December 11, 2003

Toyota's Invasion of Afghanistan

I'd say about 90 percent of the cars on Kabul's roads are Toyotas. The taxis (which is about every other car) are pretty much all some generation of Corollas. The UN and other donor agencies, as well as the wealthier end of the local market, are all in Land Cruisers.

Its well known that Toyotas have played a role in the country's recent history. They were the vehicle of choice for Osama and his Taliban friends. A Toyota spokesman helpfully explained that this is because "the Taliban are looking for the same qualities as any truck buyer: durability and reliability." But neither the recent purchases by donors, nor the purchases for the Taliban, explains the dominance amongst cars ten yers old or older. Something strange is going on...

Posted by Charles at 09:18 AM GMT
Comments
#1

Love that quote:

"It is not our proudest product placement," [the Toyota spokesman] said. "But it shows that the Taliban are looking for the same qualities as any truck buyer: durability and reliability."

Posted by: Stefan Geens on December 14, 2003 07:52 PM
#2

Hi!

Posted by: Felicia on December 15, 2003 12:52 PM
#3

Hey I love Ronnie Bevins. He is my man.

Posted by: Felicia Evans on December 15, 2003 01:04 PM