Toyota is this month’s Reputation Management Example. Every month or so a large and recognizable company makes a major mistake that significantly effects their image. So every month we individuals who are interested in online reputation management trot out that company in order to prove a point. This is that time and Toyota is that company. Their “sticky accelerator” problem has caused untold damage to their reputation, both online and offline. The recall of eight Toyota models is something that isn’t going to go away anytime soon. However, it seems as if Toyota has been proactive in protecting its online reputation by communicating effectively with customers and media. Some search reputation management would certainly do them some good.

Senior communicators have been Twittering and blogging like crazy to fill the information vacuum and take control of the escalating situation. Websites and call centres have been established with information for worried Toyota customers. And US Chief Operating Officer Jim Lentz talked directly to Toyota drivers in a video posted to YouTube.

Hopefully Toyota has an online reputation management plan in store.

http://www.thedrum.co.uk/news/2010/02/04/12660-can-toyota-be-successful-in-brand-damage-limitation-