How very meta: Toyota employs a guy that reads blogs, and we blog about it
During an interview with Brandweek, Bruce Ertmann revealed himself as Toyota's (get this) "corporate manager of consumer-generated media." That's right, he's paid to read through forums, websites and blogs -- including yours truly. Plus, it's likely he's reading your comments.Ertmann's position was formed to keep track of consumer opinion online, and considering the fact that more and more buyers consult the web before making purchasing decisions, it's probably a smart move. The interview reveals how Ertmann spends his time, how blogs were used during the Tundra launch, which particular sites he reads, and some of the issues he's encountered while embarking into the web's wild west.
You can read the interview here and check out his own blog here. But you know where to come back to when you're done.
[Source: Brandweek]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Evotec 9:07AM (9/07/2007)
toyota should build cheaper higher powered RWD cars.
"hopes he reads that"
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david 10:03AM (9/07/2007)
Toyota needs to get diesel engines to the USA ASAP
Don 2:26PM (9/07/2007)
Shee-it...I need his job.
John P. 9:14AM (9/07/2007)
Toyotas are the most beautiful sporty cars ever sold in the history of the world and if only they'd put big racing stripes on the Prius I'd buy one, or two.
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geo.stewart 10:35AM (9/07/2007)
ROFLMAO
geo.stewart 10:37AM (9/07/2007)
ROFLMAO
b00st3d 9:19AM (9/07/2007)
bring the ft-hs sooner!
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Paul Henriques 9:27AM (9/07/2007)
Toyotas are boring. Hope he reads that.
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Dave in MI 9:32AM (9/07/2007)
He writes the posts about how well his Corrolla handles and how neat it is that his Lexus can park itself.
They sell people movers, who cares what enthusiasts think?
They never sell 'sport' without 'appearance' immediately behind it.
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Stoneman 11:27AM (9/07/2007)
LOL. Maybe he should step up from the Corolla and into a Subaru.
spdracerut 9:37AM (9/07/2007)
I agree. The last time Toyota built anything more exciting than stale bread, and that was affordable, was the All-Trac Celica. That was a very very long time ago. I have two friends that work for Toyota, one in TRD even, and neither drive Toyota/Lexus/Scion because they don't offer anything remotely sporty.
The Scion tC is a joke as far as being sporty. The Civic Si, Mini Cooper S, Mazdaspeed 3, and VW GTI are all much better buys. The last MR2 Spyder couldn't compete with the Miata. What happened to the good ole turbo MR2? The last Celica GTS was a pretty good handler, but the motor was seriously lacking; it's basically known as a 'chick' car.
I'm sure the upcoming IS-F will be nice, but I'd probably go with a BMW M3 as Lexus has never been known for great handling cars. I sure as heck can't afford their 'supercar' that Toyota/Lexus is coming out with.
I guess if all you want is a lazy boy that'll get you from point A to B, a Toyota will do.
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importjap 8:06AM (9/09/2007)
Supra twin turbo over the Celica for me thanks. Though either will do compared to the whitegoods on wheels Toyo's throwing out these days.
Allan 9:38AM (9/07/2007)
This sounds like a job that I would want to do. Get paid to read the internet. I would have been rich a long time ago.
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Johnnie 9:44AM (9/07/2007)
Not a bad gig.
Just too bad it's for Toyota.
I mean Camry's and Prius' are fun stuff! LOL
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John R 9:50AM (9/07/2007)
Read this: Bring the Caldina GT-four Stateside, please! [Sticks out hand like Stephen Colbert]
I also second the motion for a hachi-roku
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felipe 9:53AM (9/07/2007)
i want a new supra for christmas..... oh and i hear there is a COO job open @ toyota, you should put in for it.
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Thunder 9:55AM (9/07/2007)
I think Toyota has done a good job of continuously making their processes more efficient and less expensive, even though the recent recalls don't seem to reflect it at the moment. Once they get the quality back on track I'd really like to see them focus on building a few cars for the enthusiast that are lightweight, look good (it's not a refrigerator), and are efficient.
It seems like most car companies are guilty of not acknowledging people that really enjoy driving. Where are the cars that weigh under 3,000 pounds, better yet under 2,500? When will we see advanced materials like hyper-car carbon fiber? Why don't most sports cars have a large easy-to-read tach front and center? Besides the fuel and temperature gauges we also want accurate oil, voltage and turbo gauges. The mid 80's Celica/Supra had an edgy look and it was a fun sports car with rear wheel drive, what happened to that?
Also make the cars ergonomic with the shifter and controls easy to reach and use without looking at them. Next make all of the touch-points high quality and a pleasure to use. Why not add Recaro seats and Momo steering wheels/shifters or make them available as an option?
Toyota's, like most automobiles, are appliances. Where is the passion? The Evo and past versions of the WRX (the new WRX look though has lost its way) are great examples of great products with a passionate following. Where is Toyota and the other manufacturers?
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paul34 10:12AM (9/07/2007)
Well said. In addition, Toyota needs to fix their manual transmissions - in particular, I am quite unhappy with the throttle response of my Scion tC.
Not only is the DBW imprecise (it often ignores some of the smaller, more precise throttle blips I need for some downshifts), but I believe there is a heavy stock flywheel which results in a "lag" before the throttle actually responds.
howard 11:03AM (9/07/2007)
Thunder; I must relate an incident to you since you mentioned the seats in TOYOTA's!
I hvae a friend who buys only foreign cars, (I won't say automobiles because I consider U.S. made/and named vehicles the AUTOMOBILES OF THE WORLD!) Anyhow, he has a LEXUS LS430, I had business in California so he said he would go with me and we can go in his Lexus! Wrong decision! By the time I rode to L.A. and back i couldn't hardly walk! It took two weeks for my CHIROPRACTOR to get my back in shape. I told him ; You should go to a wrecking yard, pick out a pair og late model CHRYSLER seats and have them re-covered in the LEXUS materials! I weigh around 215-225 and am 6'5", he's 5'11" and weighs around 180-200 soaking wet! Those cars aren't made for "PEOPLE" they're made for Japanese, 4'9" to 5'3 Ill bet you'd never see SUMO wrestler riding in one! "Those damn seats were like riding on the floor, $60,000 for a piece of junk like that, no way!
Now, when we and they go out I INSIST on taking my Automobile, a 1991 PLYMOUTh ALLIANCE, it out ride, out handles and gets within 2 mpg of his LEXUS, HWY 30, his HWY 32
Takeo 2:12PM (9/07/2007)
You're Scum Howard:
People shorter than you are still "people" despite what you think, and being 6'5" and 230+ pounds isn't an advantage in anything other than a physical contest (and sometimes not even then).
I think the only car that would fit you comfortably is a hearse.