In reply to Type Q:
Mazda = Alfa Romeo. Not a bad analogy. Actually given the relative resources it's pretty amazing that Mazda punches over their weight class the way they do. Offhand, I can't think of any product that Toyota produces where I wouldn't prefer the Mazda equivalent. Well the FR-S versus MX-5 would be a tough call.
Kreb wrote: In reply to Type Q: Mazda = Alfa Romeo. Not a bad analogy. Actually given the relative resources it's pretty amazing that Mazda punches over their weight class the way they do. Offhand, I can't think of any product that Toyota produces where I wouldn't prefer the Mazda equivalent. Well the FR-S versus MX-5 would be a tough call.
..And who did a bunch of the engineering work on the FR-S?
A small company that punches above its weight in a relative niche market...
I am beginning to wonder of Toyotas motivation on all of this. As said before, First Subaru, then BMW now Mazda.
Each of those companies bring something to the table that Toyota doesn't. Brand loyalty and arguably the best AWD system available (Subaru, although their joint project doesn't use it.) Excellence in chassis and suspension (BMW), niche car manufacturing on a smaller scale (mazda).
But Toyota could easily poach people to get this. Something else is going on in Toyotas strategy department.
Maybe it is their drop in market share since it's 2007 peak they are trying to curb. As the Japanese would say, "Please wait. Needs more study."
Flight Service wrote: I am beginning to wonder of Toyotas motivation on all of this. As said before, First Subaru, then BMW now Mazda. Each of those companies bring something to the table that Toyota doesn't. Brand loyalty and arguably the best AWD system available (Subaru, although their joint project doesn't use it.) Excellence in chassis and suspension (BMW), niche car manufacturing on a smaller scale (mazda). But Toyota could easily poach people to get this. Something else is going on in Toyotas strategy department. Maybe it is their drop in market share since it's 2007 peak they are trying to curb. As the Japanese would say, "Please wait. Needs more study."
You forgot Tesla and the short lived agreement they had to produce electric drivetrains for Toyota vehicles.
With regard to poaching people to accomplish goals, from a business perspective, why fork over the money to try to build teams when you can lease proven ones?
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