Foreign cars pass Big 3
 

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll...plate=printart

Foreign cars pass Big 3

For the 1st time, U.S. drivers buy more import brands

Josee Valcourt / The Detroit News

For the first time, U.S. consumers are buying more cars and trucks built by
foreign automakers than vehicles made by Detroit's traditional Big Three.

New statistics compiled by R.L. Polk and Co., which counts new car
registrations and excludes sales to rental car agencies and other fleet
customers, show foreign brands commanded 52.9 percent of the retail auto
market in the first five months of 2006, while domestic automakers fell to
47.1 percent.

Domestic brands led foreign makes 51 percent to 49 percent over the same
period last year.

While the power shift has been long in the making, it's nonetheless a
disheartening sign that Detroit's auto industry is losing the battle for the
hearts and wallets of American car buyers.

Domestic brands such as Chevrolet, Ford and Dodge still control more than
half the U.S. market when fleet sales are included, but more profitable
retail sales are considered the best indicator of which auto brands are most
popular with customers.

"I'm not surprised," said Christian Wardlaw, senior analyst with
Autobytel.com, a car shopping Web site. "The proof is sitting there in black
and white on paper. People can't refute it anymore."

About 2.55 million new domestic-brand cars and trucks were registered in the
first five months of this year versus 2.86 million foreign nameplates in the
same period, Polk reported. The foreign nameplates figure includes some
brands such as Ford-owned Land Rover and Jaguar that are controlled by the
Big Three.

Chrysler Group spokesman Kevin McCormick said the Auburn Hills-based company
doesn't get caught up in the industry scorekeeping, saying the automaker is
"focusing on things we can control in our business. Our strategy at a high
level is to put out the best cars and trucks that we can at prices that are
attractive to consumers."

But industry experts say the numbers illustrate that Asian automakers such
as Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co and Nissan Motor Co. are doing a
better job meeting the needs of U.S. car buyers.

Domestic brands have been hurt by lower quality scores, and more recently, a
heavy reliance on large trucks and SUVs at a time of a high gas prices.

"People have been swapping SUVs for fuel-efficient cars, and the domestics'
car lineup hasn't been as compelling as the Asians'," Wardlaw said.

Amenities factor in

Import brands are leveraging strong profits to turn out cars packed with
safety features, creature comforts and the latest technology, said Phil
Reed, consumer advice editor of auto research site Edmunds.com.

"With American cars, you say 'This is nice and this is nice but why couldn't
they have done this?' " he said.

The Ford Escape Hybrid, for example, has an optional navigation system, but
the screen that displays maps and approaching roads is too small, Reed said.
In addition, a disc has to be inserted to operate the system, but there is
no additional slot to play music CDs meaning the driver has to choose
between listening to tunes and navigating streets.

With the availability of the Internet, buyers have become savvy about how to
compare the optional versus standard features they can get for their money
and can more easily calculate a vehicle's resale value.

Vehicles made by Toyota, Honda and other top foreign makes generally hold
their value better than American brand cars and trucks, which are often
heavily discounted.

"Toyota has a 10- to 15-year outlook on where the industry is heading," said
James Bryant, automotive industry editor for Hoover's Inc., an online
business resource site. "GM and Ford tend to play along with whatever
happens to be the flavor of the week.

"Everybody knew that $3 gas was going to come eventually," he added. "We
just didn't want to admit it."

And foreign automakers have done a better job capturing the emerging
crossover SUV segment with vehicles like the Nissan Murano and U.S.
automakers are racing to catch up with offerings like the upcoming Ford
Edge.

Toyota registrations rise

Toyota's U.S. brands posted a 12.5 percent increase in retail sales in the
first five months of the year. By contrast, GM's retail sales slipped 7.7
percent. Excluding fleet sales, Toyota brands now outsell Ford and Chrysler
nameplates in the United States, Polk reported.

Wardlaw said competing carmakers aren't only leading in important segments
but getting new products to the market at a faster pace.

The product life cycle for an Asian nameplate is about four to six years
compared to six to eight years for a new domestic car or truck.

Wardlaw points out, for example, that the Ford Focus was merely refreshed
for the U.S. market while the Focus sold in Europe was completely
redesigned.

"What Americans got was a rehashed version of the old Focus and as a result,
Ford isn't in a position to compete" against popular small vehicles such as
the Honda Civic in the U.S. market at a time when gas prices are pushing
consumers to cars.

In a separate study conducted by Autobytel.com Monday, online purchase
requests for large trucks such the Ford F-150 pickup fell 34 percent, and 43
percent for the Toyota Tundra and Chevrolet Silverado for the second
quarter. In comparison, more fuel-efficient cars like the Toyota Camry and
Yaris, and the Honda Civic posted gains.

"The trick for the domestic automakers is going to be that they need to
development dollars across every development segment in which they
want to compete, and that includes cars and trucks," Wardlaw said.

You can reach Josee Valcourt at (313) 222-2300 or jmvalcourt@detnews.com.

Re: Foreign cars pass Big 3
 

Well none of that surprises me.

Heres one of the problems... Fords Vision...

"Our goal is to build on our traditional strengths and redefine them for
the 21st century. We're going to apply fresh thinking and innovative
technology to everything we do, from our basic business processes to the
products that define who we are as a company," Ford says. "Our vision
moving forward is to build great products, a strong business and a
better world."


Nothing about the people at all....

building on traditional strengths... hrm, sounds old fasion. I like it,
but 200 million other people probally think its boring.

to build great products, a strong business and a better world...

Now if that isn';t cheesy

You may think I dislike ford, but the opposite is true, I just don't
think they are sufficiently competing with other companies.

dbltap wrote:
> http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll...plate=printart
>
> Foreign cars pass Big 3
>
> For the 1st time, U.S. drivers buy more import brands
>
> Josee Valcourt / The Detroit News
>
> For the first time, U.S. consumers are buying more cars and trucks built by
> foreign automakers than vehicles made by Detroit's traditional Big Three.
>
> New statistics compiled by R.L. Polk and Co., which counts new car
> registrations and excludes sales to rental car agencies and other fleet
> customers, show foreign brands commanded 52.9 percent of the retail auto
> market in the first five months of 2006, while domestic automakers fell to
> 47.1 percent.
>
> Domestic brands led foreign makes 51 percent to 49 percent over the same
> period last year.
>
> While the power shift has been long in the making, it's nonetheless a
> disheartening sign that Detroit's auto industry is losing the battle for the
> hearts and wallets of American car buyers.
>
> Domestic brands such as Chevrolet, Ford and Dodge still control more than
> half the U.S. market when fleet sales are included, but more profitable
> retail sales are considered the best indicator of which auto brands are most
> popular with customers.
>
> "I'm not surprised," said Christian Wardlaw, senior analyst with
> Autobytel.com, a car shopping Web site. "The proof is sitting there in black
> and white on paper. People can't refute it anymore."
>
> About 2.55 million new domestic-brand cars and trucks were registered in the
> first five months of this year versus 2.86 million foreign nameplates in the
> same period, Polk reported. The foreign nameplates figure includes some
> brands such as Ford-owned Land Rover and Jaguar that are controlled by the
> Big Three.
>
> Chrysler Group spokesman Kevin McCormick said the Auburn Hills-based company
> doesn't get caught up in the industry scorekeeping, saying the automaker is
> "focusing on things we can control in our business. Our strategy at a high
> level is to put out the best cars and trucks that we can at prices that are
> attractive to consumers."
>
> But industry experts say the numbers illustrate that Asian automakers such
> as Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co and Nissan Motor Co. are doing a
> better job meeting the needs of U.S. car buyers.
>
> Domestic brands have been hurt by lower quality scores, and more recently, a
> heavy reliance on large trucks and SUVs at a time of a high gas prices.
>
> "People have been swapping SUVs for fuel-efficient cars, and the domestics'
> car lineup hasn't been as compelling as the Asians'," Wardlaw said.
>
> Amenities factor in
>
> Import brands are leveraging strong profits to turn out cars packed with
> safety features, creature comforts and the latest technology, said Phil
> Reed, consumer advice editor of auto research site Edmunds.com.
>
> "With American cars, you say 'This is nice and this is nice but why couldn't
> they have done this?' " he said.
>
> The Ford Escape Hybrid, for example, has an optional navigation system, but
> the screen that displays maps and approaching roads is too small, Reed said.
> In addition, a disc has to be inserted to operate the system, but there is
> no additional slot to play music CDs meaning the driver has to choose
> between listening to tunes and navigating streets.
>
> With the availability of the Internet, buyers have become savvy about how to
> compare the optional versus standard features they can get for their money
> and can more easily calculate a vehicle's resale value.
>
> Vehicles made by Toyota, Honda and other top foreign makes generally hold
> their value better than American brand cars and trucks, which are often
> heavily discounted.
>
> "Toyota has a 10- to 15-year outlook on where the industry is heading," said
> James Bryant, automotive industry editor for Hoover's Inc., an online
> business resource site. "GM and Ford tend to play along with whatever
> happens to be the flavor of the week.
>
> "Everybody knew that $3 gas was going to come eventually," he added. "We
> just didn't want to admit it."
>
> And foreign automakers have done a better job capturing the emerging
> crossover SUV segment with vehicles like the Nissan Murano and U.S.
> automakers are racing to catch up with offerings like the upcoming Ford
> Edge.
>
> Toyota registrations rise
>
> Toyota's U.S. brands posted a 12.5 percent increase in retail sales in the
> first five months of the year. By contrast, GM's retail sales slipped 7.7
> percent. Excluding fleet sales, Toyota brands now outsell Ford and Chrysler
> nameplates in the United States, Polk reported.
>
> Wardlaw said competing carmakers aren't only leading in important segments
> but getting new products to the market at a faster pace.
>
> The product life cycle for an Asian nameplate is about four to six years
> compared to six to eight years for a new domestic car or truck.
>
> Wardlaw points out, for example, that the Ford Focus was merely refreshed
> for the U.S. market while the Focus sold in Europe was completely
> redesigned.
>
> "What Americans got was a rehashed version of the old Focus and as a result,
> Ford isn't in a position to compete" against popular small vehicles such as
> the Honda Civic in the U.S. market at a time when gas prices are pushing
> consumers to cars.
>
> In a separate study conducted by Autobytel.com Monday, online purchase
> requests for large trucks such the Ford F-150 pickup fell 34 percent, and 43
> percent for the Toyota Tundra and Chevrolet Silverado for the second
> quarter. In comparison, more fuel-efficient cars like the Toyota Camry and
> Yaris, and the Honda Civic posted gains.
>
> "The trick for the domestic automakers is going to be that they need to
> development dollars across every development segment in which they
> want to compete, and that includes cars and trucks," Wardlaw said.
>
> You can reach Josee Valcourt at (313) 222-2300 or jmvalcourt@detnews.com.
>
>

Re: Foreign cars pass Big 3
 

Well none of that surprises me.

Heres one of the problems... Fords Vision...

"Our goal is to build on our traditional strengths and redefine them for
the 21st century. We're going to apply fresh thinking and innovative
technology to everything we do, from our basic business processes to the
products that define who we are as a company," Ford says. "Our vision
moving forward is to build great products, a strong business and a
better world."


Nothing about the people at all....

building on traditional strengths... hrm, sounds old fasion. I like it,
but 200 million other people probally think its boring.

to build great products, a strong business and a better world...

Now if that isn';t cheesy

You may think I dislike ford, but the opposite is true, I just don't
think they are sufficiently competing with other companies.

dbltap wrote:
> http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll...plate=printart
>
> Foreign cars pass Big 3
>
> For the 1st time, U.S. drivers buy more import brands
>
> Josee Valcourt / The Detroit News
>
> For the first time, U.S. consumers are buying more cars and trucks built by
> foreign automakers than vehicles made by Detroit's traditional Big Three.
>
> New statistics compiled by R.L. Polk and Co., which counts new car
> registrations and excludes sales to rental car agencies and other fleet
> customers, show foreign brands commanded 52.9 percent of the retail auto
> market in the first five months of 2006, while domestic automakers fell to
> 47.1 percent.
>
> Domestic brands led foreign makes 51 percent to 49 percent over the same
> period last year.
>
> While the power shift has been long in the making, it's nonetheless a
> disheartening sign that Detroit's auto industry is losing the battle for the
> hearts and wallets of American car buyers.
>
> Domestic brands such as Chevrolet, Ford and Dodge still control more than
> half the U.S. market when fleet sales are included, but more profitable
> retail sales are considered the best indicator of which auto brands are most
> popular with customers.
>
> "I'm not surprised," said Christian Wardlaw, senior analyst with
> Autobytel.com, a car shopping Web site. "The proof is sitting there in black
> and white on paper. People can't refute it anymore."
>
> About 2.55 million new domestic-brand cars and trucks were registered in the
> first five months of this year versus 2.86 million foreign nameplates in the
> same period, Polk reported. The foreign nameplates figure includes some
> brands such as Ford-owned Land Rover and Jaguar that are controlled by the
> Big Three.
>
> Chrysler Group spokesman Kevin McCormick said the Auburn Hills-based company
> doesn't get caught up in the industry scorekeeping, saying the automaker is
> "focusing on things we can control in our business. Our strategy at a high
> level is to put out the best cars and trucks that we can at prices that are
> attractive to consumers."
>
> But industry experts say the numbers illustrate that Asian automakers such
> as Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co and Nissan Motor Co. are doing a
> better job meeting the needs of U.S. car buyers.
>
> Domestic brands have been hurt by lower quality scores, and more recently, a
> heavy reliance on large trucks and SUVs at a time of a high gas prices.
>
> "People have been swapping SUVs for fuel-efficient cars, and the domestics'
> car lineup hasn't been as compelling as the Asians'," Wardlaw said.
>
> Amenities factor in
>
> Import brands are leveraging strong profits to turn out cars packed with
> safety features, creature comforts and the latest technology, said Phil
> Reed, consumer advice editor of auto research site Edmunds.com.
>
> "With American cars, you say 'This is nice and this is nice but why couldn't
> they have done this?' " he said.
>
> The Ford Escape Hybrid, for example, has an optional navigation system, but
> the screen that displays maps and approaching roads is too small, Reed said.
> In addition, a disc has to be inserted to operate the system, but there is
> no additional slot to play music CDs meaning the driver has to choose
> between listening to tunes and navigating streets.
>
> With the availability of the Internet, buyers have become savvy about how to
> compare the optional versus standard features they can get for their money
> and can more easily calculate a vehicle's resale value.
>
> Vehicles made by Toyota, Honda and other top foreign makes generally hold
> their value better than American brand cars and trucks, which are often
> heavily discounted.
>
> "Toyota has a 10- to 15-year outlook on where the industry is heading," said
> James Bryant, automotive industry editor for Hoover's Inc., an online
> business resource site. "GM and Ford tend to play along with whatever
> happens to be the flavor of the week.
>
> "Everybody knew that $3 gas was going to come eventually," he added. "We
> just didn't want to admit it."
>
> And foreign automakers have done a better job capturing the emerging
> crossover SUV segment with vehicles like the Nissan Murano and U.S.
> automakers are racing to catch up with offerings like the upcoming Ford
> Edge.
>
> Toyota registrations rise
>
> Toyota's U.S. brands posted a 12.5 percent increase in retail sales in the
> first five months of the year. By contrast, GM's retail sales slipped 7.7
> percent. Excluding fleet sales, Toyota brands now outsell Ford and Chrysler
> nameplates in the United States, Polk reported.
>
> Wardlaw said competing carmakers aren't only leading in important segments
> but getting new products to the market at a faster pace.
>
> The product life cycle for an Asian nameplate is about four to six years
> compared to six to eight years for a new domestic car or truck.
>
> Wardlaw points out, for example, that the Ford Focus was merely refreshed
> for the U.S. market while the Focus sold in Europe was completely
> redesigned.
>
> "What Americans got was a rehashed version of the old Focus and as a result,
> Ford isn't in a position to compete" against popular small vehicles such as
> the Honda Civic in the U.S. market at a time when gas prices are pushing
> consumers to cars.
>
> In a separate study conducted by Autobytel.com Monday, online purchase
> requests for large trucks such the Ford F-150 pickup fell 34 percent, and 43
> percent for the Toyota Tundra and Chevrolet Silverado for the second
> quarter. In comparison, more fuel-efficient cars like the Toyota Camry and
> Yaris, and the Honda Civic posted gains.
>
> "The trick for the domestic automakers is going to be that they need to
> development dollars across every development segment in which they
> want to compete, and that includes cars and trucks," Wardlaw said.
>
> You can reach Josee Valcourt at (313) 222-2300 or jmvalcourt@detnews.com.
>
>

Re: Foreign cars pass Big 3
 

Well none of that surprises me.

Heres one of the problems... Fords Vision...

"Our goal is to build on our traditional strengths and redefine them for
the 21st century. We're going to apply fresh thinking and innovative
technology to everything we do, from our basic business processes to the
products that define who we are as a company," Ford says. "Our vision
moving forward is to build great products, a strong business and a
better world."


Nothing about the people at all....

building on traditional strengths... hrm, sounds old fasion. I like it,
but 200 million other people probally think its boring.

to build great products, a strong business and a better world...

Now if that isn';t cheesy

You may think I dislike ford, but the opposite is true, I just don't
think they are sufficiently competing with other companies.

dbltap wrote:
> http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll...plate=printart
>
> Foreign cars pass Big 3
>
> For the 1st time, U.S. drivers buy more import brands
>
> Josee Valcourt / The Detroit News
>
> For the first time, U.S. consumers are buying more cars and trucks built by
> foreign automakers than vehicles made by Detroit's traditional Big Three.
>
> New statistics compiled by R.L. Polk and Co., which counts new car
> registrations and excludes sales to rental car agencies and other fleet
> customers, show foreign brands commanded 52.9 percent of the retail auto
> market in the first five months of 2006, while domestic automakers fell to
> 47.1 percent.
>
> Domestic brands led foreign makes 51 percent to 49 percent over the same
> period last year.
>
> While the power shift has been long in the making, it's nonetheless a
> disheartening sign that Detroit's auto industry is losing the battle for the
> hearts and wallets of American car buyers.
>
> Domestic brands such as Chevrolet, Ford and Dodge still control more than
> half the U.S. market when fleet sales are included, but more profitable
> retail sales are considered the best indicator of which auto brands are most
> popular with customers.
>
> "I'm not surprised," said Christian Wardlaw, senior analyst with
> Autobytel.com, a car shopping Web site. "The proof is sitting there in black
> and white on paper. People can't refute it anymore."
>
> About 2.55 million new domestic-brand cars and trucks were registered in the
> first five months of this year versus 2.86 million foreign nameplates in the
> same period, Polk reported. The foreign nameplates figure includes some
> brands such as Ford-owned Land Rover and Jaguar that are controlled by the
> Big Three.
>
> Chrysler Group spokesman Kevin McCormick said the Auburn Hills-based company
> doesn't get caught up in the industry scorekeeping, saying the automaker is
> "focusing on things we can control in our business. Our strategy at a high
> level is to put out the best cars and trucks that we can at prices that are
> attractive to consumers."
>
> But industry experts say the numbers illustrate that Asian automakers such
> as Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co and Nissan Motor Co. are doing a
> better job meeting the needs of U.S. car buyers.
>
> Domestic brands have been hurt by lower quality scores, and more recently, a
> heavy reliance on large trucks and SUVs at a time of a high gas prices.
>
> "People have been swapping SUVs for fuel-efficient cars, and the domestics'
> car lineup hasn't been as compelling as the Asians'," Wardlaw said.
>
> Amenities factor in
>
> Import brands are leveraging strong profits to turn out cars packed with
> safety features, creature comforts and the latest technology, said Phil
> Reed, consumer advice editor of auto research site Edmunds.com.
>
> "With American cars, you say 'This is nice and this is nice but why couldn't
> they have done this?' " he said.
>
> The Ford Escape Hybrid, for example, has an optional navigation system, but
> the screen that displays maps and approaching roads is too small, Reed said.
> In addition, a disc has to be inserted to operate the system, but there is
> no additional slot to play music CDs meaning the driver has to choose
> between listening to tunes and navigating streets.
>
> With the availability of the Internet, buyers have become savvy about how to
> compare the optional versus standard features they can get for their money
> and can more easily calculate a vehicle's resale value.
>
> Vehicles made by Toyota, Honda and other top foreign makes generally hold
> their value better than American brand cars and trucks, which are often
> heavily discounted.
>
> "Toyota has a 10- to 15-year outlook on where the industry is heading," said
> James Bryant, automotive industry editor for Hoover's Inc., an online
> business resource site. "GM and Ford tend to play along with whatever
> happens to be the flavor of the week.
>
> "Everybody knew that $3 gas was going to come eventually," he added. "We
> just didn't want to admit it."
>
> And foreign automakers have done a better job capturing the emerging
> crossover SUV segment with vehicles like the Nissan Murano and U.S.
> automakers are racing to catch up with offerings like the upcoming Ford
> Edge.
>
> Toyota registrations rise
>
> Toyota's U.S. brands posted a 12.5 percent increase in retail sales in the
> first five months of the year. By contrast, GM's retail sales slipped 7.7
> percent. Excluding fleet sales, Toyota brands now outsell Ford and Chrysler
> nameplates in the United States, Polk reported.
>
> Wardlaw said competing carmakers aren't only leading in important segments
> but getting new products to the market at a faster pace.
>
> The product life cycle for an Asian nameplate is about four to six years
> compared to six to eight years for a new domestic car or truck.
>
> Wardlaw points out, for example, that the Ford Focus was merely refreshed
> for the U.S. market while the Focus sold in Europe was completely
> redesigned.
>
> "What Americans got was a rehashed version of the old Focus and as a result,
> Ford isn't in a position to compete" against popular small vehicles such as
> the Honda Civic in the U.S. market at a time when gas prices are pushing
> consumers to cars.
>
> In a separate study conducted by Autobytel.com Monday, online purchase
> requests for large trucks such the Ford F-150 pickup fell 34 percent, and 43
> percent for the Toyota Tundra and Chevrolet Silverado for the second
> quarter. In comparison, more fuel-efficient cars like the Toyota Camry and
> Yaris, and the Honda Civic posted gains.
>
> "The trick for the domestic automakers is going to be that they need to
> development dollars across every development segment in which they
> want to compete, and that includes cars and trucks," Wardlaw said.
>
> You can reach Josee Valcourt at (313) 222-2300 or jmvalcourt@detnews.com.
>
>

Re: Foreign cars pass Big 3
 

Well none of that surprises me.

Heres one of the problems... Fords Vision...

"Our goal is to build on our traditional strengths and redefine them for
the 21st century. We're going to apply fresh thinking and innovative
technology to everything we do, from our basic business processes to the
products that define who we are as a company," Ford says. "Our vision
moving forward is to build great products, a strong business and a
better world."


Nothing about the people at all....

building on traditional strengths... hrm, sounds old fasion. I like it,
but 200 million other people probally think its boring.

to build great products, a strong business and a better world...

Now if that isn';t cheesy

You may think I dislike ford, but the opposite is true, I just don't
think they are sufficiently competing with other companies.

dbltap wrote:
> http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll...plate=printart
>
> Foreign cars pass Big 3
>
> For the 1st time, U.S. drivers buy more import brands
>
> Josee Valcourt / The Detroit News
>
> For the first time, U.S. consumers are buying more cars and trucks built by
> foreign automakers than vehicles made by Detroit's traditional Big Three.
>
> New statistics compiled by R.L. Polk and Co., which counts new car
> registrations and excludes sales to rental car agencies and other fleet
> customers, show foreign brands commanded 52.9 percent of the retail auto
> market in the first five months of 2006, while domestic automakers fell to
> 47.1 percent.
>
> Domestic brands led foreign makes 51 percent to 49 percent over the same
> period last year.
>
> While the power shift has been long in the making, it's nonetheless a
> disheartening sign that Detroit's auto industry is losing the battle for the
> hearts and wallets of American car buyers.
>
> Domestic brands such as Chevrolet, Ford and Dodge still control more than
> half the U.S. market when fleet sales are included, but more profitable
> retail sales are considered the best indicator of which auto brands are most
> popular with customers.
>
> "I'm not surprised," said Christian Wardlaw, senior analyst with
> Autobytel.com, a car shopping Web site. "The proof is sitting there in black
> and white on paper. People can't refute it anymore."
>
> About 2.55 million new domestic-brand cars and trucks were registered in the
> first five months of this year versus 2.86 million foreign nameplates in the
> same period, Polk reported. The foreign nameplates figure includes some
> brands such as Ford-owned Land Rover and Jaguar that are controlled by the
> Big Three.
>
> Chrysler Group spokesman Kevin McCormick said the Auburn Hills-based company
> doesn't get caught up in the industry scorekeeping, saying the automaker is
> "focusing on things we can control in our business. Our strategy at a high
> level is to put out the best cars and trucks that we can at prices that are
> attractive to consumers."
>
> But industry experts say the numbers illustrate that Asian automakers such
> as Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co and Nissan Motor Co. are doing a
> better job meeting the needs of U.S. car buyers.
>
> Domestic brands have been hurt by lower quality scores, and more recently, a
> heavy reliance on large trucks and SUVs at a time of a high gas prices.
>
> "People have been swapping SUVs for fuel-efficient cars, and the domestics'
> car lineup hasn't been as compelling as the Asians'," Wardlaw said.
>
> Amenities factor in
>
> Import brands are leveraging strong profits to turn out cars packed with
> safety features, creature comforts and the latest technology, said Phil
> Reed, consumer advice editor of auto research site Edmunds.com.
>
> "With American cars, you say 'This is nice and this is nice but why couldn't
> they have done this?' " he said.
>
> The Ford Escape Hybrid, for example, has an optional navigation system, but
> the screen that displays maps and approaching roads is too small, Reed said.
> In addition, a disc has to be inserted to operate the system, but there is
> no additional slot to play music CDs meaning the driver has to choose
> between listening to tunes and navigating streets.
>
> With the availability of the Internet, buyers have become savvy about how to
> compare the optional versus standard features they can get for their money
> and can more easily calculate a vehicle's resale value.
>
> Vehicles made by Toyota, Honda and other top foreign makes generally hold
> their value better than American brand cars and trucks, which are often
> heavily discounted.
>
> "Toyota has a 10- to 15-year outlook on where the industry is heading," said
> James Bryant, automotive industry editor for Hoover's Inc., an online
> business resource site. "GM and Ford tend to play along with whatever
> happens to be the flavor of the week.
>
> "Everybody knew that $3 gas was going to come eventually," he added. "We
> just didn't want to admit it."
>
> And foreign automakers have done a better job capturing the emerging
> crossover SUV segment with vehicles like the Nissan Murano and U.S.
> automakers are racing to catch up with offerings like the upcoming Ford
> Edge.
>
> Toyota registrations rise
>
> Toyota's U.S. brands posted a 12.5 percent increase in retail sales in the
> first five months of the year. By contrast, GM's retail sales slipped 7.7
> percent. Excluding fleet sales, Toyota brands now outsell Ford and Chrysler
> nameplates in the United States, Polk reported.
>
> Wardlaw said competing carmakers aren't only leading in important segments
> but getting new products to the market at a faster pace.
>
> The product life cycle for an Asian nameplate is about four to six years
> compared to six to eight years for a new domestic car or truck.
>
> Wardlaw points out, for example, that the Ford Focus was merely refreshed
> for the U.S. market while the Focus sold in Europe was completely
> redesigned.
>
> "What Americans got was a rehashed version of the old Focus and as a result,
> Ford isn't in a position to compete" against popular small vehicles such as
> the Honda Civic in the U.S. market at a time when gas prices are pushing
> consumers to cars.
>
> In a separate study conducted by Autobytel.com Monday, online purchase
> requests for large trucks such the Ford F-150 pickup fell 34 percent, and 43
> percent for the Toyota Tundra and Chevrolet Silverado for the second
> quarter. In comparison, more fuel-efficient cars like the Toyota Camry and
> Yaris, and the Honda Civic posted gains.
>
> "The trick for the domestic automakers is going to be that they need to
> development dollars across every development segment in which they
> want to compete, and that includes cars and trucks," Wardlaw said.
>
> You can reach Josee Valcourt at (313) 222-2300 or jmvalcourt@detnews.com.
>
>

Re: Foreign cars pass Big 3
 

snip

> While the power shift has been long in the making, it's nonetheless a
> disheartening sign that Detroit's auto industry is losing the battle for
> the hearts and wallets of American car buyers.

Does anybody know how much it costs Toyota and Honda to build a car compared
to
the Big 3?
What are the benefits and salaries paid to the employees?
If there's a difference, the day may come when the Big 3 are going to demand
concessions
from them to save the companies and their jobs.

snip

> Chrysler Group spokesman Kevin McCormick said the Auburn Hills-based
> company doesn't get caught up in the industry scorekeeping, saying the
> automaker is "focusing on things we can control in our business. Our
> strategy at a high level is to put out the best cars and trucks that we
> can at prices that are attractive to consumers."

Sorry, Chrysler. Count me out as a customer. For good. I've had too many
problems with my
minivan's transmission, peeling paint, etc. I'll remember.

> But industry experts say the numbers illustrate that Asian automakers such
> as Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co and Nissan Motor Co. are doing a
> better job meeting the needs of U.S. car buyers.
>
> Domestic brands have been hurt by lower quality scores, and more recently,
> a heavy reliance on large trucks and SUVs at a time of a high gas prices.

2 years ago, my 93 Camry with 234,000 kms at the time, felt more solid and
gave a better ride
than a brand new rental Alero.

> "People have been swapping SUVs for fuel-efficient cars, and the
> domestics' car lineup hasn't been as compelling as the Asians'," Wardlaw
> said.

Aren't Impalas fuel efficient cars? Here in Canada, they are rated at around
40MPG.
BTW, if you think it's too optimistic, remember that Canadian and US gallons
are different.

snip

> "Everybody knew that $3 gas was going to come eventually," he added. "We
> just didn't want to admit it."

In Europe and Asia, they have been building ecenomical cars for the longest
time. In North
America, oil was cheap and we didn't care much.

snip

> "The trick for the domestic automakers is going to be that they need to
> development dollars across every development segment in which they
> want to compete, and that includes cars and trucks," Wardlaw said.

The trick is also to hire less people with accounting and business degrees
and more "car people".

Re: Foreign cars pass Big 3
 

snip

> While the power shift has been long in the making, it's nonetheless a
> disheartening sign that Detroit's auto industry is losing the battle for
> the hearts and wallets of American car buyers.

Does anybody know how much it costs Toyota and Honda to build a car compared
to
the Big 3?
What are the benefits and salaries paid to the employees?
If there's a difference, the day may come when the Big 3 are going to demand
concessions
from them to save the companies and their jobs.

snip

> Chrysler Group spokesman Kevin McCormick said the Auburn Hills-based
> company doesn't get caught up in the industry scorekeeping, saying the
> automaker is "focusing on things we can control in our business. Our
> strategy at a high level is to put out the best cars and trucks that we
> can at prices that are attractive to consumers."

Sorry, Chrysler. Count me out as a customer. For good. I've had too many
problems with my
minivan's transmission, peeling paint, etc. I'll remember.

> But industry experts say the numbers illustrate that Asian automakers such
> as Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co and Nissan Motor Co. are doing a
> better job meeting the needs of U.S. car buyers.
>
> Domestic brands have been hurt by lower quality scores, and more recently,
> a heavy reliance on large trucks and SUVs at a time of a high gas prices.

2 years ago, my 93 Camry with 234,000 kms at the time, felt more solid and
gave a better ride
than a brand new rental Alero.

> "People have been swapping SUVs for fuel-efficient cars, and the
> domestics' car lineup hasn't been as compelling as the Asians'," Wardlaw
> said.

Aren't Impalas fuel efficient cars? Here in Canada, they are rated at around
40MPG.
BTW, if you think it's too optimistic, remember that Canadian and US gallons
are different.

snip

> "Everybody knew that $3 gas was going to come eventually," he added. "We
> just didn't want to admit it."

In Europe and Asia, they have been building ecenomical cars for the longest
time. In North
America, oil was cheap and we didn't care much.

snip

> "The trick for the domestic automakers is going to be that they need to
> development dollars across every development segment in which they
> want to compete, and that includes cars and trucks," Wardlaw said.

The trick is also to hire less people with accounting and business degrees
and more "car people".

Re: Foreign cars pass Big 3
 

snip

> While the power shift has been long in the making, it's nonetheless a
> disheartening sign that Detroit's auto industry is losing the battle for
> the hearts and wallets of American car buyers.

Does anybody know how much it costs Toyota and Honda to build a car compared
to
the Big 3?
What are the benefits and salaries paid to the employees?
If there's a difference, the day may come when the Big 3 are going to demand
concessions
from them to save the companies and their jobs.

snip

> Chrysler Group spokesman Kevin McCormick said the Auburn Hills-based
> company doesn't get caught up in the industry scorekeeping, saying the
> automaker is "focusing on things we can control in our business. Our
> strategy at a high level is to put out the best cars and trucks that we
> can at prices that are attractive to consumers."

Sorry, Chrysler. Count me out as a customer. For good. I've had too many
problems with my
minivan's transmission, peeling paint, etc. I'll remember.

> But industry experts say the numbers illustrate that Asian automakers such
> as Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co and Nissan Motor Co. are doing a
> better job meeting the needs of U.S. car buyers.
>
> Domestic brands have been hurt by lower quality scores, and more recently,
> a heavy reliance on large trucks and SUVs at a time of a high gas prices.

2 years ago, my 93 Camry with 234,000 kms at the time, felt more solid and
gave a better ride
than a brand new rental Alero.

> "People have been swapping SUVs for fuel-efficient cars, and the
> domestics' car lineup hasn't been as compelling as the Asians'," Wardlaw
> said.

Aren't Impalas fuel efficient cars? Here in Canada, they are rated at around
40MPG.
BTW, if you think it's too optimistic, remember that Canadian and US gallons
are different.

snip

> "Everybody knew that $3 gas was going to come eventually," he added. "We
> just didn't want to admit it."

In Europe and Asia, they have been building ecenomical cars for the longest
time. In North
America, oil was cheap and we didn't care much.

snip

> "The trick for the domestic automakers is going to be that they need to
> development dollars across every development segment in which they
> want to compete, and that includes cars and trucks," Wardlaw said.

The trick is also to hire less people with accounting and business degrees
and more "car people".

Re: Foreign cars pass Big 3
 

snip

> While the power shift has been long in the making, it's nonetheless a
> disheartening sign that Detroit's auto industry is losing the battle for
> the hearts and wallets of American car buyers.

Does anybody know how much it costs Toyota and Honda to build a car compared
to
the Big 3?
What are the benefits and salaries paid to the employees?
If there's a difference, the day may come when the Big 3 are going to demand
concessions
from them to save the companies and their jobs.

snip

> Chrysler Group spokesman Kevin McCormick said the Auburn Hills-based
> company doesn't get caught up in the industry scorekeeping, saying the
> automaker is "focusing on things we can control in our business. Our
> strategy at a high level is to put out the best cars and trucks that we
> can at prices that are attractive to consumers."

Sorry, Chrysler. Count me out as a customer. For good. I've had too many
problems with my
minivan's transmission, peeling paint, etc. I'll remember.

> But industry experts say the numbers illustrate that Asian automakers such
> as Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co and Nissan Motor Co. are doing a
> better job meeting the needs of U.S. car buyers.
>
> Domestic brands have been hurt by lower quality scores, and more recently,
> a heavy reliance on large trucks and SUVs at a time of a high gas prices.

2 years ago, my 93 Camry with 234,000 kms at the time, felt more solid and
gave a better ride
than a brand new rental Alero.

> "People have been swapping SUVs for fuel-efficient cars, and the
> domestics' car lineup hasn't been as compelling as the Asians'," Wardlaw
> said.

Aren't Impalas fuel efficient cars? Here in Canada, they are rated at around
40MPG.
BTW, if you think it's too optimistic, remember that Canadian and US gallons
are different.

snip

> "Everybody knew that $3 gas was going to come eventually," he added. "We
> just didn't want to admit it."

In Europe and Asia, they have been building ecenomical cars for the longest
time. In North
America, oil was cheap and we didn't care much.

snip

> "The trick for the domestic automakers is going to be that they need to
> development dollars across every development segment in which they
> want to compete, and that includes cars and trucks," Wardlaw said.

The trick is also to hire less people with accounting and business degrees
and more "car people".

Re: Foreign cars pass Big 3
 

"Bassplayer12" <perettij@nbnet.nb.ca> wrote in message
news:yfIxg.17744$pu3.351347@ursa-nb00s0.nbnet.nb.ca...

>
> The trick is also to hire less people with accounting and business degrees
> and more "car people".
>
>

I disagree. I propose that the trick is to hire finance and business
managers who are skilled and experienced in business that is customer
centric. I know it's a buzz word, but it does have a value. There are
industry segments out there that have been fighting the competitive battle
on the low margin commodity battle ground for quite a while now and they
have been the ones who have defined the notion of satisfying the customer -
on the terms of the customer, not by the terms of the manufacturer. They
have built successful and profitable businesses. Bring in executives from
the High Tech sector, for example. They understand the notion of leading
edge designs that actually bring new value to a product and create a
competitive position for that product. They understand how to cut
manufacturing costs without cutting reliability. They understand the
pitfalls of claiming quality, nifty program names (Quality is job 1) that
serve nothing but to put out a new slogan, and they understand the nature of
a rapidly advancing environment. It would be a radical change, but just
like the phone companies needed radical change after divestiture, the motor
companies of today need the same. What they don't need is another
"alliance" as has been suggested for GM.

--

-Mike-
mmarlowREMOVE@alltel.net

Re: Foreign cars pass Big 3
 

"Bassplayer12" <perettij@nbnet.nb.ca> wrote in message
news:yfIxg.17744$pu3.351347@ursa-nb00s0.nbnet.nb.ca...

>
> The trick is also to hire less people with accounting and business degrees
> and more "car people".
>
>

I disagree. I propose that the trick is to hire finance and business
managers who are skilled and experienced in business that is customer
centric. I know it's a buzz word, but it does have a value. There are
industry segments out there that have been fighting the competitive battle
on the low margin commodity battle ground for quite a while now and they
have been the ones who have defined the notion of satisfying the customer -
on the terms of the customer, not by the terms of the manufacturer. They
have built successful and profitable businesses. Bring in executives from
the High Tech sector, for example. They understand the notion of leading
edge designs that actually bring new value to a product and create a
competitive position for that product. They understand how to cut
manufacturing costs without cutting reliability. They understand the
pitfalls of claiming quality, nifty program names (Quality is job 1) that
serve nothing but to put out a new slogan, and they understand the nature of
a rapidly advancing environment. It would be a radical change, but just
like the phone companies needed radical change after divestiture, the motor
companies of today need the same. What they don't need is another
"alliance" as has been suggested for GM.

--

-Mike-
mmarlowREMOVE@alltel.net

Re: Foreign cars pass Big 3
 

"Bassplayer12" <perettij@nbnet.nb.ca> wrote in message
news:yfIxg.17744$pu3.351347@ursa-nb00s0.nbnet.nb.ca...

>
> The trick is also to hire less people with accounting and business degrees
> and more "car people".
>
>

I disagree. I propose that the trick is to hire finance and business
managers who are skilled and experienced in business that is customer
centric. I know it's a buzz word, but it does have a value. There are
industry segments out there that have been fighting the competitive battle
on the low margin commodity battle ground for quite a while now and they
have been the ones who have defined the notion of satisfying the customer -
on the terms of the customer, not by the terms of the manufacturer. They
have built successful and profitable businesses. Bring in executives from
the High Tech sector, for example. They understand the notion of leading
edge designs that actually bring new value to a product and create a
competitive position for that product. They understand how to cut
manufacturing costs without cutting reliability. They understand the
pitfalls of claiming quality, nifty program names (Quality is job 1) that
serve nothing but to put out a new slogan, and they understand the nature of
a rapidly advancing environment. It would be a radical change, but just
like the phone companies needed radical change after divestiture, the motor
companies of today need the same. What they don't need is another
"alliance" as has been suggested for GM.

--

-Mike-
mmarlowREMOVE@alltel.net

Re: Foreign cars pass Big 3
 

"Bassplayer12" <perettij@nbnet.nb.ca> wrote in message
news:yfIxg.17744$pu3.351347@ursa-nb00s0.nbnet.nb.ca...

>
> The trick is also to hire less people with accounting and business degrees
> and more "car people".
>
>

I disagree. I propose that the trick is to hire finance and business
managers who are skilled and experienced in business that is customer
centric. I know it's a buzz word, but it does have a value. There are
industry segments out there that have been fighting the competitive battle
on the low margin commodity battle ground for quite a while now and they
have been the ones who have defined the notion of satisfying the customer -
on the terms of the customer, not by the terms of the manufacturer. They
have built successful and profitable businesses. Bring in executives from
the High Tech sector, for example. They understand the notion of leading
edge designs that actually bring new value to a product and create a
competitive position for that product. They understand how to cut
manufacturing costs without cutting reliability. They understand the
pitfalls of claiming quality, nifty program names (Quality is job 1) that
serve nothing but to put out a new slogan, and they understand the nature of
a rapidly advancing environment. It would be a radical change, but just
like the phone companies needed radical change after divestiture, the motor
companies of today need the same. What they don't need is another
"alliance" as has been suggested for GM.

--

-Mike-
mmarlowREMOVE@alltel.net

Re: Foreign cars pass Big 3
 

"dbltap" <DoubleTap@37.com> wrote in message
news:G0Bxg.3225$gF6.1123@newsread2.news.pas.earthl ink.net...
> http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll...plate=printart
>
> Foreign cars pass Big 3
>
..............
> "The trick for the domestic automakers is going to be that they need to
> development dollars across every development segment in which they
> want to compete, and that includes cars and trucks," Wardlaw said.
>
Even including cars & trucks huh? Observations like that one from an
"expert" might give some insight into why they are losing ground.

Re: Foreign cars pass Big 3
 

"dbltap" <DoubleTap@37.com> wrote in message
news:G0Bxg.3225$gF6.1123@newsread2.news.pas.earthl ink.net...
> http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll...plate=printart
>
> Foreign cars pass Big 3
>
..............
> "The trick for the domestic automakers is going to be that they need to
> development dollars across every development segment in which they
> want to compete, and that includes cars and trucks," Wardlaw said.
>
Even including cars & trucks huh? Observations like that one from an
"expert" might give some insight into why they are losing ground.