[Shop-talk] Toyota Pedal Brouhaha

[eric at megageek.com]

Michael writes...

>There were other indications that Toyota was on top of things. 

You know, it seems that most companies go through this life cycle.

Look at Dell computers, once known for being a cheaper alternative with 
great tech support, then they changed their model to be an overpriced 
piece of crap and their tech support is on a mission to outlast you on 
hold (and they always win.)

Microsoft was another one.  They got big in the 90's and started acting 
like the bully in the playground.  Now they are making crap software.

What about Volvo?  (to keep this shop related.)  They USED to be the 
safest cars, now they are pretty low in safety ratings, but they still 
promote that aspect.

Harley Davidson had a core of diehard supports that carried them through 
the AMF years.  Once they got big, they forgot about those supporters and 
started sticking the HD name on ever toilet seat and ceiling fan they 
could find.  They alienated their core (to which I was one) to appeal to 
the masses.  I used to practically live in a HD dealerships talking with 
other riders.  Now, I can't remember the last time I set foot in one.

I see this happening to Google as well.  It seems they get too big for 
their britches and they forget what made them great.

All these companies "dine out" on a reputation that they no longer care 
about.

Of course, Autox.team.net will never let this happen.  These guys know 
what they are doing and they will never forget their core customers no 
matter how big they get!  8>)


Moose
"Be as beneficent as the sun or the sea, but if your rights as a rational 
being are trenched on, die on the first inch of your territory." Ralph 
Waldo Emerson