Trucks - By Mike Cotsworth
Look out American Pick-Ups – here comes Toyota…!!
by Mike Cotsworth
It was big news in 2006 when Toyota Motor Company surpassed Chrysler to become the third largest seller of cars and light trucks in North America.
While the Domestic automakers have lost huge market share to the imports in many areas, the one portion of the market where they continue to rule supreme is the full-sized pick-up truck market. Well, be warned, Toyota is now aiming their considerable might right at the heart of that market.
Toyota’s intentions are clear when they say “the full sized pickup truck market is, by far, the single-largest opportunity for Toyota’s future growth in the U.S.” Considering what Toyota has done when they focused their attention on the passenger car and SUV market, and through Lexus, the Luxury car segment, the Domestic Big 3 should be shaking in their work boots.
Toyota’s weapon of choice for their onslaught is the entirely redesigned 2007 Tundra. Engineered, styled, and built in America, the Tundra is the “most American” new product in Toyota’s history. You can count on advertising to stress this, and tout the new plant built in Texas to produce the Tundra. This is more that Domestic automakers can say about their trucks, often assembled in Canada or Mexico.
Aimed squarely at what the marketing types call “true truckers”, the Tundra will be available in 31 build combinations, with Regular, Double Cab, and CrewMax configurations, V6, 4.7 and 5.7 liter V8’s, three bed lengths, and 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrians. Towing capacity with the big 381 horsepower iForce V8 is up to 10,800 pounds, more than any other ½ ton truck, and comparable to many ¾ ton trucks. This package includes a Tow/Haul switch on the dash, which changes shift points, holding lower gears longer for better acceleration, or enhanced engine breaking when decelerating. Other features unique to the Tundra not found in other ½ trucks include standard Automatic Limited Slip Differential, integrated ABS, Brake Assist, Traction control, and Stability Control, transmission fluid warmer, a six-speed transmission with the big V8, standard 18 inch wheels, standard tire pressure monitors, and the largest 4-piston, vented rotor brakes in the segment. All three engines are designed to run on 87 octane fuel, and meet stringent emission standards.
Even more impressive than the mechanical specs of the new Tundra are the numerous ergonomic and functional features of this truck, developed as a direct result of months of interviews with “true truckers” who use their vehicles every day at work. Clever, thoughtful touches like door handles and control switches that can be operated when wearing work gloves, tailgates with internal gas-charged dampers that open and close gently, and room in the large center console for lap top computers or hanging files. The Regular Cab models have a plastic liner in the storage space behind the seats to accommodate 5 gal buckets, the doors on Double cabs open a full 80 degrees, and the back seats in the CrewMax adjust 10 inches and recline ! Cup holders are designed to accept 22 ounce bottles, and all models have a 2-layer dust and pollen filter. A back-up camera in the tailgate makes aligning the trailer hitch any easy one-man job.
Toyota has really done their homework on this truck. The Tundra looks tough, drives strong, and offers new levels of driver comfort and convenience. Due in showrooms this February, pricing has not yet been announced, but Toyota promises the Tundra will be “competitive”. If history is any indicator, Ford, Chevy, and Dodge have reason to be afraid, very afraid…
Would you like Mike to help
you find your next vehicle? Through
his industry contacts and extensive resources, Mike can save you hundreds to thousands of dollars, hours of your time and make the experience fun and hassle-free. New or used, any make or model anywhere in the world. Let Mike work for you!
Interested in becoming an
automotive consultant? Mike has helped hundreds of entrepreneures around the country establish their own Automotive Consulting company. If you would like to enjoy the financial freedom, tax benefits, and satisfaction of owning your own Automotive business, contact Mike
The Rocky Mountain Automotive
Press (RMAP) is a non-profit organization for automotive journalists and other automotive industry professionals based in the Rocky Mountain region.
 |
 |
 |
|
||
 |
|
 |
|
||
Mike & Cyndi on
Friday, June 4 --- 1pm - 2pm (Live)
Rebroadcast - Saturday, May 53pm - 4pm - Monday, June 7
5pm - 6pmFriday, June 11 --- 1pm - 2pm (Live)
Rebroadcast - Saturday, June 12 3pm - 4pm
- Monday, June 14
5pm - 6pmFriday, June 18 --- 1pm - 2pm (Live)
Rebroadcast - Saturday, June 193pm - 4pm - Monday, June 21
5pm - 6pm