Falling from grace

Toyota Motors, arguably the biggest and most profitable automotive manufacturing company, finds itself falling from grace after decades of being at the top of the heap.

A host of a very popular British TV car magazine-type show once said, “Because it is Japanese, it will last forever.” In all likelihood, he was referring to a Toyota automobile.

Indeed this company has come a long way from being the object of raised eyebrows and contemptuous glances to coming out with the most beautiful, reliable and trusted automobiles this side of Detroit.

But there is trouble in the oriental car paradise. Toyota has announced one of the biggest recalls in their history. The recall has to do with an accelerator pedal that has a tendency to stick while in use, causing the car to continue on even when no longer depressing the pedal. Indeed, the defect has caused at least three deaths when an Toyota continued on to a crash. And while the recall is currently confined to the US, its ramifications are spreading globally.

From expected caution to outright paranoia. All of a sudden, people have become suspicious of their beloved Camrys and Corollas.

The repair itself is simple and outright. But the damage on the automobile giant has been done. Just like that, it has become just another car, prone to breakdowns like the rest of the mortals. And it may not be over yet.

Already, complaints about its braking system have started to come in and make the rounds in forums all over the world. The Internet can be very so unforgiving in these circumstances.

And the fear has spread to the Philippines. I’ve heard over the radio about complaints on the Innova and Vios, although none resembling the sticky pedal and faulty brakes.

I would think that these are the normal wear-and-tear breakages that will eventually occur, but many have already been primed about Toyota’s falling from grace in the US.

Hopefully none of these faulty units have made it to the country. I can’t envision a massive recall here without customers turning into a mob. The mentality here is different. I can’t even remember if a recall to fix a defective part or system has ever been done.

If something is broken, it will be remedied if not fixed. That’s how it is done. Even European car dealers in Manila have dismissed the idea of a recall. More often than not, it is the fault of the driver or unauthorized mechanics, what with all the hi-tech that have gone into cars lately.

It may be a while before the two ovals of Toyota regain their luster. How they handle this massive recall that seems to be snowballing will define their future with the millions of once satisfied and trusting customers. After all, they should have lasted forever.