Troubling economic times have hit many companies - especially carmakers - hard, tarnishing brand image and decreasing confidence in their fitness for the future. Toyota seems to have escaped untouched, however, with a recent survey naming it the most respected company in the world. A comprehensive survey by New York-based private research and consulting firm Reputation Institute took stock of over 1,000 companies’ brand images, evaluating respondents’ perceptions of trust, esteem, admiration and good feeling to determine the final result.
Ranking as the only vehicle manufacturer with a score of more than 80 - placing it in the top tier of all manufacturers - Toyota also finished first in five of seven categories overall, earning it the title of World’s Most Respected company.
Strong consumer perceptions of quality and value along with safety and reliability put the Toyota brand at the top of the charts. The way the company stands behind its products also influenced the results, showing that not only consumers, but the company itself, has confidence in the cars produced.
That confidence has been shaken somewhat in recent years as Toyota continues to grow into one of the largest carmakers in the world. Earlier this year its CEO, Katsuaki Watanabe, admitted that brisk growth had cost the company some of its quality control, referring to the problem as ‘big company disease.’
Specific issues caused by the rapid expansion include a number of recalls and model development delays, though Watanabe was quick to point out that Toyota has analyzed the problem and implemented policies to reduce or remove the root causes. Those underlying issues stem from the vast network of suppliers, designers, producers and developers involved in the production and distribution of Toyota’s cars.
Have an opinion?Join the conversation!
By Roman Posted: 7/7/2008 10:38pm PDT
By bambam Posted: 7/7/2008 11:52pm PDT
But its simple logic, the more you have, more the risk. But its better if they don't know, therefor they can always keep trying.
By HECTOR Posted: 7/8/2008 5:38am PDT
Or if I didn't have to avert my eyes every time I saw one of those Corollas like the one in the picture coming my way and or be left with seeing dark spots after being blinded.
I don't forget Toyota is in the forefront of the *let's blind the crap out of other motorists* trend with their high intensity, high glare, completely useless DRLs. Therefore I'll never buy one of their products, no matter how good they are. I'll take my business over to Nissan.
By Dane Posted: 7/8/2008 8:55am PDT
Wow there are that many uneducated and stupid people out there huh???? Bless America!!!!!!
Have they driven anything else???? I would be in a coffin before I would be in a Toyota again....
and they didn't ask my opinion... who did they poll, people who just pulled out of a hour old Toyota and know one else???? Don't believe everything you read people....
Crap, lies and marketing................................ Bulls%^t....
By Boog Posted: 7/13/2008 5:41pm PDT
Have an opinion?Join the conversation!