Toyota Expects first Loss in 50 Years

Despite having a well diversified stock of cars, Toyota is expecting to see its first loss in more than five decades…

I am trying to see a positive on this, I mean you know that a company is pretty successful when they’ve had that long a run without experiencing a financial loss. A looming question is how will Toyota re-coup that loss: Will they need to close a plant or two? Some of these plants are located in the American South, the very place which were so against the bailout for the Detroit-based Big Three: Ford, GM and Chrysler. In this case the Japanese Government would need to arrange the bailout.

According to NY TIMES: “Toyota said it still expected to report a small net profit, helped by interest and dividend income as well as tax-related savings of 50 billion yen, or $560 million.”

From what I’ve read, Toyota is still much better shape. Due to profitability of their cars before, Toyota has very little debt.

At least the Exec apologize, I couldn’t see the Big Three CEOs ever doing that:

Katsumi Kasahara/Associated Press

Here is some vocabulary:

I am sorry: gomen nasai ごめんなさい Said to people of equal or lower status

I am terribly sorry: moshiwake arimasen 申し訳ありません - Said to superiors