From
MSNBC/The New Yorker:
In the current atmosphere of economic tumult, the announcement that Toyota sold 160,000 more cars than General Motors in the first three months of this year might seem like a minor news item. But it may very well signal the end of one of the most remarkable runs in business history.
For 77 years, in good times and bad, GM has sold more cars annually than any other company in the world. But Toyota has long been the auto industry’s most profitable and innovative firm. And this year it appears likely to become, finally, the industry’s sales leader, too.
GM makes great cars now...but their reputation precedes them. Toyota has had some quality issues lately...but their reputation precedes them.
Interesting article...we talked a lot about kaizen and Deming and TQM in my Masters classes.