Press Release: 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.’”

** The Toyota National Dealer Council represents approximately 1,250 Toyota dealerships throughout the United States.

SOURCE: Toyota National Dealer Council