TheSamba.com :: View topic - Volkswagen surpasses Toyota as world's largest automaker

Mon Nov 09, 2009 3:22 pm

Wow, it happened a lot sooner than they planned: http://jalopnik.com/5400753/volkswagen+porsche-wor...ue&s=x

Mon Nov 09, 2009 6:56 pm

Cool, I hope they stay on top

Tue Nov 10, 2009 8:10 am

The VW CC appears to be the company's big winner.

15 Cars Fueling the Auto Recovery

Thu Nov 12, 2009 12:59 pm

You would think being on top they would have a fit/finish/durability at least on par with that of a Toyota. Not really a fan of the new VWs because of that, but glad to see it.

Thu Nov 12, 2009 1:55 pm

Kirk wrote: You would think being on top they would have a fit/finish/durability at least on par with that of a Toyota. Not really a fan of the new VWs because of that, but glad to see it.

the difference is that Toyota set out to overtake GM at all cost, and let quality slip, while cutting out any performance or car interesting to enthusiasts. Plus, their styling meter got set to "bland" at best in order to offend no one.

Current VWs have excellent interiors that look expensive even in base models, a wide range of engine options (when's the last time you saw a diesel Toyota?), plus divisions that put out cars people LIKE and WANT to drive (VW's GTi, Audi, Lamborghini, Bugatti).

People buy cars they like more often than cars they can depend on.

Thu Nov 12, 2009 5:02 pm

I know the lexus/toyota models with Asin-Warner transmissions have transmission problems...Toyotas are not bullet proof like people are led to believe. They aren't anymore special than VW besides VW has a strong following just look at the number of members on here.

Fri Nov 13, 2009 6:04 am

This is a blip, a fluke, whatever.
VW sales doing well in Germany & China, and not completely tanking elsewhere.
Toyota moved into Pickups & SUVs big time, and just like Ford, GM, and Chrysler they took a big hit.
Unlike GM & Chrysler,
Toyota has worldwide product base that will allow them to field real cars, and right size trucks & SUV/Crossovers much quicker.
Toyota knows what it did wrong, and is taking massive actions to get back to core values.
Toyota will return to #1 spot in 2010 without issue,
while the boys from VW waste the next year or two figuring out who's in charge of Porsche.
The interesting battle begins in 2011,
with Mexican and US production facilities VWoA can ill afford to be the king of missed opportunities,
and horrible marketing because they will need to move at least 350,000 to 500,000 cars off the showroom floors.
VW hasn't sold 500,000 cars per year in the US since 1970, about the same time Toyota Corolla (E20) hit the US.

Fri Nov 13, 2009 9:44 am

We just got rid of our Jetta and got a Toyota....

Fri Nov 13, 2009 5:31 pm

VW Should release a simple, rear engined car. Then they'd be awesome again. As little plastic as possible.

Fri Nov 13, 2009 6:14 pm

my toyota truck is a tank.
my 98 vw is a piece of crap....but is good on gas and is my beater car.
i wish it was a toyota.

Mon Nov 30, 2009 3:45 pm

for the toyota lovers, it's not really the floormats - it's something much worse: http://www.leftlanenews.com/report-electronic-thro...cases.html

Mon Nov 30, 2009 3:50 pm

Since they stopped making aircooled cars, I couldn't care less.

Mon Nov 30, 2009 4:05 pm

Glenn wrote: Since they stopped making aircooled cars, I couldn't care less.

I totally agree.

I'll buy a Ford before I buy any water cooled VW.