Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars - Jalopnik Comments

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

danio3834 — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:21:18 EDT

@sos10: What technology would that be? The true advantage of Toyota exists exactly where Press is implying, in the protectionist Japanese government.

There is no denying the nationalism of Japan.

the self hatred on our own continent is the exact opposite.

Most of the successes and failures in the auto business have stemmed simply from attitudes.

danio3834

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

Starlton Heston, Gushing post-mother — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:10:59 EDT

@POLAЯ SUPEЯNOVA: Well said. I keep saying this but personally I feel unworthy in the midst of the people I enjoy reading everyday, to have a star as well. But for your defense and others, it is weird for Ray to second a demeaning comment.

I'm thinking that like the new masthead and wrtier intros, the purpose of the star alliance may just be revealed in time...

*SHRUG*

but really... the taking swings is silly.

Starlton Heston, Gushing post-mother

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

POLAЯZSMAЯTAMINO — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:36:38 EDT

@sneaky_j: Why all of a sudden are little Trolls I've never heard of before taking swings? Do I know you?

"One negative comment about it though, and you get all teary-eyed and go running to Ray."

Listen Junior, I don't run to anyone here or anywhere else. Maybe you should call an adult into the room so they can re-read my response to Ray. I'd hardly call it running.

"@Ray Wert: What good is a star if I'm going to take abuse from guys like ElTaco up there without any backing. I really don't need a star to know what I do here, my profile page following speaks for itself. (As do the COTD's in my trophy case.)"
This is where I tell Mr. Wert a special purpose body of Commenters has no significance if there is no spine to hold it up.
"I maintain a positive vibe here more than most people,
and also create more positive reaction from other commenters than most.
If Burrito doesn't like my commenting style, ignore my comments. That's typically what myself and most others here do with his."
This is where I explain, that aside from my flaws which seem grossly overblown, my reception at Jalopnik.com has been positive. I do admire you flawless folks out there though.
"I love this place and the people in it, but I'm sure not feeling much love from the people who run it. I'd rather turn in my star before it's removed from me in shame."
This is where I basically conclude that I have a great affection for this forum, and before today I would have bled for Jalop. Now I'm not so sure I'd do that, and I'd rather say take this star and shove it, than face any form of humiliation from any simpletons like those I have encountered today.

POLAЯZSMAЯTAMINO

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

JONNRG — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:59:00 EDT

Japan supports and protects its auto industry, making the Press comment believable even if it is not true. No doubt that Japan's economic policies at least indirectly helped pay for Toyota's development costs.

Contrast that with the US government's general contempt for the auto industry. Will the US fund any of the development costs for the vehicles required to meet the 2020 CAFE targets?

I read that the development cost for retooling the Opel Astra into the Saturn Astra was $100 million -- and that was just bumpers and cupholders.

JONNRG

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

Dollarbill4 — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:44:06 EDT

Cerberus inherited Benz's monstrocity. I would withold judgement until they have a chance to prove what they can do. In saying that, I would have to say that Benz did do some good in that they brought Chrysler back to rear wheel drive with its older E platform donation for the 300 and Charger/Challenger.I also understand that Cerberus is targeting the unacceptable cheap looking interiors in its cars. Time will tell. As for Mr Press, he holds the reigns fo control now, he's under the microscope.We shall see what Cerberus is up to. They did hire Mr. Press who was one of the architects of the "new" Toyota.

Dollarbill4

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

UDMan — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:54:01 EDT

@Ray Wert: Oh Ray, what am I? Chopped Liver? Not that it matters anyway...

UDMan

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

TRAMS_AM — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:04:21 EDT

@lascauxcaveman: So they're NOT born from jets?

TRAMS_AM

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

sneaky_j — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:35:32 EDT

@DEPUTY POLAЯ:

Chill, dude. Use your star for good, not for evil.

FWIW, Your excessively-blank-line-trailing improvisational lyrics might be a good look for the 'shwa, but they get a little grating after a while. One negative comment about it though, and you get all teary-eyed and go running to Ray.

PS. Feeling self-righteously puffed-up, are we (about what good you do for the board, and how good of a poster you are, and how much everyone loves you, etc.)?

Citation (non-Chevrolet) follows: "I really don't need a star to know what I do here, my profile page following speaks for itself. (As do the COTD's in my trophy case.)" lolz. what a maroon.

sneaky_j

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

lascauxcaveman — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:38:05 EDT

@Dollarbill4: Valid points, but as always, it's "What have you done for me lately?"

I'm buying a car, not a history of past engineering achievements.

lascauxcaveman

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

adidascrosscountry — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:32:46 EDT

Frankly, I don't see any issue with a government supporting undeveloped technologies. In this case, the investment by the Japanese government was a good one, and has contributed to their strong automotive industry. Our government supports many different consumer initiatives as well, including battery development and hydrogen power. Many of the sensors and ceramic materials used in today's automotive applications were developed in collaboration with NASA and government contractors. The only ones that should feel burned by Toyota receiving government subsidies are Mazda, Honda and Nissan.

adidascrosscountry

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

rlj676 — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 12:53:09 EDT

@sos10:

You noticed the silliness?

(But your anology doesn't really hold).

rlj676

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

OldeEnglishD — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 12:46:46 EDT

@Dollarbill4: They definately had the first interior that made me long for a Turkish prison.

OldeEnglishD

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

Dollarbill4 — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 12:22:35 EDT

As for you young guys who diss Chrysler for its lack of technology, you need to learn a little history lesson about all of Chrysler's firsts over the years. For starters you might want visit at WWW.ALLPAR.COM, then talk to some industry people who hae been around.While it's true there have been lows at Chrysler, there have been lows at VW, Benz, BMW,GM and Ford. Look at the crap the Toyota made in the 70's and 80's. Even Porsche has made a clunker or two.For the sake of this discussion I choose to take a more realistic view.

Dollarbill4

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

eltonito — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:56:33 EDT

@sos10: I guess you haven't seen the "Old Hickory" edition of the H2. It comes preloaded with deeds to Native American land in Georgia and the Trail of Tears as a pre-programmed route in the GPS.

eltonito

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

Dollarbill4 — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:54:58 EDT

The fact is that Press was in a position to know. The fact that Toyota plays the liar card is disingenuous.

Toyota has simply been caught with its pants down. Nothing new in the car bizz. There is no high moral ground here.

Dollarbill4

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

sos10 — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:50:35 EDT

@rlj676: linking a denial of hybrid subsidies with war atrocities goes as far as saying that the Hummer is responsable for the genocide of the native american tribes.

sos10

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

sos10 — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:48:04 EDT

@danio3834: But he is working for a not-so-well-off car company now that doesn't have the technology Toyota has...

sos10

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

eltonito — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:46:14 EDT

@DEPUTY POLAЯ: Well, I usually like to give everyone who comments the benefit of the doubt when scanning the comments. Take Danio - I hardly agree with him on anything and at best I think he is an ass, but he is an entertaining ass who puts some original thought and content in his posts. (yes Danio, that is a complement of sorts)

I rarely read your comments as it is, but filtering them out has become more and more difficult as you spew multiple pages of ASCII in every other post. I don't mind light-hearted fluff, but when every thread has the same derivative post, it gets quite old. Then there are the copy cats.

Sorry to piss on your warm and fuzzy lovefest, but if you want to tout the star you need to raise the bar.

eltonito

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

OldeEnglishD — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:46:05 EDT

@DEPUTY POLAЯ: No problem, you are dead on with yoyr comments to Wert too.

@danio3834: How could I ever forget the Durango Hybrid.....what?

OldeEnglishD

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

danio3834 — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:26:11 EDT

@OldeEnglishD: Cmon, they have Hybrid Durangos, give em some credit

danio3834

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

danio3834 — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:22:46 EDT

Press was the friggin President of the company. He would know 1000x better then that spokesperson where the money came from.

Way to try and cover your ass-Toyota, its lame.

danio3834

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

POLAЯZSMAЯTAMINO — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:06:58 EDT

@eltonito: Awwwe, doos you wittle fingies get a hurty scwolling so far?
Maybe you should get off the computer and workout more ya lazy slob.

@OldeEnglishD: Thanks for a little back up!

@Ray Wert: What good is a star if I'm going to take abuse from guys like ElTaco up there without any backing. I really don't need a star to know what I do here, my profile page following speaks for itself. (As do the COTD's in my trophy case.)
I maintain a positive vibe here more than most people,
and also create more positive reaction from other commenters than most.
If Burrito doesn't like my commenting style, ignore my comments. That's typically what myself and most others here do with his.
I love this place and the people in it, but I'm sure not feeling much love from the people who run it. I'd rather turn in my star before it's removed from me in shame

POLAЯZSMAЯTAMINO

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

eltonito — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:43:23 EDT

@OldeEnglishD: Considering I hadn't read the "Star" post when I dissed the lyrics, no.

Like hops, I am just naturally very bitter.

eltonito

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

Ray Wert — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:35:39 EDT

@eltonito: I'll second that. Now we see why he's on probation.

Ray Wert

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

MOPAR-MAN — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:34:37 EDT

George Bush... you know you were thinking it!

MOPAR-MAN

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

OldeEnglishD — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:30:13 EDT

@eltonito: Is someone a little bitter that they don't have a star?

OldeEnglishD

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

OldeEnglishD — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:29:17 EDT

The sad thing is that Chrysler could be given the exact same loan by th US government and they wouldn't even be able to figure out how to improve their Rubbermade interiors, let alone develope a hybrid drive system.

OldeEnglishD

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

eltonito — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:26:56 EDT

@DEPUTY POLAЯ: At this point the "lyrics" thing is about as predictable and boring as it gets. Could you at least cut the bottom 12 carriage returns off the cut and paste so I don't have to scroll as far to skip your dull comments?

eltonito

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

rlj676 — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:25:54 EDT

@v8corvairpickup:

The accord was a "performance hybrid" of sorts. It had better performance than the regular accord and slightly better milage. Same with the LS600H.

Those have not proven popular at all so far given their price premium.

rlj676

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

rlj676 — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:23:57 EDT

Just like the Japanese to deny everything. Check out there history books for any mention of the atocities towards China and the rest of Asia. Whoops, no mention.

In another 50 they'll be denying Pearl Harbor.

My guess is that Toyota's rebuttal is "factually true" but a lie, ie, they didn't fund Prius development, only battery research, etc

rlj676

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

v8corvairpickup — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:23:18 EDT

So...Didn't Chrysler get loads of cash from our government back in the early '80s? Something like a bailout.
There are all sorts of research grants provided by the govt, too.
Even the DARPA thing is money from the military, isn't it?
Maybe if our government wasn't dropping truckloads of cash into losing a war they could provide the same type of research fundind to technology and alternative energy.
Oh yeah, aren't the oil companies flush with huge profits from the increasing price per barrel of oil? Maybe this money needs to go toward r and d.
I don't understand why the automakers haven't done a performance hybrid. Imagine a Mustang, Camaro, Challenger or whatever performance make you want to insert in this list with the torque of an electric motor at each axle and V8 power.

Just my opinion.

v8corvairpickup

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

POLAЯZSMAЯTAMINO — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 09:47:38 EDT

@UDMan:

In Two thousand and six,
aship set out to sea:
Gawker Media's Jalopnik.com
at the hands of Mike Spinelli!
And as they sailed the stormy seas
On that historic day
From way up in the crow's nest,
You could hear Ed-in-Chief Wert say ...

PUH-leeeZUH Mister POLAЯ ,
Turnah da SHIP around!
Take-UH me back, I WANNA see
Jalopnik on the GROUND!
We'll just tell that Murilee
That the world is round?
PULEEEZUH Mister POLAЯ
Turn-uh da SHIP around!

Then POLAЯ took out his Axe
and he began to play.
They sang and danced the Jalop-o-tron
until the break of day.
They ate up all the provolone
- that's Italian cheese.
But still up in the crow's nest you could hear
Wert's pleas ...

And then one day they sighted land
just off the starboard bow.
POLAЯ said "I told ya so.
The journey's over now."
An naked girl upon the shore
yelled "I see you up there, man!"
Wert shouted back, "Ahoy"
and started on a plan.

Oh please Mr. POLAЯ
don't take me back no more.
I wanna stay right here and go
On Jalop and complain about Gaping Maw.
I'm glad you told Murilee
that the world was round.
I don't know where we are
but there's Tata's all around.

POLAЯZSMAЯTAMINO

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

SundaySunday — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 09:12:13 EDT

Of course Nessie is a dinosaur. Duh, it's real. Read a comic book.

SundaySunday

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

BLS — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 09:07:42 EDT

@DEPUTY POLAЯ:

I need to get an "F-" next to my name banner.

BLS

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

Bluegoose — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:54:15 EDT

Toyota is the only liar here. Just like all those sludge motors Toyota produced that they insist never happened. Deny everything!!! Press is one of the most respected auto execs in the world.

Chrysler isn't any different...but I highly doubt Press would say something like that if it was not true.

Bluegoose

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

Ray Wert — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:53:32 EDT

@Paul Y. is Going Dumb at the Sideshow: Yeah, because a "Icyosauropodasaurthing" was totally a real dinosaur too.

Ray Wert

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

UDMan — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:51:52 EDT

@DEPUTY POLAЯ:
for quality commentatorshipnessness

Well that ship has certainly sailed........

UDMan

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

Isetta — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:48:23 EDT

@Paul Y. is Going Dumb at the Sideshow: Well yeah a Plesiosaurus I would believe, Ichthyosaurus not so much. But back to the actual soon to be extinct creature here, Jim Press. The question is not, "Jim, what were you thinking?" but "Jim, can you think at all?" This guy along with Bob Nardelli have been total disappointments to Chrysler.

Isetta

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

POLAЯZSMAЯTAMINO — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:45:55 EDT

@BLS: The details are strictly G1 Classified at this time.

But I can assure you,
with my little tin star,
and as Ray Wert's self-proclaimed Deputy,
I do solemnly swear to provide
safe and clean environment
for quality commentatorshipnessness.

POLAЯZSMAЯTAMINO

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

BLS — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:25:19 EDT

@DEPUTY POLAЯ: They actually gave you a literal star. What is the deal with that?

BLS

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

Rust-MyEnemy — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:24:31 EDT

@UDMan: "....because there won't be another company that will hire Jim Press."

Apart possibly from a laundry company which irons clothes and exclusively employ people called James.

Rust-MyEnemy

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

POLAЯZSMAЯTAMINO — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:24:10 EDT

You think you're gonna "Move Forward" alone
In darkness
And seclusion
Yeah I know
You've been out there
Tried to mix with those animals
And it just left you full of humiliated confusion
So you stagger back to the Hotel
But can't fathom the thought of a Steer Sex video showing on Jalop
But the solitary refinement of your room spits you back out onto the street
And now youre desperate
In search of a "Grab Life" contract
And then
You meet Chrysler
And you whole world changes
Because everything Chrysler says is everything you've ever wanted to hear
So you drop all your defenses and you drop all your fears
And you trust Chrysler completely
Chrysler's perfect
In every way
Cause Chrysler makes you feel so strong and so powerful inside
You feel so lucky
But your ego obscures reality
And you never bother to wonder why
Things are going so well
You wanna know why?
Cause you're a liar
Yeah you're a liar
They'll tear your mind out
They'll burn your soul
They'll turn you into Lee
They'll turn you into Lee
Cause you're a liar, a liar
A liar, a liar

POLAЯZSMAЯTAMINO

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

UDMan — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:18:24 EDT

I can understand why Jim Press jumped from Toyota to Chrysler after serving with Toyota for over 37 years. The problem I have with Mr. Press is his overactive mouth. When you work closely for any company for that long, you are going to take part in a number of new "breakthroughs" and "negotiations". However, when you finally jump ship, it doesn't mean that you automatically blab out all the secrets.

Seriously, where have all the ethics gone? If Jim Press worked for the CIA, or the NSA, and he decided to go all blabby about the inner workings of these agencies, he would be either shot, or called a traitor. He better love it at Chrysler, and hope to retire soon, because there won't be another company that will hire Jim Press.

UDMan

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

Paul Y. is Going Dumb at the Sideshow — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:13:31 EDT

Nessie is speculated to be a Plesiosaur. Duh.

More people need damn biology degrees so I don't have as many things to be annoyed by.

Paul Y. is Going Dumb at the Sideshow

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

POLAЯZSMAЯTAMINO — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:49:41 EDT

@BLS: Trolling start is improved because of Hyundai!
Hyundai copies that, is cheaper to sell!

POLAЯZSMAЯTAMINO

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

BLS — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:41:45 EDT

"the affordable lightweight mid-size performance coupe"

Reading between the lines of th post. Who care what Press or Toyota say. Who cares about the Prius? Rather than make a car that is relevent to people who actually like cars. Toyota would rather produce Priuses and Sequoias.

I just hope that GM makes the alpha platform and puts a body on it that I like or I will be trolling eBay motors or looking at a Hyundai.

BLS

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

POLAЯZSMAЯTAMINO — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:22:34 EDT

Pants of liar, liar and fire!

What he should have said was that the Japanese government thought that 100% of development of hybrid system and electric battery which enter into Toyota Prius we would like to pay!

POLAЯZSMAЯTAMINO

Toyota Claims Jim Press Is A Liar, Pants Are On Fire: Prius Development Didn't Use Government Dollars

Novaload — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:17:15 EDT

Couldn't Toyota provide some proof rather easily? Release some documents?

Novaload