Comments on: Mercedes’ Sex and The City Coup

By: Jim

Jim — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:19:59 +0000

Toyota’s launching a hy-bred as a separate model was such an obvious thing to do that you have to wonder what Honda was thinking by simply making the alternative power plant a Civic or (wretched) Accord option. I’m intentionally ignoring the Impact, as that was more of a proof of concept/attention seeking product rather than a serious foray into the market.

Regarding the Prius, Toyota deserves the praise it has received, now the rest of the product line there can be more debate.

By: Infiniti

Infiniti — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:42:55 +0000

Toyota relies on excellent products rather than using mass market media to popularize their products.

Nothing beats the Prius in terms of marketing (or lack of). In an article with Forbes, the Prius designer mentioned that they knew the Prius was big when Harrsion Ford, Di Caprio rolled up to the Oscars in Priuses. This type of product placement you just can’t pay 4 ditsy women for.

By: steane

steane — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 05:40:13 +0000

True – Big Al has certainly played his role.

By: Gunnar

Gunnar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 01:31:32 +0000

I think they have – but Toyota’s had help from Al Gore.

By: steane

steane — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 01:21:30 +0000

You’re right Gunnar – a very well thought out piece of marketing by MB. I’m still convinced that its Toyota with their Prius that take the all-time marketing numero uno prize for a job well done. They have brain-washed a generation.