Let the Downgrades Begin
- Thread starter drb77
- Start date
I remember when Datsun was the first in the US to offer a mid/small-sized extended cab pick-up. Their King-Cab was a huge success. And Suburu came out with the Brat with the plastic jump seats in the bed. But the manufacturer's reasoning isn't always that clear;
"North American and Canadian BRAT models featured carpeting in addition to welded-in rear-facing plastic jump seats in the cargo area. The seats were a ploy to circumvent a punitive tariff on light trucks known as the Chicken tax. The plastic seats in the cargo bed allowed Subaru to classify the BRAT as a passenger car, rather than as a light truck. This significantly reduced the costs of importing BRATS to North America, as passenger cars were charged a 2.5% import tariff, while light trucks were charged a ten times higher 25% import tariff. They were discontinued after the 1986 model year." (Thanks to Wikipedia)
When all the other carmakers followed suit w/ their extended cabs, I always thought about the above misdirection and would look at the useless
little fold-down rear seats and would think why bother?
"North American and Canadian BRAT models featured carpeting in addition to welded-in rear-facing plastic jump seats in the cargo area. The seats were a ploy to circumvent a punitive tariff on light trucks known as the Chicken tax. The plastic seats in the cargo bed allowed Subaru to classify the BRAT as a passenger car, rather than as a light truck. This significantly reduced the costs of importing BRATS to North America, as passenger cars were charged a 2.5% import tariff, while light trucks were charged a ten times higher 25% import tariff. They were discontinued after the 1986 model year." (Thanks to Wikipedia)
When all the other carmakers followed suit w/ their extended cabs, I always thought about the above misdirection and would look at the useless
little fold-down rear seats and would think why bother?
Rock62
Well-Known Member
As an engineer, I can absolutely say the engineering teams have little to NO say in cost targets. The cost targets are determined by other departments. This is a constant with all the products I've worked on from cable cranes, log skidders, air compressors, power tools, personal appliances and lawn equipment.
If you don't like the truck, then sell it and buy something you are happy to own.
If you don't like the truck, then sell it and buy something you are happy to own.
I never said I didn't like the Tacoma that I bought, only that I am disappointed that a quality car maker like Toyota has instituted a plethora of downgrades following record sales in 2023.
JayQQ97
MW surVivor ... clutched. 350k on the 0D0
i wonder why the Gen1 is NOT on this chart?
it only goes back to 2oo5
carfigures.com
it only goes back to 2oo5
2024 Toyota Tacoma Sales Figures
Toyota Tacoma monthly, quarterly, and yearly sales and statistics in the United States. Including data and interactive charts for the latest model year 2024 and compact pickup trucks segment.
TexasBigBlue
Well-Known Member
Gen Zer'si wonder why the Gen1 is NOT on this chart?
it only goes back to 2oo5
2024 Toyota Tacoma Sales Figures
Toyota Tacoma monthly, quarterly, and yearly sales and statistics in the United States. Including data and interactive charts for the latest model year 2024 and compact pickup trucks segment.