For Immediate Release
Contact: Joshua Smith
jsmith@gpgdc.com
(202) 741-5570


TOYOTA DEALERS OUTRAGED OVER USE OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS ON GM INCENTIVES TARGETED AT THEIR CUSTOMERS

Toyota Dealers: “Their targeting of our customers using taxpayer dollars is reckless, unfair, and detrimental to the entire auto industry, and to the country.”

March 9, 2010—Today, Toyota dealers across the country are speaking out against General Motors using taxpayer dollars to fund unfair tactics that undermine their businesses. Last week, General Motors launched a nationwide predatory advertising campaign that uses fear in an attempt to lure customers away from Toyota and Lexus dealers.

“Toyota dealers across the country are business owners who stimulate local economies and pay taxes to the government,” said Paul Atkinson, President of the Toyota National Dealer Council and owner of Atkinson Toyota in Texas. “It is outrageous that GM is using our taxpayer dollars against us, making me and other Toyota dealers pay to undermine our own businesses.”

According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the U.S. government owns 60 percent of the equity in General Motors.

“These incentives fail to take into account that, despite some recent problems, Toyota still makes some of the best cars, trucks and SUVs on the road in America,” Atkinson continued. “These low-blow tactics pose a real threat to the citizens of the United States if the government lets these slip by.”

Last week, Toyota executives wrapped up congressional testimony before the House Energy and Commerce Committee, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and, most recently, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation.

“In open and honest testimony before Congress, Toyota executives clearly demonstrated that Toyota is committed to working with regulators to ensure the safety of American drivers,” said Atkinson. “It is time for the U.S. government to stop funding these predatory incentives that discourage fellow American citizens from doing business with me. GM said it themselves, ‘May the best car win.’”

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Abajian Motors wants to be an important part of the equation in making the right vehicle purchase. A convenient location can save time and money when service or repairs are necessary, and how well you are treated both during and after the sale will surely determine your ultimate satisfaction with your purchase. Ask around about our reputation; ask your neighbors, call the Better Business Bureau or a local government consumer office to check on our dealership's background.

Most manufacturers rate dealers by the percentage of customers who are satisfied with the service they received during and after the sale. Such a ranking is generally known as a customer satisfaction index, or CSI. Ask our salespeople to show you information about the dealership's CSI.

Scott Abajian General Manager and Owner

Buying a car should not be considered a hostile experience.

Today's franchised auto dealers depend heavily on repeat and referral business, and the only way to achieve that is through honest, reputable business practices and long-term customer satisfaction.

Scott Abajian