from Ferdi De Vos
to Rohan Strydom
cc Marius Vorster
Len Von Graevenitz
Leon Theron
date Thu, Nov 6, 2008 at 7:49 PM
subject Re: Fortuner handling problem
Dear Mr Strydom
I refer to our telephonic conversation earlier this evening and would like to thank you for allowing me the opportunity to state Toyota SA’s case in this regard.
As promised, herewith my written response. For the sake of corporate governance it is in English.
Toyota SA has instituted a process to address this issue more than four months ago, and all our dealers are aware of the procedures to follow in this regard. For the sake of clarity, let me please point out that Toyota SA has never alluded or admitted to the Fortuner being unsafe in any way or form. The vehicle has been tested extensively and conforms to all required safety specifications.
I do not want to go into the details of our discussion again, except to highlight that although the original Grabbers conform to all technical and quality requirements, we decided to ask for the development of a new spec tyre in response to the concerns of certain owners. As mentioned, it has been designed to perform better in off-road conditions, although it will create more road and tyre noise on-road.
It also is unfortunate that you decided to replace the tyres on your vehicle and not wait for the replacement Grabbers. As indicated, we will follow up on the incorrect information (that the replacement tyres comes from overseas, hence the long waiting time) given to you by the service manager.
As discussed, it will be appreciated if you could, through your website, help us to locate other unhappy or concerned owners. We do find that a perception r.e. the handling of the Fortuner is now being perpetuated by hearsay and sometimes misinformation, while we would very much like to address the concerns of verified owners who are unhappy with their vehicles.
From our side we would like to work with you in solving these cases, and therefore any information in this regard will help.
Best regards
Ferdi de Vos
General Manager: Corporate PR
Toyota South Africa Motors
August 10th, 2009 at 11:10 am
this is scary . i have been thinking of buying a vehicle for greater ground clearance only . i know nothing of 4×4 and seldom drive on bad roads. the fortuner was on my short list and i came upon this site quite by accident . glad i did though ! any thoughts for a comfortable vehicle ( not a bakkie ) to give me good clearance for occasional trips on not so good roads ( i live in george ). currently i use my audi A4 avant and its fine but i would be happier a bit higher up . thanks
August 23rd, 2009 at 9:37 am
Hi Andy
Thanks for you post. I am not sure I am in a position to recommend other vehicles, as I only really know my Fortuner. Someone I know recently bought the new 4×2 diesel Fortuner, and the is extremely happy with the car. Is that maybe an option?
KC
December 15th, 2008 at 6:31 am
Thanks Juan
I completely agree with your last sentence.
Do you know that Toyota decided, after spending all that money to replace the original tyres, to NOT spec them as standard equipment on the new facelifted Fortuner? In stead, they decided to fit the face lifted car with Bridgestone AT’s?
WTF? Does that make sence to you? It certainly doesn’t make sence to me.
November 9th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Hi Bruce
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Have a great day
November 7th, 2008 at 10:38 am
I discovered your homepage by coincidence.
Very interesting posts and well written.
I will put your site on my blogroll.