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Kevin Gaskell Provides Advice To Consumers With Toyota Cars

10/02/2010

By Lea Pachta

Following this morning's interview with BBC Breafast, Kevin Gaskell, Chairman of motoring.co.uk, provides advice to consumers with Toyota cars and gives his insight into the influence this will have on the motoring industry:

"You've really had your head under the bonnet if you haven't seen the bumps in the road that the motor industry has navigated in the past year or so. Despite the welcome support of the Scrappage Scheme new car registration in the UK and Europe fell again in 2009. The scheduled increase of the VAT rate in January and the approaching end of the Scrappage Scheme encouraged buyers to take advantage of the support and led to bumper new car sales in January with a 30% increase over 2008. The outlook for the full year 2010 is less positive though with the total market likely to fall by up to 10%.

"I am disappointed to see the way that Toyota has suffered from the publicity over their recall campaigns. This is the world's largest car company with circa 150 million Toyota cars in everyday use. Published figures suggest fewer than 20 recorded accelerator sticking incidents and Toyota have acted decisively to address this. With an anticipated total budget of $2 billion to conduct the recall and resolve concerns I feel that Toyota should be able to shield their reputation from further damage.

"It is important that all commentators on this issue act sensibly. Currently Toyota customers may be confused by the flood of information they are receiving. They should follow the advice given by Toyota. The possibility of there being a problem with their car is very small and, as the ABI said today, all drivers insurance will remain valid despite the recall notice.

"I remain positive about the long term outlook for the automotive industry. Manufacturers continue to support their dealer networks through the difficult market and are moving to adopt a more integrated online and offline distribution and marketing strategy. In the past few weeks BMW, VW and Audi have all linked their marketing activity to motoring.co.uk which continues to grow and consolidate its position as the UK's second motoring website."

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