Will Subaru race ahead amid Toyota’s woes?

We all love Japanese cars for they are “affordable” and easy to run.

Toyota, although an expensive car to buy, has been our favourite brand for decades.

Sadly, their fall from the throne of the automotive royalty seems inevitable— thanks to a well-orchestrated deconstruction of their flawless image by the US authorities through recalls.

Where will motorists look to next?

In the US focus will certainly turn to Detroit and local players like GM and Ford will look to regain some lost glory.

In Europe, brands such as Peugeot and Renault will continue to grow but the biggest beneficiary will continue to be Volkswagen who hope to take over as the No 1 automotive manufacturer by 2012.

Service provider

In Kenya, Toyota will continue to lead in the minds and hearts of consumers because we are creatures of habit and forget easily.

We will often stick to a service provider who offers less than reliable service like dropping calls just because everyone else is on the same telephone network.

We will drive a brand because all our neighbours have that make and continue to tolerate notorious matatus despite having the power to demand better and more humane service.

There is opportunity for other manufacturers to state their case and shine in Toyota’s misery.

It is the nature of business and there is no shame in prospering when your competition makes a wrong turn.

Nissan have forever been seen as inferior to Toyota.

It is a perception they have struggled to shake off.

I know for a fact that unlike brands like the Italian Alfa Romeo, Nissan does indeed produce really good cars.