VW does it again; GR Yaris coming soon
WHY did Volkswagen (VW) AG US unit knowingly issue a false news release claiming it would rename its US operations as “Voltswagen of America?” Reuters quoted the car company as saying it was a “marketing stunt” designed to call attention to VW’S electric efforts.
OMG! Was that necessary? Reported Reuters: “VW came under criticism on social media for its misleading news release, some commentators recalling the company’s diesel emissions scandal and years of misleading customers and regulations.
“Volkswagen of America will not be changing its name to Voltswagen. The renaming was designed to be an announcement in the spirit of April Fool’s Day, highlighting the launch of the all-electric ID.4 SUV and signaling our commitment to bringing electric mobility to all,” a VW US spokesperson said in a statement. Damage control?
Reuters: “The news release, posted on its website and accompanied by tweets, was reported by Reuters and other outlets globally and included detailed description of its purported rebranding efforts and new logos.
“A VW spokesperson in Germany called the rebranding a ‘nice idea’ with a focus on marketing. Volkswagen Group of America CEO Scott Keogh did not respond to messages.
Keogh should have responded to clear the air.
Reuters: “At least one analyst wrote a research note praising the name change. WV’S preferred shares closed 4.7 percent higher. Ordinary shares closed up 10.3 percent.
“The world’s second largest carmaker (next to Toyota) expects to double electric vehicle deliveries and boost profits for its core brand this year after stepping up its switch to full electric vehicles (EV).
“Some VW officials have expressed frustration that its significant US EV efforts have not drawn as much attention as Tesla or General Motors.
“The Volkswagen brand aims to invest 16 billion euros ($19 billion) in electrification and digitalization by 2025. It has committed to sell one million EVS worldwide by 2025.
“Volkswagen in 2015 admitted to using illegal software to rig diesel engine tests in the United States, sparking Germany’s biggest corporate crisis and costing the carmaker more than 32 billion euros ($38 billion) in fines, refits and legal costs.
“In 2017, VW pleaded guilty to fraud, obstruction of justice and making false statements as part of a $4.3 billion settlement reached with the US justice department over the automaker’s diesel emission scandal.”
Lessons learned not?
GR Yaris coming
TOYOTA doesn’t seem to stop torpedoing the market with model after model after model.
After unwrapping a stunning slew of variants in pandemic-battered 2020, Toyota will let loose the GR (Gazoo Racing) Yaris shortly.
This, after Toyota had rolled out seven models last year—wigo, Vios, Corolla Cross, Hilux, Fortuner, Innova, Yaris—in the boldest ever attempt at meeting head-on the Covid-19 challenges plaguing mankind.
Said Toyota’s Nadinne Capistrano: “2021 is an exciting year for the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing brand as Toyota Motor Philippines proudly announces
the arrival of the GR Yaris here in the Philippines. It retails at P2.65M. Check out toyota.com.ph/GRYarisiscoming for more details on the GR Yaris, where dealers are ready to accept reservations.”
19th Triple Crown
PANDEMIC or no pandemic, Toyota remains the undisputed industry leader with its astonishing feat of recording recently a 19th Triple Crown victory by topping, yet again, the figures in sold passenger cars, commercial vehicles and overall sales.
In his opening remarks during the recent dealership Toyota Awards simultaneous with the newest sales milestone performance, TMP Chairman Alfred V. Ty expressed his appreciation for Team Toyota Philippines for assuming its role in economic rebuilding and enabling Filipinos to move again and move forward from the pandemic.
“This pandemic has really tested our spirits and pushed our limits,” Ty said. “Yet, we were able to achieve a record-setting 41.3 percent market share last year. We emerged from 2020 with new learnings, reflections and green shoots that we can nurture towards our sustainable growth in 2021 and beyond.”
Ty acknowledged that TMP and its network of dealers have a deeper obligation to its customers and a profound purpose in helping the nation.
“As the leading automotive company in the Philippines, I believe it is our role and responsibility to take the wheel and help steer the country towards economic recovery. Let me make this appeal to all the members of Team Toyota Philippines: Let us BE the solution. We should not watch from the sidelines. As a market leader, as a pillar of industry and as a partner in nation building, we must provide strength and hope for the healing of Filipinos all over,” said Ty.
Indeed, if you have the nation’s interests at heart, success isn’t far behind.
PEE STOP The house is the best defense against the pandemic. And the car stays in the garage—for now. Amid the virus rage, to go out is to court disaster. This time, house arrest matters.