What a difference good management makes

The Huntsville Times reports:

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - Toyota Motor Corp. said Wednesday it will reduce production in the United States to cope with slowing sales in the world's largest economy.

Toyota will stop production at all its plants in the U.S. and Canada for two extra days in addition to the regular Christmas holidays next month, and cut about half of 500 temporary workers at a plant in Georgetown, Kentucky by March, company spokeswoman Kayo Doi said.

The engine plant in North Huntsville Industrial Park, at Pulaski Pike and Bob Wade Lane, won't produce any engines on Dec. 22 and 23 -- as well as during its scheduled holiday break from Dec. 24 to Jan. 2, according to Toyota spokesman Mike Goss. Workers will return on Monday, Jan. 5. ...

Beginning January, Japan's top automaker plans to reduce production of the Sienna minivan at its Indiana plant, and slow a line for the Camry and Avalon sedans at the Kentucky plant, Doi said.

At New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. in Fremont, California -- its joint venture with General Motors Corp. -- Toyota will eliminate a shift producing the Tacoma pickup truck.

The production cuts are the latest effort by the company to deal with shrinking demand in the U.S., which is expected to slip into recession this year.

So, instead of hanging out in the halls of power groveling for bailouts, Toyota's management is making the tough decisions that will help it weather the upcoming recession. That's admirable.