Toyota Tax Troubles

by Lloyd Frazier

I just read an article at Autoblog stating that Toyota has under reported income and is liable for 2 Billion Yen in back taxes. Will this ever hit the big news headlines in the U.S.? Don't hold your breath! It is doubtful that it will become big news. It would, of course, be huge news if GM, Ford, or Chrysler did the same thing...even if it was on a smaller scale.

Why is it that the domestic news agencies turn their cheeks when the Asian automakers do something questionable but salivate at the opportunity to slam the US automobile manufacturers? The Asian automobile design, in my opinion, is so homogeneous. I grant you that the 80's were not a good decade for auto design and quality for the US. Look at the awesome design and quality that now prevails in GM, Ford and Chrysler lineup. When will they get credit for producing great products? Maybe it is sameness and predictability that keeps the newspaper and television reporters in their comfort zones.

Oh, how I long for more retro-styling to be incorporated into future models of Chevys, Fords and Dodges. Just look at how popular the new 'Stang is. Wait until the new Camaro and Challenger come out within the next couple of years. I hope for a renaissance for the US auto manufacturers. We need more Harley Earl's for the beautiful 50's and 60's designs at GM. George Walker and his team for the design of the Ford Thunderbird. And who can forget Zora Arkus-Duntov who was the inspiration for the Chevrolet Corvette. Yes, it is time for the re-birth of American ingenuity!

Lloyd....signing out.