple of years but were in the sport at different levels for nearly 20 years before they rose to the top.

    Eitherway, participation alone in the pinnacle of all motorsport is an expression of automotive engineering excellance ‘within it’s self’ not to mention being able to rise to the challenge and secure 4th on the standings brings invaulable experiance that simple can not be replicated anywhere else.

    As for picking thier fights … what pure and utter rot – F1 and NASCAR are arguably the most competitive motorsport in the world today (not to mention WRC) while Japanese Motorsport is nothing to be sneezed at either.

    It is infact Holden and Ford whom have chosen thier fights by keeping everybody else out of V8SC ever sense thier embarrassing losses to Nissan all those years ago.

    Toyota has infact been one company to rise to the challenges of some of the most competitive and hard fought motorsport in recent years of which F1 being the best example of all while Toyota is certainly making thier presance be felt in all 3 series of NASCAR. Infact, they are leading the NASCAR Series !!

    Have you everthought for a few minutess that Toyota’s participation in F1 has helped them to increase thier global sales …. probably not !!

    Make no mistake of it – Toyota has the corporate structure to support thier F1 operation, they just want more return and this year so far they have received exactly that which is making the team stronger.

    Toyota F1 will not be going anywhere. Infact, i believe they will only grow and become more competitive with continued exposure and development and right now, hard racing is doing the team good.

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Wheelnut : who cares about yester-years, we live today and into the future.

    Holden and Ford can no longer rest on thier historical past as generations have long moved on and will continue to do so. What you make TODAY is what people buy.

    Part of the raesons for the mudhole GM and Ford have found themselves in is becuase they relied to heavily on past and forget about the present.

    As for quality and Holden … please dude, don’t insult me – nothing ages with less dignity or grace then a Holden. They do not age well … PERIOD !!

  • Wheelnut

    Quote [Dingo]: It is infact Holden and Ford whom have chosen thier fights by keeping everybody else out of V8SC ever sense thier embarrassing losses to Nissan all those years ago.

    You still haven’t read the V8 Supercars rules and regulations have you Dingo?

    Anyone can compete provided they meet the current criteria in relation to technical specifications etc

  • Wheelnut

    The reason Ford and GM are in Financial difficulties hATM as more to do with the fact that they didn;t expect the decline of the US economy to be as sharp as it is not to mention the fuel crisis etc

    Not because they relied so much on history.. I mean if it wasnt for the past we would have nothing to go by inorder to make the various developments advancements and improvements that we have today – particularly in relation to the car.

    We learn from our experiences of the past as we need a reference point inorder to make comparisons and figure out what worked and what didn’t…. its all relative

  • Bavarian Missile

    Of course you were going to disagree with me Dingo,don’t you most times! Seems where about to start going around in circles again so no point in arguing over your opinions.

    In regard to Holden and Ford continuing to sell from what they have made in the past,of course they will,I mean look what happened to the limited edition Cobras last year sold out, 400 in the first 2 weeks ,bet TRD would love to have a classic they made in the past that they could turn out now and cash in on like Ford did! Same with the Monaros,and I imagine the Torana when it comes out.You seen an old Monaros or Toranas I bet ks for ks against a Toyota of the same era the Holden and Fords would come out on top when it comes to quality. Then again does anyone collect old Corollas ?

  • Wheelnut

    Being stretche to the brink inorder to meet demand isn’t necessarily a good thing either.

    Sure it means theyre operating at full capacity and therefore are probably operatong 3 shifts which reduces the chance of any job losses.

    However; it could potentially mean that their quality and reliability could suffer which is something Toyota prides itself on

    So whilst Toyota are operating flat out a parts supplier in either Japan Europe or the USA might have problems in keeping up with Toyotas demand

    Which may mean Toyota has to find another supplier whose quality isn’t as good or temporarily halt production which would increase pressure to clear the backlog when the new shipment of parts arrives – which increases the possibility of further mistakes

    And very few manufacturers keep excessive amounts of parts on site at their assembly lines as it takes up space and costs money – most operate on a just in time basis

  • peterd

    just on the news
    Aurion is the easist large car to steal – guess Toyota dont have to put much effort in to make it hard – Who would want to steal one?

  • Wheelnut

    Thats my point exactly BM

    History does have an effect on sales – its not just quality

    Most people my age who follow ford and holden do because thats what our parents drove when we were young.. we had fun in them and always dreamed about owning one particularly a GT Cobra Monaro or Torana.. and now we are able to afford one be it an original classic from the 1960-70s or a modern car with the same name as the mere mention of the word Mustang for example inspiores memories of our youth when life was simpler etc.

    Then there’s the other side where we have either had heard or read about a bad experience with a particular car…
    Look what happened to sales of the A class Mercs after one rolled during a Moose test.

    and Most people my age who can

  • Wheelnut

    Look at it this way when you mention the following to a real car enthusiast

    Cobra – they would probably say Bathurst winning Falcon
    Monaro – they would probably say HK, HQ-GTS Coupe
    GTHO – they would probably say Worlds fastest 4 door sedan in 1971
    Torana – they would probably say SLR/5000 A9-X GTR-XU1
    Charger – they would probably say Hemi 265 6-pack or The best car never to win Bathurst
    HDT – they would probably say Brocky VK SS VC SL/X
    Toyota – they would probably say WHAT THE…?

  • Wheelnut

    Quote [Peterd]: just on the news Aurion is the easist large car to steal

    So they should change their motto from OH WHAT A FEELING to OH LOOK WHAT I AM STEALING or OH WHAT AM I STEALING?

  • Duck

    Dingo aren’t you supposed to be in bed!?

  • Duck

    ^You’ve got nightshift remember! :)

  • realcars

    I would be worried if I were an Aurion owner. There’s a lot of widebody Camrys out there needing a repower job. Tee Hee.

  • technofreak

    GM and Ford backed the wrong horse…..hehehehe. Sucked in, those white collars deserve to lose their jobs for making such narrow short-sighted decisions. :|
    More than 10years ago it was obvious that the auto industry (as well as energy industry) needed to move towards more efficient methods and products. But….hey ….while all the sheeple were still buying guzzlers why change eh?? After all its our god given right to all want to own a totally inefficient piece of crap just to appease our delicate ego.
    Many smart engineers could see this but were often laughed at for their suggestions….

  • Sparky

    This is my question Ford competes with Holden but how about the other japanese car companys like Honda,Mazda,Nissan or Mitsubishi are their any fans here who like this car brands and what do they think about Toyota this other car companys compete with Toyota it should be some one here like Honda fan saying something about Toyota since they compete in F1 or people who like other Japanese car brands other than Toyota just all good freinds.

  • Wheelnut

    I admit if AVESCO find that the category is starting to suffer then they might have to change the rules to allow cars form overseas to compete instead of just the locally built cars However as i said I doubt they will make completley new sweeping changes in relation to the rules and regulations I suspect if changes are made that the cars will still have to be RWD with either a V8 [or V6]engine capable of producing the same level of power as they do now 620Bhp etc.

    So don’t think that if Toyota do compete in the best touring car competition in the world that they will have it all there own way

    I mean the category operates under what is known as Project Blueprint whereby inorder to reduce costs the cars share various components. Therefore; it could well be that if Toyota do decide to compete they may have to use a Ford Diff or Holden suspension etc….

    And project blueprint has resulted in the closest most competitive racing Australian motorsport fans have seen in years [30 odd cars covered by less than 7 seconds]

    I know you like to think the GT-R was banned because of its dominance; which in a way is true it was a victim of its own success.
    Yet if you talk to Fred Gibson who was manager of Winfield Racing he will tell you that the costs involved in running the GT-Rs were almost too much for him..

    Infact he has said that even if the GT-R was still able to compete he doubts that he would have continued raced them after 92 because of the costs

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Wheelnut – will be interesting to see how V8SC evolve over the coming years and all anyone can do is speculate ‘what may’ or ‘may not’ happen.

    As for regulation change, it is every possibility they could just as well be more involved then anticipated becuase any other manufactuer who comes to the negotiating table wil be there with thier own interest as a priority and i can tell you now – companies like Toyota, Nissan or any other will not go with Holden or Ford components … PERIOD !!

    If particular components are to be shared to reduce costs then the chances are, they will have to be developed by a mutual organisation that is not a car manufactuer.

    Personally, i believe outside interests will pressure to allow thier own platforms to be used which coincidently will assist Holden and Ford aswell becuase it means they will not be restricted to thier current platforms. For example, Ford and GM have an array of perfromance vehicles in thier global intenary and with less restricted regulations will allow them greater oppurtunites to evolve.

    But, it also allows others to bring thier arsenal to the track and this myfriend would be the single most worrying thought with CAMS/AVESCO and the Blue & Red brigade.

    At the end of the day, any other manufactuer who may express interest in what is currently known as V8SC, will simply ‘get up and leave’ if they are not satisfied that thier own interests are catered satisfactory.

    Is this worrying times for Holden and Ford in Australian Motorsport … ABSOLUTELY !!

    Can you image a Nissan GTR, BMW M3, Lexus IS-F or even a fully blown race spec V6 AWD Aurion blast in the circuits -incrediable.

  • Wheelnut

    Dingo what you are illuding to is a category where there are a wide range of manufacturers racing various models of cars similar to those in the showrooms. A category where V8 Lexii compete against M3s WRXs and Clubsports etc
    FYI a category like that already exists its called PRODUCTION CAR RACING.

    Its rather interesting because apart from the overall winner there are sub categories for each individual class of car depending its layout; engine capacity or body style be it FWD/AWD/RWD – Hatch/Sedan/Coupe etc

    ATM there are a few major manufacturers involved in Production Car Racing such as Ferrari who will also fight to protect their interests as I don’t think they wouldn’t want a second Production Car Competiton

  • Wheelnut

    Dingo; there is a saying among car enthusiasts and street machiners that is “POWER IS NOTHING WITHOUT CONTROL ”

    What that means is you may have car with an engine capable of producing 620BHP yet it depends on how efficiently and effectively that power is transferred to the road..its a very fine balance

    I very much doubt that a Fully Blown [FWD] Aurion could handle double the power it has already without something giving way/breaking.

    I mean when you look at Merc-Benz; BMW; Audi; Porsche; Aston-Martin Ferrari Lamborghini; Konnigsiegg etc….
    how many FWD cars do they have that are capable of producing the same amount of power/speed as a V8 Supercar. None they’re either RWD or AWD

  • Wheelnut

    I said FWD Aurion not AWD because I think that one of the criteria will be the cars will have to use the same platform/layout as the production car So unless Toyota are planning to put an AWD into production I can’t see it being able to compete as one of AVESCOs main aims is to share components inorder to reduce costs

    When Tom Phillips was CEO at Mitsubishi he wanted to make the New 380 RWD; so they could compete in the V8 Supercars but Tokyo was adamant that it was going to be based on the USA Galant which is FWD as they wanted to reduce costs… who knows If they had said Yes Mitsubishi might still be in Oz.

    I can’t see it happening because of the costs ivolved in engineering and modifying the platform from one car to fit another to make an over engineered one off prototype racer. However; If Toyota do make an AWD Aurion the next logical step would be to offer a RWD Aution

  • Boy Wonder

    That;’s right Production Car Racing does exist….

    Just because Toyota don’t have a [factory backed] team competing in it doesn’t; mean it ceases to exist!!

  • http://aca Luke GT

    Wheelnut – ‘IF’ Toyota decides to go to the negotiating table and possibly offer the Aurion as a competitor in AWD platfrom then naturally they will offer it as an AWD package in TRD disguise but retain FWD in regular Toyota offerings.

    These and no-doubt a whole range of issues will have to be considered, researched, discussed and negotiated when deciding on the future direction of V8SC and of course Toyota’s intentions in Australian Motorsport considering they already have considerable investment in F1, NASCAR and Japanese Motorsport and ofcourse supporting facets such as TRD Australia’s current commitments such as ARC, Drag Racing, Drift and the Off-Road Championship (buggies) baring in mind this excludes the various other minor events Toyota participates in America, Asia and Europe.

    This is what i mean it will be intersting to see how events unfold.

    Then again – Toyota may not even consider further development of the Aurion and challenge CAMS / AVESCO to enter the RWD 5.0 V8 IS-F instead which already applies to many requirements albiet locally manufactuered.

    Actually, considering Ford sells a 5.4 v8 and Holden a 6.0 and 6.2 (HSV) V8 on the market, in some respects the IS-F satisfies more requirements then Holden and Ford currently do … worth extra thought !!

    This is a single example of many loop holes that can be easily challenged and exploited !!

    I guess we will have to wait and see what is agreed upon and decided as future momentum. Don’t forget that any possible Toyota entry in V8SC will have to be considered if it will bring any real life benefits considering the global recognition of it’s participation in F1 and NASCAR … !!

    Make no mistake of it … Toyota could easily develope and support a highly competitive and winning racing package in the V8SC but much of it simply depends if it moulds with Toyota’s current interests / commitments.

    At the end of the day – it’s about business, investment and returns.

    Interesting times indeed.