Waymo and Toyota Tuesday dropped content-free news of “a preliminary agreement” to collaborate on “exploring” the development and deployment of autonomous driving technologies.
Junko, one different Go-to-Market idea offered by Toyota to their dealer network a few years ago in a Dallas based briefing on future trends was a different leasing model that offered a "range of cars" to be available to leaseholders. Say a truck, large suv and HEV (hybrid). A consumer with this lease, could "check-out" what ever model was "appropriate" for use during the term of the lease. I could have a red SUV that matches my college game colors for tail-gate parties and then, swap out for a truck when I'm moving things or gardening and also get a HEV for my commuting. This keeps the dealer interactions with consumers higher, with "stickiness" to Toyota models. And it offsets the higher costs of this model with the ability to swap cars like wardrobes.
I also agree, “Tap a stone bridge before crossing it.” Japan is cautious with regard to introducing new technologies. Japan has not forgotten Demming's influence (father of quality), while others seem to careen from disaster to disaster with new software pushes to obfuscate issues.
For one, I don't need car software updates like my Mac or iphone -- wonderful new features that require my understanding to deselect new options and just make it work the way it did yesterday.
Progress should be considered, rathern than "slinging spaghetti" features -- just because you can, doesn't mean you should.
Junko, one different Go-to-Market idea offered by Toyota to their dealer network a few years ago in a Dallas based briefing on future trends was a different leasing model that offered a "range of cars" to be available to leaseholders. Say a truck, large suv and HEV (hybrid). A consumer with this lease, could "check-out" what ever model was "appropriate" for use during the term of the lease. I could have a red SUV that matches my college game colors for tail-gate parties and then, swap out for a truck when I'm moving things or gardening and also get a HEV for my commuting. This keeps the dealer interactions with consumers higher, with "stickiness" to Toyota models. And it offsets the higher costs of this model with the ability to swap cars like wardrobes.
I also agree, “Tap a stone bridge before crossing it.” Japan is cautious with regard to introducing new technologies. Japan has not forgotten Demming's influence (father of quality), while others seem to careen from disaster to disaster with new software pushes to obfuscate issues.
For one, I don't need car software updates like my Mac or iphone -- wonderful new features that require my understanding to deselect new options and just make it work the way it did yesterday.
Progress should be considered, rathern than "slinging spaghetti" features -- just because you can, doesn't mean you should.