think before you buy a Toyota - they support gun control..

[bwiese]

California is one of Toyota's largest markets. It's time to hit them in the pocketbook. Anyone who knows off-road & racing types (these folks often share gun interests, or are at least anti-BS-regulation mindset) should pass this on.

Print this article out. If you're shopping for a car and are in a Toyota dealership, ask the sales manager to explain this - after test drive & initial negotiations, if you have the time/inclination to have a bit of fun. An inadquate explanation can readily be responded to by walking out so you don't have to feel like you're on the hook to buy a car (car dealers are trained to put a variety of social, etc. pressure on you so you feel you have to buy, so beware you're walking into the lion's den if you don't wanna 'accidentally' buy a car :) ) Enough test-drive walkouts mentioning this WILL get up the chain to regional mgr.

BTW, this appears to be more than passive support for "good kids" showing community involvement, this level of detail shows their marketing/'community support' staff actively supports antigun position as corporate policy. I'm pretty sure the comments will run, "Toyota avidly supports American sportsmens' right to hunt and pursue outdoor activities, and is working to keep America safe with sensible gun laws" - much like what Levi Strauss said directly after being challenged when they started/assisted PAX. (You wear Lee jeans now, don't you?)

Write your letters to Toyota USA's CEO.

Funny thing is, Toyota under its previous name, Toyoda, seemed to enjoy making a variety of armaments during WWII, many of which killed Americans/Allies or Chinese.


http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2005/05/13/076740.html


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Toyota Awards $1.12 Million in Scholarships to 100 High School Seniors


Winners at top of class in both academics and community service

LOUISVILLE, Ky., May 13 -- Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., (TMS) rewarded 100 high school seniors with $1.12 million in college scholarships for their commitment to education and community service at an awards banquet tonight.

The winners, who make up the ninth class of Toyota Community Scholars, were chosen from a pool of nearly 10,000 students nationwide nominated by their schools. To be eligible, students must be proven leaders both in the classroom and in their communities.

Based on the countless service projects conducted by the 2005 class, it is clear these 100 students view community service not as an obligation, but a way of life. As one Scholar, Lucia Crenshaw of Memphis, Tenn., put it: "I have found that I am happiest when I am helping others. Although I don't know where I am going or exactly what I am going to do, I do know my community- service involvement will carry on throughout my life."

For the 2005 class, their dreams of making a difference became reality through programs ranging from building "asthma-friendly" rooms for children in homeless shelters, to collecting over 12,500 care-package items for military troops, to raising over $150,000 for cancer-stricken children.

"These students reflect everything that is good about America. Their dedication both to academics and community service is an inspiration to all of us," said Michael Rouse, TMS corporate manager of philanthropy and community affairs. "We are proud to honor and salute 100 of the future leaders of this country."

The scholarships are valued at $20,000 or $10,000 each, over four years, for study at a four-year college or university starting in the fall of 2005. Since the Toyota Community Scholars program began in 1997, TMS has awarded over $10 million in scholarships to 900 students across the U.S.

Theodoros Milonopoulos, a Toyota Community Scholar residing in Los Angeles, is a prime example of the dedication to community service exhibited by this year's class. Through his leadership and effort in the area of gun control, the City of Los Angeles banned .50 caliber sniper rifles, plus reauthorized the Federal Assault Weapons Ban. Also, this Scholar - along with the Los Angeles Police Department - organized a rally where 2,000 crime guns were melted down. Consequently, Milonopoulos, like many of the Scholars, found community service to be the roadmap to what he wants to do in the future. "I plan to become a lawyer after studying constitutional law. It is my dream to serve in Congress so that I can continue to be the voice for our nation's youth."


The Toyota Community Scholars program is administered by Educational Testing Services in Princeton, N.J. The 12 national winners ($20,000 each) and 88 regional winners ($10,000 each) were selected by a panel of college and university admissions officials from across the U.S.

The scholarship winners were guests of honor tonight at an awards banquet in Louisville that was attended by education, community, business and government leaders. Actor/writer/community activist George Takei - who portrayed Mr. Sulu in the television show Star Trek - was the featured speaker.

The two-and-a-half-day program included a tour of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc., in Georgetown, which builds the Camry, Avalon and Solara vehicles. In addition, the Scholars cruised the Ohio River on the Belle of Louisville (a historic paddle wheeler), as well as participated in a "ride and drive" that put them behind the wheel of three Toyota vehicles: the Scion xA, xB, and tC.

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion in the United States, marketing products and services through a network of 1,415 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers in 49 states. Established in 1957, TMS and its subsidiaries also are involved in distribution logistics, motor sports, R&D and general aviation. The company's main website is www.toyota.com .

[i]{list of names/schools of $10K scholars snipped}

************************************************** **
2005 TOYOTA COMMUNITY SCHOLARS Community Service Snapshots Following is a small sampling of community service projects performed by the 2005 class of Toyota Community Scholars (more detail can be provided upon request; student interviews can also be arranged): * At age 11, founded Kidz Voice-LA, an organization aimed at putting an end to gun violence against kids. His efforts have resulted in the banning of .50 caliber sniper rifles, as well as the reauthorization of the Federal Assault Weapons Ban in Los Angeles. Also, this scholar - along with the Los Angeles Police Department - organized a rally where 2,000 crime guns were melted down. (Theodoros Milonopoulos, Studio City, Calif.)

[Centurion_D]

Good post...I will definately not be purchasing any toyota cars in the future.

[jumbopanda]

Theodoros Milonopoulos, a Toyota Community Scholar residing in Los Angeles, is a prime example of the dedication to community service exhibited by this year's class. Through his leadership and effort in the area of gun control, the City of Los Angeles banned .50 caliber sniper rifles, plus reauthorized the Federal Assault Weapons Ban. Also, this Scholar - along with the Los Angeles Police Department - organized a rally where 2,000 crime guns were melted down. Consequently, Milonopoulos, like many of the Scholars, found community service to be the roadmap to what he wants to do in the future. "I plan to become a lawyer after studying constitutional law. It is my dream to serve in Congress so that I can continue to be the voice for our nation's youth.

This tone in which this is written is what really infuriates me. The writer just assumes that it is normal to support gun control.

Yea kid, study all the constitutional law you want, just make sure you don't accidentally read amendment number two. :rolleyes:

As for Toyota, I don't think this means they support gun control. They simply gave out scholarships to those who showed some sort of leadership, community involvement, etc. Doesn't necessarily mean they back that kid's opinions. A few scholarship bucks doesn't mean anything. Now if they started pouring money into the Brady Bunch, then we have a problem.

[12voltguy]

This tone in which this is written is what really infuriates me. The writer just assumes that it is normal to support gun control.

Yea kid, study all the constitutional law you want, just make sure you don't accidentally read amendment number two. :rolleyes:

As for Toyota, I don't think this means they support gun control. They simply gave out scholarships to those who showed some sort of leadership, community involvement, etc. Doesn't necessarily mean they back that kid's opinions. A few scholarship bucks doesn't mean anything. Now if they started pouring money into the Brady Bunch, then we have a problem.

you got it.

if you choose to shop via this way, you may not be able to buy food gas or shoes etc as the stores might conflict with guns, abortion, etc with your views.

Can get very tricky........:eek:

[TonyM]

Darn.

Well, at least I got my Prius for $500 under invoice (there's quite a few on the lots since they ramped production through the roof and gas prices went below $3.xx per gallon).

I guess I'll just have to make sure I hit them up for any and every squeak with warranty service.

[donger]

Darn.

Well, at least I got my Prius for $500 under invoice (there's quite a few on the lots since they ramped production through the roof and gas prices went below $3.xx per gallon).

I guess I'll just have to make sure I hit them up for any and every squeak with warranty service.

Pfft, Prius. That's a chick's car!!!;)

[patman]

It attracts chicks to ride with you? ;)

My main car's a 20+ year old Toyota so I got my money worth. The other's a Ford truck - the gas costs offsets each other.

Will try out showing the article though the next time we 'test drive.'

Pfft, Prius. That's a chick's car!!!;)

[TonyM]

Pfft, Prius. That's a chick's car!!!;)


Chicks car?

I drive 72 miles each way to, and from work. I drive fast, I've been told I drive insanely fast by most people I know. I still get 40-44mpg average, and I cross 2 serious mountains on the trip to work, so the car is working to keep me at speed.

So, I'll drive a "Chick's car" for that, it beats the 13mpg best I get out of my '05 Silverado Z71. ;)

[Phantom_Piney]

Good post but rather disturbing...:rolleyes: for I work at a Toyota dealership and do my best to promote firearms in a safe and responsible manner.

[dwtt]

Chicks car?

I drive 72 miles each way to, and from work. I drive fast, I've been told I drive insanely fast by most people I know. I still get 40-44mpg average, and I cross 2 serious mountains on the trip to work, so the car is working to keep me at speed.

So, I'll drive a "Chick's car" for that, it beats the 13mpg best I get out of my '05 Silverado Z71. ;)
You can buy a midsize motorcycle that will go much faster than you would dare in a Prius and still get 45 mpg. That's real world gas milage. If you're willing to slow down a bit to ~75mph, a bike like the EX500 would get you 50mpg.
I always get a laugh when I see those people who buy Prius' and think they are getting high milage. Motorcycles have been doing it for decades.

As for Toyota, I don't know if they have a corporate policy of supporting gun control, but seeing as they are a company based in a country that bans gun ownership, and are politically aware, I wouldn't be surprise if they do support gun control to be politically correct.

[DedEye]

Darn.

Well, at least I got my Prius for $500 under invoice (there's quite a few on the lots since they ramped production through the roof and gas prices went below $3.xx per gallon).

I guess I'll just have to make sure I hit them up for any and every squeak with warranty service.

I've always wondered, and even asked a Toyota dealer this: Can you mount a gunrack in the back window of your Prius :D.

I always get a laugh when I see those people who buy Prius' and think they are getting high milage. Motorcycles have been doing it for decades.

Maybe so, but can you fit four other people on your bike, as well as a trunk full of food/guns/other cargo? What about protection from the elements, heating and AC and rain and all that fun jazz? I'm sure motorcycles are fun and have their place, but they're not for everyone or every occasion.

[TonyM]

You can buy a midsize motorcycle that will go much faster than you would dare in a Prius and still get 45 mpg. That's real world gas milage. If you're willing to slow down a bit to ~75mph, a bike like the EX500 would get you 50mpg.
I always get a laugh when I see those people who buy Prius' and think they are getting high milage. Motorcycles have been doing it for decades.

As for Toyota, I don't know if they have a corporate policy of supporting gun control, but seeing as they are a company based in a country that bans gun ownership, and are politically aware, I wouldn't be surprise if they do support gun control to be politically correct.


I've had 12 motorcycles in the last 15 years, I am quite aware. My last pair were a 2002 GSXR1000 and A 2002 R1. I just like to commute with a heater, and w/o getting wet from the rain and fog on Vasco road.

Also, the people that drive 680 and vasco road on their cellphones don't give me a warm and fuzzy feeling about trusting them not to run me over, so when I did commute on the bikes I was always ultra paranoid on those days. After 10 hours at work, I can't maintain the extra alertness required.

Oh, and I've had my '07 Prius up to 108mph many times. With the Touring suspension it actually handles the turns on Vasco and 84 very well.

:)

[Stanze]

you got it.

if you choose to shop via this way, you may not be able to buy food gas or shoes etc as the stores might conflict with guns, abortion, etc with your views.

Can get very tricky........:eek:

I neither agree, nor disagree, but to add my .02 to the pot. Henry Ford wrote anti-semetic writings that were translated and adopted by the Nazis(who supported gun control) who founded Volkswagon who were allies with the Japanese who used Mitzubishi built Zeros to bomb Pearl Harbor,...not to mention all the Made in China stuff that is used on a daily basis, 7-11 supports Gun Control,...the list goes on.:confused:

[TonyM]

I neither agree, nor disagree, but to add my .02 to the pot. Henry Ford wrote anti-semetic writings that were translated and adopted by the Nazis(who supported gun control) who founded Volkswagon who were allies with the Japanese who used Mitzubishi built Zeros to bomb Pearl Harbor,...not to mention all the Made in China stuff that is used on a daily basis, 7-11 supports Gun Control,...the list goes on.:confused:

I think you're right, it'd be much easier to only support people on the much shorter list of those that don't support Gun Control.

Of the major corporations, I bet the list would be small enough to fit on a regulation sized Post-It Note from Office Depot. Assuming that those two companies (3M and Office Depot) aren't Anti, cause then we'd need to find another medium to carry the list around on. ;)

[WokMaster1]

Bill, could you please point out to me exactly where it says that Toyota actually supports gun control? I just can't seem to find anything. Thanks.

[SemiAutoSam]

OK BOYCOTT anything made in china and any company or corporation that brings anything into the US that abdicates gun control.

I would love to do this But I feel I would be the only one doing such.

It would be nice if the fed Gov would just halt all imports and we could start making the products that we need and be a lot more self sufficient.

[Scarecrow Repair]

This isn't even a molehill. The kid is the one at fault, not Toyota. If Toyota wasted their time micromanaging every little program so as to not offen anybody anywhere, they'd be selling toothpicks made from thin air. I doubt anyone at Toyota HQ even knows what these were awarded for. Probably some comittee say the hours met the standards, he had requisite signatures on some form, and the bureaucratic procedure approved it.

And if I were to boycott everybody and everything which had such a minor whiff of gun control, I'd be living in a cave and eating manzanita berries. I wouldn't even have a gun to kill a bear for its skin, and brother, believe me, it's cold outside this time of year.

[paradox]

And if I were to boycott everybody and everything which had such a minor whiff of gun control, I'd be living in a cave and eating manzanita berries.

The birds are digging the manzanita berries right now. They must be fermented to just the right consistency. Hey BW, you didn’t hit the manzanita berries before posting, did you?

[Corbin Dallas]

I neither agree, nor disagree, but to add my .02 to the pot. Henry Ford wrote anti-semetic writings that were translated and adopted by the Nazis(who supported gun control) who founded Volkswagon who were allies with the Japanese who used Mitzubishi built Zeros to bomb Pearl Harbor,...not to mention all the Made in China stuff that is used on a daily basis, 7-11 supports Gun Control,...the list goes on.:confused:

Don't forget to add costco to that list....

If I were to stop buying stuff from Kommiefornia business' that supported gun control, I'd have to make it all myself.

[Centurion_D]

Don't forget to add costco to that list....

If I were to stop buying stuff from Kommiefornia business' that supported gun control, I'd have to make it all myself.

Costco?!..really? You mean to tell me they jumped on the gun control band wagon? :mad:

[1911_sfca]

The birds are digging the manzanita berries right now. They must be fermented to just the right consistency. Hey BW, you didn’t hit the manzanita berries before posting, did you?

I heard that the birds support gun control too, so you probably shouldn't even eat the manzanita berries.

[paradox]

I heard that the birds support gun control too, so you probably shouldn't even eat the manzanita berries.

Damn birds. That would explain the birds ****ting on on my workbench when I was bedding my A2 Scope. Good thing drunk birds don’t aim well: they missed me and my AR.

Then again the birds could’ve been ignoring me in their flight from the oak to the manzanita bush. I imagine if I hit the berries, I’d be dripping down my leg too....

[CalNRA]

in this case don't buy any American cars periods.

let's see, the big three are bound by the UAW, which is a union, and thus heavily democrat oriented, and guess what kind of work the Democrats have done in our life time.

Chrysler is owned by Daimler Benz, a German firm, which made, among other things, Hitler's personal motor coach.

General Motors? heck how many cars do they make south of the border?

Yep, the lists is definitely shrinking very very fast.

[kenc9]

Oh man oh man…Toyota backed gun control…What kind? Gun control from gang bangers and bank robbers? I could be for that. I remember George Bush saying he was for the federal assault weapons ban if the bill made it to his desk.

We are doing our best to have “RED COMMUNIST CHINA” have all the worlds industry go there and not to mention our jobs but they also are for the end of our way of life of being free. Most of the Muslim countries hate us and teach their kids to want to kill us but we pour trillions of dollars their way for their oil.

My point is there are many more things to boycott and be against than Toyota!

So let’s boycott China, the East, Bush, Toyota, Ebay, Paypal and congress for not building the wall and letting the two border guards go to jail for protecting our border. Mexico for letting them sell drugs over the border along with all the illegals pouring in.

Well written article though.:D

[!@#$]

i like my toyota

[sthornwall]

I only buy from American owned compamies like GM, Ford or Dodge/Chrysler anyway. Toyota is not American in my eyes because the majority of the profits go overseas and don't stay in the U.S. Even though Toyota manufactures in the U.S. it's still not the same to me. This is just one more reason for me to never by imports and especially a Toyota. Besides I am looking to buy a Chevy that can run on Ethanol/E85 which, to the best of my knowledge, you can't get in an import. Hybrids are worthless if you drive them on the freeway anyway which I do most of my driving.

Helping to keep it in the U.S. as best as I can.

[VeryCoolCat]

Well their vehicles ARE used in many countries as war/military vehicles. Go Figure.

[ghostrider4evr]

Big deal, so if the same thing was put in the media about the big 3 American automakers, would you not buy their products? I highly doubt it. It doesn't change the fact that Toyota makes a quality product.

[blacklisted]

I only buy from American owned compamies like GM, Ford or Dodge/Chrysler anyway. Toyota is not American in my eyes because the majority of the profits go overseas and don't stay in the U.S. Even though Toyota manufactures in the U.S. it's still not the same to me. This is just one more reason for me to never by imports and especially a Toyota. Besides I am looking to buy a Chevy that can run on Ethanol/E85 which, to the best of my knowledge, you can't get in an import. Hybrids are worthless if you drive them on the freeway anyway which I do most of my driving.

Helping to keep it in the U.S. as best as I can.

Wouldn't that be DaimlerChrysler, which is mostly owned by German shareholders?

[ghostrider4evr]

Wouldn't that be DaimlerChrysler, which is mostly owned by German shareholders?

Ja!:)

[BrianK_73]

I think if you look far enough, almost every organization or business is somehow tied to gun control. It's sad. While not buying their products would seem effective, I'd rather send them a letter directly and let them know of my displeasure.

Toyota has a quality product that is being purchased by too many people for them to see a loss of only a few a year (how many here were going to buy a Toyota this year?).

Write a letter - tell them you want to see them support shooting sports.

[Kruzr]

They gave one of a hundred scholarships for community service to one kid who worked for the .50 ban. Until we know what the other 99 were awarded for, it's a bit of a leap of faith to say Toyota supports gun control based on this.

[ligamentum flavum]

snipped for brevity

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2005/05/13/076740.html
[size=3]


Based on the countless service projects conducted by the 2005 class, it is clear these 100 students view community service not as an obligation, but a way of life. As one Scholar, Lucia Crenshaw of Memphis, Tenn., put it: "I have found that I am happiest when I am helping others. Although I don't know where I am going or exactly what I am going to do, I do know my community- service involvement will carry on throughout my life."

For the 2005 class, their dreams of making a difference became reality through programs ranging from building "asthma-friendly" rooms for children in homeless shelters, to collecting over 12,500 care-package items for military troops, to raising over $150,000 for cancer-stricken children.

"These students reflect everything that is good about America. Their dedication both to academics and community service is an inspiration to all of us," said Michael Rouse, TMS corporate manager of philanthropy and community affairs. "We are proud to honor and salute 100 of the future leaders of this country."

The scholarships are valued at $20,000 or $10,000 each, over four years, for study at a four-year college or university starting in the fall of 2005. Since the Toyota Community Scholars program began in 1997, TMS has awarded over $10 million in scholarships to 900 students across the U.S.




They also support homeless children who have asthma and U.S. military service personnel.

I will continue to support Toyota Motor Corp. To each his own.

[proraptor]

Darn.

Well, at least I got my Prius for $500 under invoice (there's quite a few on the lots since they ramped production through the roof and gas prices went below $3.xx per gallon).

I guess I'll just have to make sure I hit them up for any and every squeak with warranty service.

You couldnt pay me to drive that chick car....That thing is worse than the new VW bug they came out with and the PT cruiser....

[Phantom_Piney]

Darn.........I need a Toyota PU with its very own NRA sticker as a option, on a 2007 tundra with a ever ready V8. :p I guess I need to put that on my to do list. heeh.:D

[arguy15]

Toyotas are great cars, unfortunately.

In Sacramento they are having the Sportsman’s Expo with the Toyota off Road Test Drive area. This would be the perfect time to pass out some flyers.

[anotherone]

Although I'm disappointed that Toyota has contributed financially and perhaps also logistically to gun control, I won't be boycotting their products any day soon. Toyota builds superior vehicles that are more reliable than other products, acheive superior gas mileage, and are very high in terms of quality as well. My Toyota truck made it through another hunting season this year that included some pretty brutal off-roading to get to my favorite spots, and started up every time in below freezing temperatures. It also helped me get my friend to his favorite spots to hunt ducks on two occaisions when his Chevy truck broke down and was in the shop :p !

I love what you do for me Toyota!

[spitkiss]

dam! but i really want the new Fj cruiser

[Rugerdaddy]

At age 11, founded Kidz Voice-LA, an organization aimed at putting an end to gun violence against kids. His efforts have resulted in the banning of .50 caliber sniper rifles, as well as the reauthorization of the Federal Assault Weapons Ban in Los Angeles.

As this was part of an effort to end gun violence against kids, I would like to see the statistics, both pre and post, of the numbers of children killed in LA by .50 caliber sniper rifles and/or assault weapons. :rolleyes:

[azn_wrx]

Big deal, so if the same thing was put in the media about the big 3 American automakers, would you not buy their products? I highly doubt it. It doesn't change the fact that Toyota makes a quality product.

Well I guess that is your opinion. I think they have gone down hill now that most of their cars are assembled in America. Now Lexus is a different story and I will always love their sedans (RX series is made in Canada and USA) so long as they are made in Japan.

[Paul]

Did I read this correctly that one of the kids out of the hundreds has an anti-gun rights project? Wow.

I have it on pretty good account that the California DOJ drives Ford and Chrysler cars and trucks!

[bwiese]

My ***** is that their community relations mgr etc looked into these details and found them acceptable - that is, these actions were knowning and willing and de facto endorsed.

If Milowhatever's application were submarined in without touting gun control support to Toyota, and it only later was revealed (i.e., initially couched as "working with youths to stop gang crime") I'd not have an issue with Toyota.

Toyota senior staff made a concious decision to alienate part of their prospective customer base because they backed a controversial matter - they should reap what they sow.

Most intelligent companies back banal feel-good things or "feed the children", etc. and stay away from anything that skews their product(s) toward or away from subpopulations. You think Toyota will alienate one base by awarding scholarships for "studying the way to bring Palestinian independence?" Or for "helping Democrats be a more viable party?" (or Republicans, for that matter). I'm absolutely sure they wouldn't give scholarships/awards to someone "...helping prevent sexual transmissible diseases in the adult film industry".

Of course not. Those smell bad and skewed or offensive to certain segments - but the gun control concept is ingrained enough in their folks that they regard it as a "normal course of events" that it goes without passing comment.

[Scarecrow Repair]

Toyota senior staff made a concious decision to alienate part of their prospective customer base because they backed a controversial matter - they should reap what they sow.

I understand that point of view, but my experience with huge corporations is that this kind of stuff is not handled by senior staff, just by some PR flunky. It bothers me about as much as if they had been found to buy parts from a country under embargo, such as South Africa during apartheid.

I would be surprised if senior staff even knew about the program beyond signing some paper and passing it down the chain of command several levels until some flunky got stuck with it because he had no one to buck it to.

[Kruzr]

http://155.7.40.58/americasupportsyou/Content.aspx?ID=44655223

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2006 - Don Esmond, a Vietnam War hero, walked into the Toyota Motor Sales in Torrance, Calif., one day in early 2004 and told the staff he wanted the company to develop a hiring program for guardsmen and reservists returning to civilian life from the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan.

The idea from Esmond, Toyota's senior vice president of automotive operations and a highly decorated Vietnam War veteran, turned into the Toyota and Lexus "Hire-a-Hero" program, launched in September 2004. Hire-a-Hero worked so well that Patrick Stluka, Toyota's national labor relations manager, nominated the company for the 2005 Secretary of Defense Freedom Award, which the company won.

The award recognizes employers who go the extra mile to support their employees who serve the nation as guardsmen or reservists.

Stluka knows the needs of military people because he served in the Navy from 1970 to 1980 and then joined the Naval Reserve. He retired in 1993 while serving as the command master chief of the San Bernardino U.S. Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center.

"The Hire-a-Hero program is a tool to make members of the military aware of job opportunities available at independently owned Toyota and Lexus dealerships," explained Toyota spokeswoman Charlotte Lassos. "The company benefits by hiring a diverse group of individuals who have typically demonstrated commitment and responsibility and have attained skills and leadership abilities while on military duty."

When Toyota-employed guardsmen and reservists are called to active duty, they keep their health care benefits, including medical, dental and vision; their life insurance continues; and they can continue their 401K contributions or make a "catch-up" payment into the 401K when they return from active duty. They also can elect to keep their lease car or turn it in without early-return penalty, and Toyota has designated an ombudsman to assist Guard and Reserve employees and their families while the employees fulfill their military obligation........

Toyota also has come to the aid of wounded servicemembers with care packages when the troops return from fighting the war on terrorism. Toyota donated a 2004 Sienna Rampvan -- a van modified to be driven by mobility-limited drivers and with room for up to three wheelchairs -- to the Paralyzed Veterans of America.

The company also made a $250,000 down payment on an endowment to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation that will total $1.25 million over five years. Toyota also received agreement from 1,422 Toyota and Lexus dealers from across America to support guardsmen and reservists.



If we use bwiese's faulty logic here, a boycott of Toyota products is tantamount to a protest against our veterans. SO, BUY TOYOTA PRODUCTS TO SUPPORT OUR MILITARY!

[Corbin Dallas]

I only buy from American owned compamies like GM, Ford or Dodge/Chrysler anyway. Toyota is not American in my eyes because the majority of the profits go overseas and don't stay in the U.S. Even though Toyota manufactures in the U.S. it's still not the same to me. This is just one more reason for me to never by imports and especially a Toyota. Besides I am looking to buy a Chevy that can run on Ethanol/E85 which, to the best of my knowledge, you can't get in an import. Hybrids are worthless if you drive them on the freeway anyway which I do most of my driving.

Helping to keep it in the U.S. as best as I can.


Yea, because the big3 are all made in america....

What kind of TV do you own? I'll bet it's not a GE or RCA...

My truck (TUNDRA) was made in the good old USA by AMERICANS that the big 3 FIRED and Toyota picked up!!! I am SUPPORTING America by PAYING AMERICANS.....

Your CHEVY you want, is made by MEXICANS... oh yea, the Nissan truck runs on E85 and it's an import.

[dwtt]

My truck (TUNDRA) was made in the good old USA by AMERICANS that the big 3 FIRED and Toyota picked up!!! I am SUPPORTING America by PAYING AMERICANS.....

Your CHEVY you want, is made by MEXICANS... oh yea, the Nissan truck runs on E85 and it's an import.

The Toyota Corolla, Matrix, and Tacoma and the Pontiac Vibe are made down the street from where I live. It's on Fremont Blvd in Fremont. They have tours and I think it would be great to have some of the local Calguns readers visit so they can be more informed the next time threads like this one comes up.
http://www.nummi.com/tours.html

[ghostrider4evr]

Well I guess that is your opinion. I think they have gone down hill now that most of their cars are assembled in America. Now Lexus is a different story and I will always love their sedans (RX series is made in Canada and USA) so long as they are made in Japan.

Oh its a little more than just my opinion. Last time I checked, the Corolla, Tacoma, Matrix, and Solara were still on the Consumer reports list for top reliability vehicles.

[Omega13device]

This is a tempest in a teapot. Toyota is about building cars, they are not on a campaign to ban guns so you're not going to accomplish anything by boycotting them.

[bwiese]

This is a tempest in a teapot. Toyota is about building cars, they are not on a campaign to ban guns so you're not going to accomplish anything by boycotting them.

I will then ask, if Theo Milowhatever had spent equal amount of dedication, effort, time, expense in promoting gun safety, organizing Eddie Eagle operations, teaching folks to shoot, etc. would he have still received such an award?

Not a friggin' chance in even a wet hell.

Again, Toyota USA mgmt has an appropriateness level for these awards. Somehow a layer of mgmt thinks this is appropriate because (1) it doesn't offend enough of their customer base or (2) they think it's good.

Either way, we should show them.

I can assure you GM & Ford would NOT make these mistakes, there is some sensitivity there to these issues.

[jumbopanda]

I will then ask, if Theo Milowhatever had spent equal amount of dedication, effort, time, expense in promoting gun safety, organizing Eddie Eagle operations, teaching folks to shoot, etc. would he have still received such an award?

Not a friggin' chance in even a wet hell.


Society wouldn't have given him nearly as much recognition, but that has nothing to do with Toyota really. Guns just aren't very PC I guess *shrug*

You can boycott Toyota if you feel strongly about this incident, but you're not going to rally up enough support to make a noticable difference. If you really care that much about one minor PR stunt, you might as well look through the NRA blacklist and boycott every company and person on that list.

[Kruzr]

I can assure you GM & Ford would NOT make these mistakes, there is some sensitivity there to these issues.
A simple Google search of Ford Foundation and gun control just might surprise you.
http://www.nraila.org/Issues/factsheets/read.aspx?ID=14
The Ford Foundation has provided financial grants to programs aimed at restricting gun ownership and regulating gun owners` rights.

Even more interesting:

http://www.calltodecision.com/Un%20gun%20Control.htm
How’s your blood pressure doing right about now? If you just bought a Ford your pressure may go thru the roof. You see, the Ford Foundation is one of the major funders of IANSA. Government funders are the governments of the UK, Belgium, Sweden and Norway. The other contributing foundations are the Rockefeller Foundation, Compton Foundation, Ploughshares Fund, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Open Society Institute, Samuel Rubin Foundation, and Christian Aid.

Returning to the Ford Foundation, their list of anti-self defense organizations they fund in addition to the IANSA includes, The Norwegian Initiative on Small Arms Transfers, Fund for Peace Arms and Conflict Program, and the Quaker UN Office.

(IANSA=International Action Network On Small Arms (IANSA). This international coalition includes 16 anti-gun groups from the United States. The most notable being, Million Mom March united with the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.)

Sure sounds like Ford is far more committed to anti-gun causes than Toyota is. Boycott Ford?

[bwiese]

A simple Google search of Ford Foundation and gun control just might surprise you.....
Sure sounds like Ford is far more committed to anti-gun causes than Toyota is. Boycott Ford?

You're confused.

The Ford Foundation is completely separate from Ford Motor Co. (it's charitable trust etc founded by members of the Ford family who donated money/stock), and its positions are entirely independent of Ford. It has existed separately and independently of FoMoCo for many years.

Some Ford family members (who have no affiliation w/Ford Motor Co. other than owning some Ford stock, may or may not still be associated with its operation. Whatever Ford Foundation's stance on a given subject is, it has no relation to that of Ford Motor itself.

You will notice that Ford Foundation website has no corp links to Ford Motor, Ford Motor staff, and no Ford logo. Years ago, some Ford family people happened to set this foundation up and let it run on its own.

By contrast, the Toyota stuff above is directly from the operating company (Toyota USA).

[Aluisious]

I don't like Toyotas anyway, they are really excessive with the trim/styling on their cars.

Honda has a more elegant and efficient look about it.

[STAGE 2]

I love my guns as much as the next guy, but come summertime I'm going to be crusing around in a new 4x4 tacoma. I could care less whether they were bought out by sarah brady. They've been making excellent trucks and 4x4's for the last 50 years. Thats all I care about.

[scootergmc]

These threads are always funny. If I boycotted every product whose company (quasi-)supported anything I didn't agree with, I'd be roaming naked living in a mud/ice/grass hut built on a crappy wooden raft floating in international waters.

My Dodge is a German vehicle made in Mexico. My Honda is a Japanese car made in America. My computer I'm typing on has parts from 50 million countries and is assembled by DELL. I have a Springfield made in Brazil. I'm pretty sure most of my house was built by illegal immigrants.

I'm sure I could dig up something on every company who's products I own. With that said, I'd rather just live my life.

[dondo]

These threads are always funny. If I boycotted every product whose company (quasi-)supported anything I didn't agree with, I'd be roaming naked living in a mud/ice/grass hut built on a crappy wooden raft floating in international waters.

My Dodge is a German vehicle made in Mexico. My Honda is a Japanese car made in America. My computer I'm typing on has parts from 50 million countries and is assembled by DELL. I have a Springfield made in Brazil. I'm pretty sure most of my house was built by illegal immigrants.

I'm sure I could dig up something on every company who's products I own. With that said, I'd rather just live my life.
Amen.

[sthornwall]

Yea, because the big3 are all made in america....

What kind of TV do you own? I'll bet it's not a GE or RCA...

My truck (TUNDRA) was made in the good old USA by AMERICANS that the big 3 FIRED and Toyota picked up!!! I am SUPPORTING America by PAYING AMERICANS.....

Your CHEVY you want, is made by MEXICANS... oh yea, the Nissan truck runs on E85 and it's an import.


Looks like I may have touched a nerve here...... sorry if I have done so. I am not debating that Toyota and Nissan employ Americans. And yes the big three have operations in Mexico and Canada as well as the majority in the U.S. but you should do some research, Toyota and Nissan ALSO have operations in those same locations. You have the freedom to choose your evil. I have as well as you have as that appears. There are a lot of people who drive imports and my previous statement may offend some. This is not my intention. I along with most here voice our opinions in a civil manner and don't feel the need to attack someone’s opinion with exclamation points. I see your point and have debated your exact point with countless others. Let’s agree to disagree. I will buy my American brand auto and you can buy your import, God Bless America and our freedom to choose. At least we agree that our 2nd amendment right is constantly under attack and this is why we post here. My previous post on this subject was not an aggressive response or an attack on anyone but a firm god given personal opinion, and I respect yours as well as any other who wishes to voice it in a civil manner.:)

[Corbin Dallas]

Looks like I may have touched a nerve here...... sorry if I have done so. I am not debating that Toyota and Nissan employ Americans. And yes the big three have operations in Mexico and Canada as well as the majority in the U.S. but you should do some research, Toyota and Nissan ALSO have operations in those same locations. You have the freedom to choose your evil. I have as well as you have as that appears. There are a lot of people who drive imports and my previous statement may offend some. This is not my intention. I along with most here voice our opinions in a civil manner and don't feel the need to attack someone’s opinion with exclamation points. I see your point and have debated your exact point with countless others. Let’s agree to disagree. I will buy my American brand auto and you can buy your import, God Bless America and our freedom to choose. At least we agree that our 2nd amendment right is constantly under attack and this is why we post here. My previous post on this subject was not an aggressive response or an attack on anyone but a firm god given personal opinion, and I respect yours as well as any other who wishes to voice it in a civil manner.:)

Sorry if you feel I attacked you in a personal matter, but it always kills me about how we should buy American because that's what matters.

However, in almost 90% of households, we buy what we need based on long term reputation.

Your post made it out to be that any "import" was an inferior product and that troubles me because you want to buy a Chevy truck that is completely made in another country. Not only that, but you failed to do any reasonable research on the E85 fuel, stating incorrectly that only the big 3 were using it.

You are correct, I am proud to be an American and I am proud of our country and what we have done. However, since intolerance breeds like wild rabbits at a country orgy, I will agree to disagree and leave it at that.

[Omega13device]

I will then ask, if Theo Milowhatever had spent equal amount of dedication, effort, time, expense in promoting gun safety, organizing Eddie Eagle operations, teaching folks to shoot, etc. would he have still received such an award?

Not a friggin' chance in even a wet hell.

Again, Toyota USA mgmt has an appropriateness level for these awards. Somehow a layer of mgmt thinks this is appropriate because (1) it doesn't offend enough of their customer base or (2) they think it's good.

Either way, we should show them.

I can assure you GM & Ford would NOT make these mistakes, there is some sensitivity there to these issues.
In the perfect world where you could convince them to change their mind, all they would do is refrain from giving out another award for the same thing.

BIG F'ING DEAL. The same time and energy spent elsewhere will have a much bigger impact.

[radioactivelego]

Darn.

Well, at least I got my Prius for $500 under invoice (there's quite a few on the lots since they ramped production through the roof and gas prices went below $3.xx per gallon).

I guess I'll just have to make sure I hit them up for any and every squeak with warranty service.Good luck when your Prius reaches 150,000 miles and you need to replace the $5,000 battery, when you were already are trying to make up for the fact that you spent $5,000 more than a Matrix XR.

Or, you know, a 2006 slightly used Jetta TDI that gets 60mpg city and will last for 500,000 miles.

[Scarecrow Repair]

Good luck when your Prius reaches 150,000 miles and you need to replace the $5,000 battery, when you were already are trying to make up for the fact that you spent $5,000 more than a Matrix XR.
I asked; cost was somewhere around $1700. It will also be cheaper than that as the years go by and batteries get cheaper and better.

I rented a Prius for a week and averaged 48 mpg, including one particular trip with four other tall adults in the car who said they did not feel cramped, city + freeway driving of around 50 miles total, stomping on the on ramp just to see what it would do, etc, and that trip also got 48 mpg.

[Taz77]

Good post but rather disturbing...:rolleyes: for I work at a Toyota dealership and do my best to promote firearms in a safe and responsible manner.

I work for a Toyota dealership too, and I know a dozen other people at our, or at other dealerships, that are gun owners... sales, techs, shuttle drivers, etc. You know that just because someone works at Toyota doesn't mean they work FOR Toyota. I work for Sonic Automotive...

[radioactivelego]

I asked; cost was somewhere around $1700. It will also be cheaper than that as the years go by and batteries get cheaper and better.

I rented a Prius for a week and averaged 48 mpg, including one particular trip with four other tall adults in the car who said they did not feel cramped, city + freeway driving of around 50 miles total, stomping on the on ramp just to see what it would do, etc, and that trip also got 48 mpg.I would LOVE to know what dealership told you it costs $1,700. And, again, the key difference here is that I can keep the maintennance on a Jetta with just $500 a year and not have to deal with waiting a couple days for them to replace a battery and charge for the hazmat disposal. Did I mention they're proven to last 500,000 miles? :)