Gaining sales in the U.S. and becoming the world's largest automaker isn't all it's cracked up to be. Toyota is bracing for criticism and backlash as it grows in the face of U.S. Big Three declines. The Japanese automaker's fears are outlined in an internal memo that the Detroit Free Press obtained and published February 13.
"With recent market-share gains and sales continuing to increase, we are becoming the de facto leader of the industry – that brings risks and responsibilities. Our competitors are jealous of our success," Seiichi Sudo said in the memo. He is president of Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing in North America.
Toyota fears backlash from Capitol Hill, particularly Democratic congressmen in districts with U.S. auto plants, in the same year in which it is introducing a new Tundra pickup truck and racing NASCAR Camrys.
Via: MotorTrend Blogs