Toyota Recall: Hit or Miss?

Without reading or watching any coverage of the Toyota recall, you can bet the critics will say Toyota reacted too slowly in the recall.  That is a safe criticism to make.  Hindsight is 20/20 so it is easy to argue Toyota should have recognized the signs sooner and acted sooner.  Sometimes the default speed criticism is valid, sometimes it is unfair.  Keep in mind that managers are evaluating a number of variables simultaneously including financial concerns.  Besides, the speed of the reaction is relative.  What we should be more interested in is what was communicated through words and actions.  Speed is a secondary concern as long as it was not so slow that it placed people at undue risk because the organize had a very good idea of what the problem was.

A quick recap is of the recall is warranted here.  The problem was that accelerator pedals were sticking or returning to their normal position.  Drivers are worried when cars accelerate on their own—unintended acceleration.  The problem was found in a variety of Toyota vehicles in the U.S. and China.  The cars manufactured and sold in Japan did not have any problems.  The initial diagnosis was that improper installation of floor mats was to blame for the problem.  A message went out customers about the floor mats on Nov. 2, 2009 in relation to the Sept. 29th recall.  On Jan. 21, 2010 another recall notice was delivered about the accelerator pedal itself followed by a suspension of selling the vehicles in doubt on Jan. 28, 2010.  It seemed both the floor mats and the pedal design were both to blame http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/toyota-consumer-safety-advisory-102572.aspx.  The bigger issue is whether or not Toyota knew of the problem since 2007 and that the problem went beyond the floor mats and pedal design to its drive-by-wire technology (latimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/la-ed-toyota5-2009dec05,0,1844374.story). The LA Times news story does seem to accuse Toyota of ignoring the problem for over two years.  Toyota disagrees:

“Today the Los Angeles Times published an article that wrongly and unfairly attacks Toyota’s integrity and reputation.

While outraged by the Times’ attack, we were not totally surprised. The tone of the article was foreshadowed by the phrasing of a lengthy list of detailed questions that the Times emailed to us recently. The questions were couched in accusatory terms.  

Despite the tone, we answered each of the many questions and sent them to the Times. Needless to say, we were disappointed by the article that appeared today, and in particular by the fact that so little of our response to the questions appeared in the article and much of what was used was distorted.

Toyota has a well-earned reputation for integrity and we will vigorously defend it.” http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/our-point-of-view-post.aspx?id=2378

Here is a link to the exchange of questions and answers between the LA Times and Toyota:  http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/document/LA_Times_questions_and_Toyota_answers.pdf

Records show the NTSB has investigated eight acceleration problems with Toyota’s since 2003.  Six of the investigations were closed with no action taken while two did involve small recalls related to floor mats http://archives.chicagotribune.com/2009/nov/26/business/chi-tc-biz-toyota-1125-1126-nov26. We should return to the point that the recalls affect cars outside of Japan including China, the U.S., and Europe.  The accelerator pedal has a different supplier in Japan.  Here is where Toyota makes some interesting communicative choices.  Toyota has the chance to scapegoat the supplier but provides this statement about the supplier:

“Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (TEMA) has been working closely with supplier CTS on a revised design that effectively remedies the problem associated with accelerator pedals. Pedals featuring the revised design are now in full production at CTS to support Toyota’s needs. Meanwhile, we are also working with them to test effective modifications to existing pedals in the field that will be rolled out as quickly as possible.

“We commend CTS for working diligently and collaboratively to find a solution to the potential problem and in developing a new design,” said Chris Nielsen, TEMA’s Vice President of Purchasing. “CTS is a long-term and valued supplier to us.”

http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/manufacturing/statement-from-toyota-on-supplier-153203.aspx

Toyota stands with the supplier rather offering them as the cause.  This statement shows Toyota’s willingness to take responsibility for any problems found in their vehicles even in the face of its largest recall involving millions of vehicles.  In addition, Toyota took the unusual stand to suspend the sale of new vehicles:

“Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it is instructing Toyota dealers to temporarily suspend sales of eight models involved in the recall for sticking accelerator pedal, announced on January 21, 2010.
 
“Helping ensure the safety of our customers and restoring confidence in Toyota are very important to our company,” said Group Vice President and Toyota Division General Manager Bob Carter. “This action is necessary until a remedy is finalized. We’re making every effort to address this situation for our customers as quickly as possible.”
 
Toyota announced it would recall approximately 2.3 million vehicles to correct sticking accelerator pedals on specific Toyota Division models. Toyota has investigated isolated reports of sticking accelerator pedal mechanisms in certain vehicles without the presence of floor mats. There is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.” http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/toyota-temporarily-suspends-sales-153126.aspx

Toyota had already recalled over million vehicles for the floor mat issue.  Toyota was willing to recall and suspend sales, both are corrective actions designed to reassure customers the vehicles would be safe once the recall changes were made.  Toyota’s President, Akio Toyoda apologized to customers:

“’We’re extremely sorry to have made customers feel uneasy,’ Akio Toyoda told public broadcaster NHK on the sidelines of the Davos forum in Switzerland, in his first public remarks on the recall since it went global this week.

‘Right now, we are trying to establish the facts and preparing for giving an explanation so anxiety among customers would be removed as soon as possible’” http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100130/bs_afp/japanautocompanyrecalltoyota_20100130082516

Toyota’s words and actions indicate a strong concern for customers and a willingness to protect its reputation.  Still, if the problem really was known in 2007 and goes beyond what has been disclosed, a serious problem still remains.  However, at this point the facts do not support the charges of a cover up of an even larger problem.  That is the dilemma in product recalls.  When is a problem isolated and when is it systemic?  There are no clear rules for answer that question.

Questions to Consider

1.  How would you evaluate Toyota’s communicative response to the acceleration crisis?
2. Why might it be fair to criticize Toyota for being slow?  Why might it be unfair?
3. Why do you think Toyota directly addressed the LA Times story?
4. Who seems more credible in the exchange, the LA Times or Toyota and why does that matter?
5. What role does being slow to respond play in shaping stakeholder perceptions of an organization in crisis?
6. How does this case illustrate the connections between reputation management and crisis communication?
7. How would you rate the ethics of Toyota’s crisis communication given the facts reported in the case thus far?

[Via http://prstrategyandapplication.wordpress.com]

Toyota Recall Update

David Bruce AutoCenter is committed to keeping you informed as we know information.  

As you have probably heard, Toyota has issued a recall for some of its vehicles.  These are ONLY the vehicles that are equipped with the Indiana based company CTS Corporation (list to follow).  Toyota’s top priority has always been customers which has made them the #1 Auto Manufacturer worldwide.  As the leading dealership in our area, we want to make sure we keep you informed and do all we can to expedite this quickly, but correctly.  Below is the most current information issued by Toyota followed by many Frequently Asked Questions:

“Nothing is more important to Toyota than doing the right thing for our customers — and restoring

their confidence in the safety of our vehicles. We deeply regret the concern that our recalls are

causing for our loyal customers, and we are making an all-out effort to develop and implement

effective remedies as quickly as we can.

Our highest priority is to fix the accelerator pedal problems for our existing customers. We want

to reassure Toyota owners that instances of sticking pedals are rare and generally do not occur

suddenly. Toyota is currently in the process of recalling vehicles to remedy the issue of pedal

entrapment and we have begun sending instructions to customers about how we will fix their

vehicles. Customers who have any questions or have experienced any issues with their

accelerator pedals should visit Toyota.com, contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-

800-331-4331, or call their local Toyota dealer.

We’ve identified the cause of the problem and are focusing all of our energy and resources on

developing and thoroughly testing remedies. Our engineers have been working around the clock

and we’ve been in direct communication with the National Highway Traffic Safety

Administration (NHTSA) throughout this process. We also appreciate the opportunity to inform

the House Committee on Energy and Commerce about our efforts to address this situation for

our customers and we pledge our full cooperation with the Committee.

Toyota has taken the unprecedented step of stopping production to help serve our customers

quickly and ensure that all new Toyota vehicles going forward do not experience this problem.

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (TEMA) has also been working

closely with our pedal supplier CTS on a revised design that effectively remedies the problem.

These pedals are now in full production at CTS to support Toyota’s needs. At the same time, we

continue to work with CTS to test effective pedal modifications for existing vehicles on the road

that will be available to our customers as quickly as possible.

We appreciate the comments that Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood made today about the

way Toyota has stepped up to meet our responsibilities to our customers, and we are determined

to continue fulfilling our commitment to put our customers first.”

The involved vehicles can be identified by the accelerator pedal; only vehicles equipped

with CTS accelerator pedals (“CTS pedals”) are involved.

[Via http://davidbruceauto.wordpress.com]

Lessons Learned from Toyota's Stumble...e piece on Toyota recall by Steve Spear

Date: Fri, Jan 29, 2010 at 12:43 AM
Subject: Lessons Learned from Toyota’s Stumble…e piece on Toyota recall by Steve Spear

I received an e-mail this morning from Steven J. Spear, author of “Chasing the Rabbit: How Market Leaders Outdistance the Competition” and thought I would share his commentary on the Toyota recall. Steven raises some interesting points that we can all learn from.

The local news here in Mississauga attempted to gain commentary from CTS employees with little success. In summary, “The parts are being produced to specifications required by the customer.” It was also reported on the news today that Toyota has found a solution and will commence with their plans to fix the problem.

Steve’s e-mail follows:

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Long the quality and efficiency standard-setter, Toyota now has an ostrich-sized egg on its face — a problem with sticking accelerator pedals that led to global product recalls and a suspension of production and sales.

There are important lessons to be learned from Toyota’s stumble:

Competitive success is fluid. It depends on continuously discovering better ways to do work. The capabilities to do this are powerful but fragile and need constant reinforcement. Relentless attention to their development can lead to great success; conversely, a loss in attention can have grave consequences.

Please see the rest of the piece, “Learning from Toyota’s Stumble,” at blogs.hbr.org.

With best wishes,
Steve Spear
Author: Chasing the Rabbit: How Market Leaders Outdistance the Competition

[Via http://leanexecution.wordpress.com]

Day 4: How do Hybrids work?

Ever wonder how the engine on a hybrid vehicle actually works? What exactly is going on under the hood when you are driving a hybrid? To answer these questions, I did a little YouTube scouring and found this video, that I think is pretty easy to understand:

I had the lucky experience to drive a Toyota Prius all over British Columbia in summer 2009 with my job promoting used oil recycling for BC Used Oil Management Association. So, I have to admit that I have gotten the opportunity to feel what it’s like to drive with the electric motor running only, and both together. I really enjoyed driving the Prius and I thought it performed very well (even through the Rocky Mountains!!). You can check out the bubbly Prius I got to drive at http://www.usedoilrecycling.com/en/bc/communicationspublicity.

My advice:

Electric motors are pretty much silent so watch out for pedestrians when you are driving really slow because they probably won’t know your coming!

[Via http://carcareforher.wordpress.com]

Dealers Swamped By Worried Toyota Drivers

Some drivers fret about their cars after Toyota suspends 8 models for pedal problems. Toyota dealers across the country were swamped with calls Wednesday from concerned drivers but had few answers a day after the company announced it would stop selling and building eight models because of faulty gas pedals.

Toyota insisted the problem — sudden, uncontrolled acceleration — was “rare and infrequent” and said dealers should deal with customers “on a case-by-case basis.” But drivers of Toyotas and those who share the road with them were left with uncertainty.

In an unprecedented move, the company said late Tuesday it would halt sales for the eight models — which make up more than half of Toyota’s U.S. sales volume — to fix the gas pedals. Last week, Toyota issued a recall for the same eight models, affecting 2.3 million vehicles.

A private firm said it had identified 275 crashes and 18 deaths because of sudden, uncontrollable acceleration in Toyotas since 1999 – Read full article…

To comment on this article or click the “Comments” link below.

Dealers Swamped By Worried Toyota Drivers

[Via http://newsgurulive.com]

Toyota: Values

I’ve been finding a series of ads for Toyota lately that are clearly all part of a campaign designed to convince consumers that Toyota embodies the qualities we want in cars.  Here are two of them, but I’m pretty sure I saw at least one more somewhere, so if anyone has them, send them to me and I’ll add them to this post.

I think that these images are interesting and do a pretty good job of visually conveying the ideas they are trying to represent.  I think that the “precision” one is more clever, but both are equally effective.

I don’t see a lot of companies doing campaigns like this and I have to wonder why not.  They really want to build trust in the brand, not just the specific products.  Given how fast new products come out these days, people do rely a lot on their impressions of the brand name.  You hear “Oh, I don’t buy products from X, I’ve heard they aren’t as good” or “Well, I don’t know about this new one, but Y always makes good solid products – and they’re made in America, too.”  These are impressions of the brand, not the product, so it makes sense for companies to try to build their brand reputation as well as try to sell their specific products.

That’s really a long way of saying I think this is a great campaign and wish more companies did creative, clever and less focused ads like this.  What do you think?

[Via http://anadaday.wordpress.com]

Toyota forecasts 2010 sales to be up 6%

Toyota Motor Corp said that it expects its global auto sales to increase 6 percent in 2010 as the industry recovers from one of its worst ever downturns. The Japanese automaker hopes to maintain its lead over Volkswagen AG and General Motors Company as the world’s biggest automaker.

Toyota forecasts group-wide sales to rise to 8.27 million vehicles in 2010, short of its record 9.37 million units sold in 2007. Excluding its Daihatsu Motor Co and Hino Motors Ltd, Toyota expects to sell 7.4 million vehicles worldwide, up 6 percent.

 Toyota expects a big jump in sales in Japan, where it is forecasting Toyota and Lexus branded cars to jump 9 percent to 1.5 million vehicles after the Japanese government’s version of the Cash for Clunkers incentive. It also expects to see a parent-only overseas sales to grow 5 percent to 5.9 million vehicles.

Analysts expect global vehicle sales to grow around 3-4 percent this year, meaning Toyota would slightly outperform the market.

- By: Stephen Calogera

[Via http://handytoyota.wordpress.com]

HOT SELLING 7.0 inch Fixed DIGITAL Car DVD Player HL-8718GB for TOYOTA NEW RAV4

This Hot Selling 7.0 inch Fixed Digital Car DVD Player HL-8718GB for TOYOTA NEW RAV4 features V-6 disc changer memory, Light-Right Dual zone of front Amusement also call Dual zone-play. For example, the driver can listen to the radio by the speaker inside. While the passengers can enjoy TV or DVD by the wireless earphone, picture in picture function.

View this Car DVD Player for TOYOTA at:

http://www.szprice.com/products/HOT-SELLING-7-0-inch-Fixed-DIGITAL-Car-DVD-Player-HL-8718GB-for-TOYOTA-NEW-RAV4_2257.html

Hot Selling:

• V-6 disc changer memory
• Light-Right Dual zone of front Amusement also call Dual zone-play. For example, the driver can listen to the radio by the speaker inside. While the passengers can enjoy TV or DVD by the wireless earphone
• PICTURE IN PICTURE FUNCTION

Features:

• 7.0 inch Two Din 16:9 fixed DIGITAL TFT LCD monitor.
• 800*480 touch screen: can select the tracks directly
• Unique 3D Flash Graphical User Interface.
• DVD/VCD/CD/MP3/MPEG4/DIVX/CD-R/WMA/JPEG.
• Built in TV tuner, PAL/NTSC or SECAM compatible.
• Built in FM/AM tuner/ RDS optional
• Build in GPS or external GPS compatible ( optional)
• Dual zoon: You can listen music or radio while in GPS navigation.
• Build in BLUETOOTH for hand free call, history log, dial keyboard.
• IPOD
• DVB-T TV optional
• Auto rear viewing function.
• USB jack and SD card slots for MP3,WMA,MP4,AVI,JPEG files.
• Individuated DVD logo display( can change the DVD wallpaper freely by yourself)
• V-6 disc changer memory ( 6 disc music can be memory in the unit while you listening the music)
• PICTURE IN PICTURE FUNCTION
• All keys supply red and blue LED, match your original car perfectly.
• The panel keys color, 3 choices: blue,red, purple

Source: http://www.szprice.com/blog/2010/01/hot-selling-7-0-inch-fixed-digital-car-dvd-player-hl-8718gb-for-toyota-new-rav4/

[Via http://consumerelectronicsblog.wordpress.com]

vip

VIP style is something that I’ve always admired. Maybe its because I plan on being a big boss of some business, or maybe its just because I like good looking low cars with expensive stuff on them. I came across a website called Geibunsha and found these high quality pictures.

First is a picture of a Toyota Crown in a bamboo forest. Damn.

Nissan Cima F50. This would make a nice October calendar (Halloween theme).

I can’t identify this ride, but the picture is nice.

Another unidentifiable foreign object. Too crazy.

If the Cookie Monster from Sesame Street was a pimp, he’d roll in this.

Last is a picture of Mitsuru Haruguchi’s new Aristo. He always reaches a new level of the ball game.

http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/oo31/interfishonline/300mergecopy.jpg

[Via http://bettasmarvelous.wordpress.com]

Test Drive of Cars @ Leng Kee

Happiness. Today, I went to several car showrooms @ Leng Kee and tested several models, including 2 of which I had wanted to drive long ago, i.e Honda Civic and Kia Cerato Forte. The feeling is SHIOK, although I encountered some “bo chap” salesperson.

Stop 1:
Mazda 3

Likes: Aggressive exterior, head and tail lamps
Dislikes: Small interior cabin, noisy and sluggish engine, high pricing
Salesperson Performance: 3.5/5
Price: ~$75k

Stop 2:
Honda Civic 1.8

Likes: Fierce and stylish exterior and interior, performance
Dislikes: High pricing
Salesperson Performance: 1.5/5
Price: ~$88k

Stop 3:
Hyundai Avante 1.6 S

Likes: Responsive engine, value for money, fuel efficient, top selling model for 2009, comfortable
Dislikes: Outdated design, brakes, no controls on steering wheel
Salesperson Performance: 4/5
Price: ~$56k

Stop 4:
Kia Cerato Forte 1.6 SX

Likes: Responsive engine, super value for money, new sporty exterior and interior design, ipod connector, engine start/stop button, auto folding mirrors, 4-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic feature, volume control on steering wheel, 17″ rims, message centre, brakes, comfortable, steady feeling
Dislikes: -
Salesperson Performance: 4/5
Price: ~$57k

Hyundai, Kia and Volkswagen have quite alot of viewers today, definitely thanks to the better designs and better service rendered by the sales person and also these brands are now more value for money. Toyota, Honda, Nissan are brands which are known for its reliability and performance for a long period of time. However, there will still be drop in sales volume due to the poor excitement of japanese cars and being turned off by the bad service rendered by some of the salesperson.

Statistics have shown that brands like Kia, Hyundai and Volkswagen reported huge increase in sales while Toyota, Honda, Nissan reported drop in sales.

In conclusion for my test drives today, if I am to make my decision, it will be Kia Cerato Forte as it is most valued for money and the car gives me the best overall feeling. I simply love the design of the car! Maybe I should keep a lookout for 2011 Hyundai Avante or Kia Soul.

[Via http://wilbursuen.wordpress.com]

iPhone, uPhone, We All Love The iPhone

Christmas came and went in its usual manner – five or six days of familial films, pine needles in the socks and the exchange of gifts squirreled into the house under jumpers, in plastic bags and camouflaged by elaborate cloaking devices. One of those gifts given to me was a huge surprise: An iPhone 3G S. This, I was informed, was a combined birthday (which was in May), graduation (which was in November) and Christmas present. While it led to my having to abandon the excellent Meteor network after four and a half years of service, it nevertheless excited me beyond belief. The element of surprise was only one reason for this excitement.

See, I have that same envious side to me that inhabits the minds of children who holiday in the country but who see their friends jetting off to exotic climes. I have that jealousy which twentysomethings with Toyotas feel towards fatcats in Ferraris. I bear that grudge which exists between Bebo and Facebook, MSN and Skype, TV3 News and RTÉ News, Steve and Alec Baldwin, Pluto and the other planets, Bert and the other Sesame Streeters. Yes, it’s true: I have the PC-user’s heartfelt desire to be an Apple.

Apple are just the coolest of cool. They look sleek and sexy, bright and shiny, with pretty ways of operating, fancy futuristic programmes and they are the computers of Douglas Adams and Stephen Fry for whom my admiration is detailed elsewhere. They are the anti-clunk of Microsoft and PCs, with their constant need for Ctrl-Alt-Deletes and restarts. They are the sports car of computers, the Lambourgini to PC’s Volvo. They have been see-through and glistening white, they were flatter, thinner, quicker than any previous computer we’d seen. And they have a cool logo!

The only thing stopping me from converting to Apple was the fact I was brought up with PCs and, having reached the level of proficiency on Windows at which I am currently, I didn’t have the patience or time to make the change while in college with essays to do. But now I have finished my college education, I’m questioning my computer-sexuality. And the gateway to that conversion came in the form of my new iPhone. It’s touch-screen. You can drag the Apps about. It makes future-into-whooshing noises when you send messages. It IS the future.

Having been brought up with Star Wars as a central cultural reference point in my life, before moving on to the anything-goes future-vista of The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy, the sci-fi world has always fascinated me. Not in the Trekkie-anorak way, not in the pedantically-correcting-someone-when-they-give-the-wrong-circumference-of-the-Death-Star way, not in the World-Of-Warcraft-is-my-life way. But I loved programmes like “Tomorrow’s World” – yep, flying cars and TV glasses, all that stuff was eye-candy to my pre-teen eyes.

I grew up during the advent of mobile phones. I’ve watched them shrink from bricks to Lego. I remember when Nokias only had the BIG point on their chargers. I’ve made that coming-of-age journey from Nokia 3210 to iPhone. When I opened that present on Christmas Day, it was like I leapt into hyperspace. And when I discovered the Bump application (where you simply bump two iPhones together to send files) I was giddy with glee. This is surely how Luke Skywalker would send photos to Han Solo. Of course, he might not spend as much time updating his Twitter as I do…

@bazmcstay tweets: Just written a blog post. Lol.

[Via http://bazmcstay.wordpress.com]

Toyota Yaris VIP Style

Jakarta – Mungkinkah Anda berpaling mata jika melihat Toyota Yaris yang satu ini lewat di
depan Anda? Soalnya bagian depan hingga belakang sudah tersentuh tangan
pemiliknya, Surya Dharma.

Sang empunya barang menggambotkan tubuh si Yaris, bagaimana tidak? Lihat yang satu ini, mobil Yaris terlihat ciamik dengan pengaplikasian bodi kit W7 Carsmetic costum. Begitu lelaki yang biasa disapa Surya itu memberlakukan mobil kesayangannya.

“Konsepnya VIP Style, jadi pengaplikasian bodi kit disesuaikan dengan konsepnya yakni VIP Style berikut interiornya,” tanda Surya kepada detikOto, Kamis (21/1/2010).

Dan untuk menyelaraskan konsep VIP style, Surya menggunakan stiker bodi transparan. Penggunaan bahan yang tergolong baru di dunia modifikasi itu untuk menyatukan visi desain dengan warna bodi yakni warna silver medium.

Sementara di bagian kepala, dibenamkan Surya headlamp merek HID Evolution 6.000 kelvin. Yang anehnya jika orang membubuhi lampu yang terang di bagian atas tapi Om Surya menaruh sebaliknya, yang lebih terang sebesar 8.000 kelvin untuk
foglampnya. Tapi gimana hasilnya bro?

“Kalau dilihat dari hasil pencahayaan terang dan enggak pecah. Pokoknya bagus banget, lagian untuk mempertahankan angel eyes -nya tidak susah,” lanjutnya.

Sedangkan untuk penunjang ban, pria yang aktivitasnya bekerja di salah satu perusahaan swasta di Jakarta itu tidak kalah mentereng. Sebab pilihan air suspensi di 4 titik rodanya juga menjadi acuan utamanya. Dan untuk menambah polesan eksterios, Surya mengaplikasikan pelek merek egois ring 19 dengan lebar
plek 8,5.

Sementara penapak langkah Yaris digunakanya merek lokal dari Accelera dengan ukuran 215/35ZR19 Forcium HEXA. “Cukup produk lokal yang kembangnya drifting,” paparnya.

Untuk interiornya, Yaris yang dibangun dalam waktu 3 minggu itu cukup mumpuni untuk diajak gaul, soalnya fitur-fitur segar tersepil di dalamnya, sebut saja GPS, bluetooth. monitor AVT 2 biji pada headrest yang keseluruhan menghabiskan biaya Rp 50 juta. Sedangkan untuk joknya, kaos MBtech warna putih dan hijau didisain hingga menampilkan aura kenyamanan.

Dari keseluruhan ide yang ia terjunkan pada mobilnya, tak kurang dari Rp 95 juta
telah dihabiskan Surya untuk membangun Toyota Yaris miliknya, dan dengan dana
tersebut.

Tak urung 3 kategori yang diembatnya dalam ajang Yaris Show Off yang diadakan PT Toyota Astra Motor di 2009 lalu yakni Runner Up 1 region jakarta, glorius dengan penerapan kaki-kaki terbaik dan Groovy Choice.

Well selamat ya. “Terima kasih brother ,” sahut Surya yang tidak sabar mengikuti kontes modifikasi di Malaysia dan Singapura tahun ini. ( ikh / ddn )

Sumber: (http://oto.detik.com/read/2010/01/21/120600/1283221/642/toyota-yaris-vip-style)

[Via http://smg15.wordpress.com]

Toyota Financing, Repossession & Unethical Auction

An acquaintance had his car repossessed after losing his job and not being able to keep up with payments.  He kept hoping that things pick up and he could start making his payments again but then one day there was a pounding on his front door.  A man had already hooked up his car to a tow truck and was ready to cart it off but just wanted to give him his business card “just in case”.

He told my friend that the car would be at a certain location for at least a month in case he could catch up with his payments.  A last ditch effort phone call to Toyota’s financial department to stop the repossession was in vain. They refused to take the last bit of money on a credit card my friend had and off the car went.

Well not only did the car not remain at the location specified by Toyota’s tow truck driver (some 50 miles away from my friend’s present location), it was transported 200 additional miles away making it totally impossible for him to get it back.

Within a week and a half of the tow, Toyota sent him a letter informing him he would have to pay all the back payments, plus “cleaning” costs, more magical fees and then they sprung it on him that they moved the car to some city he had never heard of.  They didn’t take the car back to the dealer from whom he purchased it – 50 miles away, in a town where he used to live.  They didn’t keep the car at the location specified by the tower – in the county where he was now living.  They took it to never-never land!  So even if he could catch up on his payments, how on earth was he going to make the journey to the new location?  He couldn’t.

The reason I say Toyota Motors financing department sucks is the manner in which they went about auctioning off the car.  They deliberately sold it for less than half it’s fair market value and expected him to pay for their losses.  That’s insane!  The law usually understands the concept of fair market value but apparently not in the case of a repossessed auto and how car companies play the repo game.  At least not in California.  It’s unethical.  And the law should be changed to provide a measure of fairness to the poor chap who gets his car towed away.

I know you could argue that he was his own fault for not making his payments.  Well it wasn’t his fault that he lost his job because of the unethical actions of banks in creating this crapping economy! (KS, San Francisco)

[Via http://usaviews.com]

Diminishing Returns: When Product Placements Compete with Hulu's Banner Ads

The above image features a scene from ABC’s Modern Family where Mitchell returns home with his adopted daughter, Lily.  Although, Modern Family, much like many other scripted ABC programs, relies heavily on product displacement, the Toyota logo on the back of Mitchell’s car lingers for a few seconds while a Chevy Malibu banner ad is displayed on screen. I don’t remember if a 30-second spot for Chevrolet ran as I watched the episode, but based on my Hulu experience, I’m pretty sure one did. I tend to watch shows in “fullscreen mode,” but naturally minimize my screen to the normal web view for a number of reasons. I would be interested in knowing what percentage of Hulu users watch shows in fullscreen or toggle between various views.

Regardless of my curiosity, I find it interesting that two competing car companies would appear simultaneously on the same screen. I’m not sure if the Toyota occurrence was a paid-for placement, but regardless, the logo is visible and probably decreases brand recall and awareness of the Chevy Malibu ad. Typically, during TV ad purchases, advertisers and networks go through great lengths to ensure that ads do not air during programs that feature heavy integrations of a rival brand. For example, you’re never going to see a commercial for Pepsi during Fox’s Coca-Cola-inundated American Idol. Including ads for competing companies within the same, program, commercial pod, scene or frame cannibalizes viewer attention and blurs brand messages.

While Hulu is primarily a video content hub, the company should begin encoding its content with information that might prove useful to advertisers. Annotating or tagging segments/scenes that contain brand names or logos can help determine which “program moments” deliver better ad performance. Pairing a Chevy Malibu banner ad with a scene that features a Toyota vehicle used by principle characters is just a bad idea. To me, Hulu is rich in data. I absolutely love the Captions Search feature and know that the data it generates will likely make Hulu more appealing to advertisers. I see the annotating/pinpointing of product integrations working on a backend level and possibly even being provided by the content owners themselves (ABC, NBC, Fox…). If a brand is integrated into a television show, it makes sense for that same brand to be integrated into a viewer’s Hulu experience as they enjoy their content.

[Via http://gladyssantiago.wordpress.com]

Toyota fuel cell vehicles by 2015, battery R&D stepped up

You are here: Home / Car News / Toyota fuel cell vehicles by 2015, battery R&D stepped upToyota fuel cell vehicles by 2015, battery R&D stepped up

January 14, 2010 by Tim Beissmann

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If everything goes according to plan, Toyota will make hydrogen fuel cell vehicles available to private buyers within six years.

Toyota’s executive vice president of product planning and advanced technology, Takeshi Uchiyamada, said that fuel cell vehicles could be less expensive than hybrid and electric vehicles in selected markets that have the appropriate refuelling infrastructure.

Speaking at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Mr Uchiyamada would not speculate on the type of vehicle that may enter the market by the scheduled 2015 entry date, but said it would need to be affordable and have a great fuel range.

The announcement is backed up by Toyota’s recent commitment to introduce more than 100 fuel cell vehicles into its demonstrator fleet test program in California and New York.

Previous testing with the Highlander FCHV (fuel cell hybrid vehicle) achieved an estimated range of 693km on a single full tank of compressed hydrogen gas and an average fuel economy equivalent to 3.4 litres/100km.

Toyota is also boosting its global research and development resources, with a new electric division of around 50 engineers working on next-generation battery technologies.

Toyota’s managing officer in charge of developing batteries, Koei Saga, said battery technology needed to improve significantly heading into the future.

“We believe a key to the electrical mobile technology lies in innovation of battery technology.

“Lithium-ion batteries will already be a step forward, but we need batteries that offer far superior performance,” he said.

The current version of the Prius uses nickel-metal-hydride batteries but Toyota has confirmed the Prius PHV (plug-in hybrid vehicle – due for release in 2012) will be powered by the more energy efficient lithium-ion units.

[Via http://allcarnews.wordpress.com]

4 Runner Has Better Value than Highlander

Toyota 4 Runner compare with Highlander.  The 4 Runner is stronger in look and outdoor functions but price lower around $1000.  The new design of the 4 Runner makes it more powerful look, telling you how strong it is.  In some way looks a little like the FJ18 but bigger, like the older brother of FJ18.  It is a little bigger than the highlander in all dimensions.  The car will give you power before you step in the driver’s room.  And it is real outdoor truck base SUV. You can trust it in the tough condition.  The new model have new look and some new technologies like Transfer Case, Suspension system, KDSS, Hill start assist control, Vehicle stability control, Active-TRAC, X-REAS, Backup camera, ECO.  And these features make it stronger, safer and smarter. I think it is more valuable than the highlander.

[Via http://autotree.wordpress.com]

TOYOTA PRIUS, PLANT SET UP IN THAILAND SOON

2001

The Mini Cooper is launched in the United States, followed by the Toyota Prius, the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle. The SUV backlash begins.

2004
The Toyota Prius II won 2004 Car of the Year Awards from Motor Trend Magazine and the North American Auto Show. Toyota was surprised by the demand and pumped up its production from 36,000 to 47,000 for the U.S. market. Interested buyers waited up to six months to purchase the 2004 Prius. Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. President Jim Press called it “the hottest car we’ve ever had.”

2010 Toyota to mass produce plug-in hybrids from 2012, and Plant will be set up in THAILAND

[Via http://hiab4.wordpress.com]

We interrupt the Detroit Auto Show to bring you... Back to the Future?

This morning, while reading the Wall Street Journal, I stumbled across this article:

Back to the Future: GM Bets on Trucks

later in the day, this article caught my eye:

Strung-Out America Demands More Big SUVs, Ford Happy to Resupply

Now, I’m going to begin this post with a caveat. I love my SUV.

But I don’t drive it every day.  Sometimes, I go months without driving it.   When I do drive it, I tend to for one of the following reasons:

1. I’m going 4-Wheeling, or somewhere where I’ll need the additional clearance and 4wd
2. I’m going to a NAXJA meeting
3. I need to haul something that won’t fit in my Accord
4. I just feel like driving a different vehicle, or want my Accord to feel like a Miata the next time I drive it

SUV’s are great vehicles.  They can haul lots of stuff, and lots of people.  I think they look cool, and I like the “go-anywhere” utility of my Jeep.

But I’m not most SUV buyers, who never leave pavement, never need to tow a boat, and really don’t need the SUV.  Most SUV buyers would probably be just as happy, if not happier, in a good old-fashioned Station Wagon.

I just uttered an automotive dirty word.  Station wagon’s aren’t cool.  They’re what your mom drove.  They were the site of fights with your siblings on road trips to Wally World.  But modern station wagons offer the utility that most people need from their SUV while delivering some good gas mileage, and even looking cool in the process.  Need an example? Check out the Subaru Legacy, Mercedes E-Class, and the upcomming CTS-V Wagon.

So why are GM and Ford going back to SUV’s and Trucks?  They’re big money makers.  Big vehicle, big price premium, bigger profits per vehicle.  I get it.  I’m a business major, and I can’t blame them for wanting to make a buck.  The question is, are we really as hungry for new SUV’s and Trucks as these articles claim?

Full size pickups will never go away.  They make sense for business, whether big or small. Someone will always need a Suburban to tow their boat.

The problem is that the SUV strategy wasn’t sustainable before, and it isn’t now.  The Japanese did SUV’s, and made plenty of money off of them, but their bread and butter was still the mid-sized sedan: Camry, Accord, Altima.  Say those names with me.  That is the battle ground that one needs to win to win in the auto industry.

I hope GM and Ford make less money on the next generation of SUV’s; not because I want them to fail, but because I want those huge profits SUV’s generate to be invested into making those SUV’s- and the passenger cars- better, more fuel-efficient, and more competitive.

By doing so, hopefully GM won’t have to rely on them to survive ever again.  I’m disappointed in the direction change, and hope its temporary.

Now back to your regularly scheduled auto show.  Another update is coming tomorrow, as today was slow.

[Via http://johnvrbanacforgmceo.com]

2,006 4Runner Toyota

คุณเห็น 4runners ออกแบบใหม่หรือไม่พวกเขาทั้งหมดใหม่และฉันหมายถึงจากกรอบ up. นี้จะเป็นรุ่นที่ 4 4runner. รุ่นแรกได้ pickups เพียงกับหอยคนพักแรม. ฉันคิดว่าพวกเขาแก้ไขเล็กน้อยจนถึง 1995. ในปี 1996 4runner ถูกออกแบบใหม่ทั้งหมดใน SUV. 4runners ใหม่เป็นเรื่องเหลวไหลไม่มีทั้ง. พวกเขาได้รับการออกแบบใหม่ทั้งหมดจากพื้น up.

ฉันมี 1,996 4runner. ฉันซื้อมันในปี 1997. ถูกรถที่ดีที่สุดที่ฉันมีเจ้าของเคย. ฉันถูกคุกคามเพื่อ 4runner อื่นแต่ฉันไม่ได้ตื่นตาตื่นใจมากกับคุณภาพของการนั่ง 4runner เก่าของฉัน. แล้วฉันฝูงใหม่. พวกเขาจะไม่รถเดียวกัน. อาจจะในชื่อเพียงแต่ใหม่อยู่มากนุ่มนวล.

4runner ฉันมีพลัง v6 แต่ 4runner นี้ฉันฝูง V8 มีอำนาจบาง. มี 270 แรงม้าและ £ 330-ft ของกำลังบิด. ฉันอายุ v6 เพียงมี 183 HP. ค่อนข้างกระโดดใน power. แม้ใหม่ 4.0 รุ่น V6 ได้ 245 HP. ที่มีเครื่องหมายปรับปรุง.

คุณลักษณะใหม่รวมอัตโนมัติจำกัดแตกต่างใบ, กระเป๋าด้านอากาศม่านควบคุมการลาก, ที่นั่ง 3 แถวนี้พร้อมด้วยระเบียบระบบสินค้าสองชั้นหลัง. ฉันประหลาดใจเพียงที่ทุกคุณสมบัติใหม่และผลประโยชน์จากการรุ่นใหม่กว่ากระทำฉันเป็น.

คุณยังสามารถปรับความสูงของสินค้าหลังเพื่อให้ง่ายต่อการปลดปล่อย. แล้วเมื่อคุณออกเดินทางคุณสามารถเพิ่มในโหมดสูง. มิฉะนั้นตนเอง leveling คุณสมบัติเก็บ 4runner ที่มันต้องมีการนั่งสบายที่สุด.

ฉันพบ theV8 เป็นตัวเลือกในรุ่นทั้งหมด. SR5, รุ่นกีฬาและแม้แต่จำกัดทั้งหมดนี้มาพร้อมกับมาตรฐาน V6. ตอนนี้ที่จะย้าย V6. V8 จริงได้รับก๊าซธรรมชาติระยะที่ดีขึ้นนิดหน่อย. ไปคิดว่า.

SR5 ช่วงจำกัดไม่มากมาก. ตัวดีน้อยลงในรุ่น Limited. แต่สิ่งที่คุณคิดว่าจะต้องมีมาตรฐานไม่เช่นด้านถุงลมม่าน. Moonroof และ homelink จะบางเพิ่มดีฉันต้องการถ้าข้าพเจ้าได้รับ SR5 ต้องการฉันอีกได้ในขณะนี้.

4runner ใหม่อย่างแท้จริงปรับปรุงเด่นกว่ารุ่นก่อน. เพียงเป็น 1,996 รุ่นถูกปรับปรุงให้มากกว่า 1,995 รุ่น. ลองใหม่ Toyota 4Runner; คุณจะประทับใจเท่าฉัน.

[Via http://alltoyotareviews.wordpress.com]

Jim Lentz Unveiling Toyota FT-CH

DETROIT, January 11, 2010—Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A, Inc., today unveiled the FT-CH dedicated hybrid concept at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.  The FT-CH is a concept that would address Toyota’s stated strategy to offer a wider variety of conventional hybrid choices to its customers, as it begins to introduce plug-in hybrids (PHVs) and battery electrics (BEVs) in model year 2012, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCHVs) in 2015 in global markets.

  “Within the next 10 to 20 years, we will not only reach peak oil we will enter a period where demand for all liquid fuels will exceed supply,” said Jim Lentz, TMS president.   “A century after the invention of the automobile, we must re-invent it with powertrains that significantly reduce or eliminate the use of conventional petroleum fuels.  One of many alternatives is through what is commonly called the electrification of the automobile.  By far, the single most successful example of this has been the gas-electric hybrid.”   The CH stands for compact hybrid as in compact class and it’s a concept that can best be defined by comparing it with the mid-size class Prius.  The FT-CH captures the spirit and functionality of a car that thrives in the inner-city environment; sized right to be nimble, responsive and maneuverable.    “It’s a package Toyota dealers and customers have been asking for,” added Lentz.   The FT-CH was styled at Toyota’s European Design and Development (ED²) center in Nice, France.  Compared to Prius, it is 22 inches shorter in overall length, yet loses less than an inch in overall width.  In spite of its compact external dimensions, FT-CH was designed for maximum passenger comfort and interior roominess, with an imaginative sense of style.   ED² designers looked to capture the vivid, high-energy appeal of what has come to be called the 8-bit generation.  Popularized in the early 80’s, 8-bit microprocessor technology dominated the budding home video game industry.  Today, 8-bit is considered a specific retro-style that is embraced by such things as 8-bit genre music and 8-bit inspired art.    The direct reference to the 8-bit generation is meant to be fun and innovative, colorful and stylish, with strong appeal to young buyers.  Lighter in weight and even more fuel efficient than Prius, the concept specifically targets a lower price point than Prius, thus appealing to a younger, less-affluent buyer demographic.    Pointing to how Prius has become a universal icon for hybrid technology, Lentz confirmed that TMS is developing a Prius family “marketing strategy” for North America that will take full advantage of the Prius brand equity.   “The strategy is still taking shape and obviously it will require additional models to qualify as a family,” said Lentz.  “Among others, the FT-CH is a concept that we are considering.”   In the early 2010s, Toyota plans to sell a million hybrids per year globally, a majority of those in North America.  To accomplish this, Toyota will launch eight all new hybrid models over the next few years.  These will not include next generation versions of current hybrids; instead, they will be all new dedicated hybrid vehicles, or all new hybrid versions of existing gas engine models.   The heart of hybrid technology is its battery.  Since the early 90’s, during the early stages of first-generation Prius development, Toyota has been committed to in-house R&D of advanced nickel-metal hydride batteries.  Through three generations of Prius and a total of seven full-hybrid models, it has systematically reduced size, weight and cost while improving energy density, quality and reliability.   Toyota’s joint venture partnership with Panasonic has been a key element of its success in the advancement of hybrid technology.  Later this year, Panasonic EV Energy (PEVE) will have three separate, fully operational production facilities with a combined capacity of more than one million units per year.   Moving the promise of electrification one step further, Toyota recently kicked off its global demonstration program involving approximately 600 Prius plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.  Beginning early this year, 150 PHVs will begin to arrive in the U.S. where they will be placed in regional clusters with select partners for market/consumer analysis and technical demonstration.    The Prius PHV introduces Toyota’s first generation lithium-ion drive battery.  When fully charged, the vehicle is targeted to achieve a maximum electric-only range of about 13 miles and capable of achieving highway speeds of more than 60 mph in electric-only mode. For longer distances, the Prius PHV reverts to “hybrid mode” and operates like a regular Prius. This ability to utilize all-electric power for short trips or hybrid power for longer drives alleviates the issue of limited cruising range encountered with pure-electric vehicles.    All program vehicles will be equipped with data retrieval/communication devices which will monitor activities such as:  how often the vehicle is charged and when, whether the batteries are depleted or being topped-off during charging, trip duration and all-electric driving range, combined mpg and so on.   As it becomes available, data from the program vehicles will be posted to a dedicated Web site.  This in use, readily available data will help consumers understand how the vehicles are being used and how they’re performing.   Toyota believes this demonstration program is a necessary next step in societal preparation in that it allows Toyota the unique opportunity to inform, educate and prepare customers for the electrification of the automobile in general and the introduction of plug-in hybrid technology.   Toyota is moving quickly with the development of PHV technology well beyond this demonstration program.  Advanced battery R&D programs with nickel-metal, lithium-ion and “beyond lithium” are underway for a wide variety of applications in conventional hybrids, PHVs, BEVs and FCHVs.   In the early 1990s, Toyota began R&D on building a practical and affordable hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.   FCHV technical advancements have moved at a rapid pace.  Engineers have made great strides in cost reduction targets in both materials and manufacturing and Toyota is committed to bringing hydrogen fuel cells to global markets in 2015.     Toyota’s latest model, the Toyota FCHV-advanced began its own national demonstration program late last year.  Over the course of the three year program, more than 100 vehicles will be placed in an effort to demonstrate the technology’s performance, reliability and practicality in everyday use.   Recently field tested in southern California by two national laboratories at the request of the U.S. Department of Energy, the FCHV-advanced confirmed an estimated single-tank fuel range of 431 miles.  In combined city and highway driving from Santa Monica to San Diego the FCHV-adv logged an estimated 68 miles per kilogram of hydrogen, the rough equivalent of 68 miles per gallon.  That range is equivalent to a Highlander hybrid at more than double the MPG with zero emissions other than water vapor.   In 1997, Toyota introduced the RAV4 EV battery electric vehicle in California.   1,484 of these 100 mile range large-battery electric vehicles were either sold or leased over the course of the program.  Nearly half are still on the road.    Shortly thereafter, Toyota started a modest demonstration program with a small- battery electric urban commuter vehicle, called the e-com.  This concept addressed the idea of the “on-demand” city station car similar to the Zip-car business model that is becoming popular in large urban areas.  Although shorter in range, the e-com program addressed a specific mobility niche at a much more affordable price than the RAV4 EV.   The RAV4 EV and e-com programs were short lived due to lack of commitment from the market; the consumer and the consumer’s environmental mind set were not ready to commit to battery electric vehicles at that time.  Recent increased awareness of environmental issues and the benefits of advanced technology vehicles have reinvigorated an interest in the electric vehicle market.  As a result, Toyota will bring a small, urban commuter lithium-ion BEV to market in model year 2012.       Battery technology has progressed significantly in the time since the RAV4 EV and e-com programs.  But major challenges still remain.  The cost of lithium-ion batteries needs to be reduced significantly, or a more affordable alternative developed.    Like hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, battery electrics will require the creation of infrastructure for recharging on the go.  This issue of range is also a challenge to overcome.  Even at 100 miles, BEVs as a primary mode of transportation do not yet offer what most consumers see as true mobility.   Toyota believes these are hurdles that will be cleared.  For the last decade its focus has been to concentrate on a comprehensive advanced technology strategy including BEVs, PHVs, and FCHVs.  Common to all three is the move to electrification, the full commitment to advanced battery technology and how lessons learned from conventional hybrid R&D have given Toyota a leg-up on all three.

[Via http://northhollywoodtoyota.wordpress.com]

Classy...... yet dirty

Thank speedhunters again. I hardly ever see Cressida’s this old. It’s a US model, but the owner obviously loves JDM culture. It has all kinds of small touches. Fender mirrors, the rigged wing, hang ring, front spoiler, SSR lookin Centerline rims, poked rims, taped headlight. It’s all legit.

What do you think of the galleries? Better than individul pics or no……. yes? No?

[Via http://tailoutsx.wordpress.com]

Toyota Luncurkan Etios di India

New Delhi, 05 Januari 2010 - Pabrikan otomotif Toyota di India, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Rabu (06/01) akan meluncurkan konsep sedan berharga murah, Toyota Etios, di arena pameran otomotif New Delhi Auto Show. Sumber Toyota seperti dikutip Indianautoblog, menyebut, selain untuk menggenjot penjualan produknya di India, pabrikan otomotif asal Jepang itu juga akan memasarkan Etios ke berbagai belahan dunia.

Rusia, Afrika Selatan, Brazil, dan China dan beberapa negara di Asia telah masuk daftar sebagai tujuan pemasaran mobil itu. Untuk pasar India, Etios akan diproduksi akhir tahun ini. Sedangkan untuk pasar global awal 2011 mendatang.

Kazuo Okamoto, Wakil Kepala Toyota seperti dikutip autonews menyebut, peluncuran di India ini merupakan awal dari strategi Toyota untuk menggenjot penjualan produknya. “(Peluncuran) ini akan menjadi tonggak penting bagi pemasaran produk Toyota di pasar global. Dan kami telah memulai strategi itu di India,” tutur Okamoto.

Toyota butuh waktu empat tahun dan melibatkan 2.000 orang ahli mesin dan rancang bangun mobil untuk membangun yang sejak dua bulan lalu santer diberitakan di berbagai media dunia itu. Etios akan ditawarkan dalam dua varian yaitu sedan yang dibekali mesin 1.500 cc dan hatchback dengan mesin 1.200 cc. Wujud hatchback ini disebut-sebut mirip dengan Toyota Yaris.

Ihwal harga, sumber Toyota seperti dikutip worldcarfans memberi ancar-ancar mulai US$ 10 ribu atau sekitar Rp 96 juta. Meski harganya kompetitif, namun Toyota menjamin kualitas mobil ini berstandar internasional dan tak kalah dengan varian lainnya. Toyota pun mengusung slogan ‘The Global Quality Standard’ untuk mengiringi promosi produk barunya itu.

Masih kurang? Coba klik di sini untuk melihat teasernya di Youtube.

Sumber foto

[Via http://rajufebrian.wordpress.com]

December 2009 - Botswana, Northern Cape trip

We entered Botswana through Skilpads Gate. This is on the N4 west of Zeerust. We thought we got there early but obviously not earlier enough as it took us 4 hours to get through customs. There were no problems but the whole procedure is slow on the Botswana side, one gets a true sense of African time.

Queue at the Botswana border post (Skilpads Gate)

Finally through the border post we drove to Lobatse for petrol and then we headed off to Sekoma. Not far from Sekoma we took a cut road through to Mabuasehube one of the gates into the kgalagadi transfrontier Park.

The start of the cut road through to Mabuasehube

After debating whether the lions would eat me through a nylon tent or if I would be better off in a canvass tent I decided on the former. However night one I woke just after midnight to find that my blowup mattress had gone completely flat. The next morning after a long hard night I found the problem, a huge gaping hole on the seam of my mattress.  What was I going to do for the next 7 nights? The duck tape didn’t work and we were a few hundred kilometers from the nearest civilization… I realized that I would have to embrace mother earth for the next 7 nights.

In Botswana (Kgalagadi  Transfrontier Park) One gets to camp in the open, yes that’s right, you are exposed to the elements and animals.  We were told that at night if the lions or hyenas come around we would be safe in our tents as long as we kept them zipped up and kept away from the sides of the tent, very reassuring for me a city slicker.

One of the trees we camped under in Botswana

When the other four guys found out that I was walking around with pepper spray in my pocket  they ragged me and made me put it away, probably not a bad idea as it would be more manly to fight a lion off with my bare hands that spray him in the eye and annoy him.

One of the male lions I photographed

I survived Botswana and then we drove through the desert to get to South Africa.

The trip through the desert 46 degrees at 9am.

Below are some of the photos I took on the way to the SA border.

Tuft of grass

....more photos out of Botswana toward SA border

Almost in SA again

Okay so you guessed it right, the 5 of us spoke about women most of the time although lions did crop up every and again. One thing we all agreed on…woman are wonderful in fact absolutely fantastic especially after day sevens in the bush!

Back to the wildlife we saw.

We had just had a wind storm and guess who loved the seed pods

a male lion yawning

I asked him to smile and this was the best I got

a beautiful lizard

Below is yours truely doing the all famous Captain Morgan Extreme pose! (I thought I would pop this image in here….almost like an add break) I hope you see this Captain Morgan marketers!!!!

Me doing the Captain Morgan extreme pose

Wildebeest fighting

 

Springbok trying to show who is boss

Secretary bird showing off again....as they often do!

Yes, we even saw Leopard

For those of you that don’t know me I must let you know that I absolutely love photographing panoramics and landscapes. Below are a few of my landscapes.

Calm before the storm

Late afternoon

House of light

Lightening Bolt

Ostrich land

Sand Dune

So we finally arrive at Nossob in South African and are very pleased to fill up with petrol and get a few cold drinks.

Petrol Station at Nossob

We spent two nights at nossob and then made our way home through Upington, Kuuruman etc.  Asked if I would do the trip again….1000 yeses!!!

Below are two of my favorite photos.

Male Lion

Sunset

[Via http://gregdasilva.wordpress.com]