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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$gF6.1123@newsread2.news.pas.earthl ink.net... > http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll...plate=printart > > Foreign cars pass Big 3 > .............. > "The trick for the domestic automakers is going to be that they need to > development dollars across every development segment in which they > want to compete, and that includes cars and trucks," Wardlaw said. > Even including cars & trucks huh? Observations like that one from an "expert" might give some insight into why they are losing ground. |
Re: Foreign cars pass Big 3
"dbltap" <DoubleTap@37.com> wrote in message news:G0Bxg.3225$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. |
Re: Foreign cars pass Big 3
Bassplayer12 wrote: >Does anybody know how much it costs Toyota and Honda to build a car compared >to the Big 3? Big 3 = GM, Ford, Toyota. Toyota and Honda probably average 3-6 hours less in final assembly time per car, and Toyota does it with less automation than > What are the benefits and salaries paid to the employees? Same pay, worse medical and pension than GM, Ford, and Damlier-Chrysler. >The trick is also to hire less people with accounting and business degrees >and more "car people". Don't promote people to managerial positions unless they've worked on building cars. I believe a major reason the US chip business remains so competitive is because almost all its CEOs have built chips. |
Re: Foreign cars pass Big 3
Bassplayer12 wrote: >Does anybody know how much it costs Toyota and Honda to build a car compared >to the Big 3? Big 3 = GM, Ford, Toyota. Toyota and Honda probably average 3-6 hours less in final assembly time per car, and Toyota does it with less automation than > What are the benefits and salaries paid to the employees? Same pay, worse medical and pension than GM, Ford, and Damlier-Chrysler. >The trick is also to hire less people with accounting and business degrees >and more "car people". Don't promote people to managerial positions unless they've worked on building cars. I believe a major reason the US chip business remains so competitive is because almost all its CEOs have built chips. |
Re: Foreign cars pass Big 3
Bassplayer12 wrote: >Does anybody know how much it costs Toyota and Honda to build a car compared >to the Big 3? Big 3 = GM, Ford, Toyota. Toyota and Honda probably average 3-6 hours less in final assembly time per car, and Toyota does it with less automation than > What are the benefits and salaries paid to the employees? Same pay, worse medical and pension than GM, Ford, and Damlier-Chrysler. >The trick is also to hire less people with accounting and business degrees >and more "car people". Don't promote people to managerial positions unless they've worked on building cars. I believe a major reason the US chip business remains so competitive is because almost all its CEOs have built chips. |
Re: Foreign cars pass Big 3
Bassplayer12 wrote: >Does anybody know how much it costs Toyota and Honda to build a car compared >to the Big 3? Big 3 = GM, Ford, Toyota. Toyota and Honda probably average 3-6 hours less in final assembly time per car, and Toyota does it with less automation than > What are the benefits and salaries paid to the employees? Same pay, worse medical and pension than GM, Ford, and Damlier-Chrysler. >The trick is also to hire less people with accounting and business degrees >and more "car people". Don't promote people to managerial positions unless they've worked on building cars. I believe a major reason the US chip business remains so competitive is because almost all its CEOs have built chips. |
Re: Foreign cars pass Big 3
Al gore talks a little on that subject in his movie Politics aside, it's a
good movie. john "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 > > 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
Al gore talks a little on that subject in his movie Politics aside, it's a
good movie. john "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 > > 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
Al gore talks a little on that subject in his movie Politics aside, it's a
good movie. john "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 > > 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
Al gore talks a little on that subject in his movie Politics aside, it's a
good movie. john "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 > > 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
"Bassplayer12" <perettij@nbnet.nb.ca> wrote in message news:yfIxg.17744$pu3.351347@ursa-nb00s0.nbnet.nb.ca... > 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. It's already here. The companies are demanding concessions involved health care. Soon they will involve pensions. The Big 2 and the American part of the Dialmer-Chrysler and many of their suppliers have pension obligations that have not yet been met. IN most of Europe, the government takes care of the pensions. > 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. I would still consider them later. Their quality is improving, thanks to Dr. Z and others from Germany. And from competition in the US. >> 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. My Contour is the same way. It only has 131,000 mi, which is about 220,000 km. >> "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. The domestics were expecting SUVs and low gas prices to rule. Oops. That is why they needed more diversity. > snip > >> "Everybody knew that $3 gas was going to come eventually," he added. "We >> just didn't want to admit it." > > In Europe and Asia, they have been building ecenomical cars for the > longest time. In North > America, oil was cheap and we didn't care much. Oil wasn't really cheap. How much are we paying for the Iraq war? > snip > >> "The trick for the domestic automakers is going to be that they need to >> development dollars across every development segment in which they >> want to compete, and that includes cars and trucks," Wardlaw said. > > The trick is also to hire less people with accounting and business degrees > and more "car people". Incorrect. You also need accountants and other business types. Both car types and bean counters are important. Jeff |
Re: Foreign cars pass Big 3
"Bassplayer12" <perettij@nbnet.nb.ca> wrote in message news:yfIxg.17744$pu3.351347@ursa-nb00s0.nbnet.nb.ca... > 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. It's already here. The companies are demanding concessions involved health care. Soon they will involve pensions. The Big 2 and the American part of the Dialmer-Chrysler and many of their suppliers have pension obligations that have not yet been met. IN most of Europe, the government takes care of the pensions. > 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. I would still consider them later. Their quality is improving, thanks to Dr. Z and others from Germany. And from competition in the US. >> 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. My Contour is the same way. It only has 131,000 mi, which is about 220,000 km. >> "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. The domestics were expecting SUVs and low gas prices to rule. Oops. That is why they needed more diversity. > snip > >> "Everybody knew that $3 gas was going to come eventually," he added. "We >> just didn't want to admit it." > > In Europe and Asia, they have been building ecenomical cars for the > longest time. In North > America, oil was cheap and we didn't care much. Oil wasn't really cheap. How much are we paying for the Iraq war? > snip > >> "The trick for the domestic automakers is going to be that they need to >> development dollars across every development segment in which they >> want to compete, and that includes cars and trucks," Wardlaw said. > > The trick is also to hire less people with accounting and business degrees > and more "car people". Incorrect. You also need accountants and other business types. Both car types and bean counters are important. Jeff |
Re: Foreign cars pass Big 3
"Bassplayer12" <perettij@nbnet.nb.ca> wrote in message news:yfIxg.17744$pu3.351347@ursa-nb00s0.nbnet.nb.ca... > 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. It's already here. The companies are demanding concessions involved health care. Soon they will involve pensions. The Big 2 and the American part of the Dialmer-Chrysler and many of their suppliers have pension obligations that have not yet been met. IN most of Europe, the government takes care of the pensions. > 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. I would still consider them later. Their quality is improving, thanks to Dr. Z and others from Germany. And from competition in the US. >> 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. My Contour is the same way. It only has 131,000 mi, which is about 220,000 km. >> "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. The domestics were expecting SUVs and low gas prices to rule. Oops. That is why they needed more diversity. > snip > >> "Everybody knew that $3 gas was going to come eventually," he added. "We >> just didn't want to admit it." > > In Europe and Asia, they have been building ecenomical cars for the > longest time. In North > America, oil was cheap and we didn't care much. Oil wasn't really cheap. How much are we paying for the Iraq war? > snip > >> "The trick for the domestic automakers is going to be that they need to >> development dollars across every development segment in which they >> want to compete, and that includes cars and trucks," Wardlaw said. > > The trick is also to hire less people with accounting and business degrees > and more "car people". Incorrect. You also need accountants and other business types. Both car types and bean counters are important. Jeff |
Re: Foreign cars pass Big 3
"Bassplayer12" <perettij@nbnet.nb.ca> wrote in message news:yfIxg.17744$pu3.351347@ursa-nb00s0.nbnet.nb.ca... > 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. It's already here. The companies are demanding concessions involved health care. Soon they will involve pensions. The Big 2 and the American part of the Dialmer-Chrysler and many of their suppliers have pension obligations that have not yet been met. IN most of Europe, the government takes care of the pensions. > 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. I would still consider them later. Their quality is improving, thanks to Dr. Z and others from Germany. And from competition in the US. >> 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. My Contour is the same way. It only has 131,000 mi, which is about 220,000 km. >> "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. The domestics were expecting SUVs and low gas prices to rule. Oops. That is why they needed more diversity. > 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. Oil wasn't really cheap. How much are we paying for the Iraq war? > 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". Incorrect. You also need accountants and other business types. Both car types and bean counters are important. Jeff |
Re: Foreign cars pass Big 3
Jeff said: "You also need accountants and other business types. Both car
types and bean counters are important."...... I would agree with that assessment overall. But one of Detroit's HUGE problems is that the bean counters always got the final word. This was especially true at GM. Going back to the days in the 1980's when the ultimate bean counter, Roger Smith, was head of GM, you could see that mentality. It could be said that GM still has not gotten out of the shadow of the Smith era, no matter how much money he made the company back then, and in fact, are now paying a heavy price for going down that road. Regardless of what you think of President Bush, he may have nailed it. Within the last year, when there was talk of possible subsidies to the failing domestic car industries, his answer to the Big Three was short, to-the-point, and right on the money: "BUILD RELEVANT CARS!" Why haven't they? When you check what the Detroit bean counters have been doing, you have your answer. As has been pointed out, Detroit has now been reduced to mere marketing slogans. For example, Ford may say, "Quality is Job 1," but a look at their quality numbers, whether compiled by J.D. Powers, Consumer Reports, or whomever, tell a very different story. Why? When you check what their Detroit bean counters have been doing, you have your answer. And when I am looking to find an economical family sedan, not too big, and not too small, I look out in the car world, and the choices are impressive. Beginning with the wonderful re-design of the Hyundai Sonata, I can look at Camrys, Accords, Passats, Optimas, Legacys, the list goes on and on. Then you have the Chrysler entry, the Stratus/Sebring. They were never good cars when they first came out, and to say they are horribly outclassed now is an understatement. Why are they still being sold? When you check what their Detroit bean counters have been doing, you have your answer. As was also pointed out, Detroit banked on large SUV's, large pick-ups, and oversized coupes and sports cars, while the country now needs (and wants) good, small SUV's and reliable, roomy, well-handling sedans. Why has Detroit's recent response been to put out even more new re-designs on their big vehicles? When you check what their Detroit bean counters have been doing, you have your answer. I'm not against bean counters. As I said at the beginning of the post, they more than have their place. And make no mistake, the bean counters still carry enough wait at places like Honda and Toyota to make sure they are making plenty of money. But enough time has passed that, if Detroit was ever going to "get it" in terms of how best to make money and stay a world force long-term, it would have by now. Instead, we have the news story that prompted this and other posts. So back to driving my Hyundai and Kia, and having LOTS of people asking me if I think they are worth buying? (they are). Tom Wenndt |
Re: Foreign cars pass Big 3
Jeff said: "You also need accountants and other business types. Both car
types and bean counters are important."...... I would agree with that assessment overall. But one of Detroit's HUGE problems is that the bean counters always got the final word. This was especially true at GM. Going back to the days in the 1980's when the ultimate bean counter, Roger Smith, was head of GM, you could see that mentality. It could be said that GM still has not gotten out of the shadow of the Smith era, no matter how much money he made the company back then, and in fact, are now paying a heavy price for going down that road. Regardless of what you think of President Bush, he may have nailed it. Within the last year, when there was talk of possible subsidies to the failing domestic car industries, his answer to the Big Three was short, to-the-point, and right on the money: "BUILD RELEVANT CARS!" Why haven't they? When you check what the Detroit bean counters have been doing, you have your answer. As has been pointed out, Detroit has now been reduced to mere marketing slogans. For example, Ford may say, "Quality is Job 1," but a look at their quality numbers, whether compiled by J.D. Powers, Consumer Reports, or whomever, tell a very different story. Why? When you check what their Detroit bean counters have been doing, you have your answer. And when I am looking to find an economical family sedan, not too big, and not too small, I look out in the car world, and the choices are impressive. Beginning with the wonderful re-design of the Hyundai Sonata, I can look at Camrys, Accords, Passats, Optimas, Legacys, the list goes on and on. Then you have the Chrysler entry, the Stratus/Sebring. They were never good cars when they first came out, and to say they are horribly outclassed now is an understatement. Why are they still being sold? When you check what their Detroit bean counters have been doing, you have your answer. As was also pointed out, Detroit banked on large SUV's, large pick-ups, and oversized coupes and sports cars, while the country now needs (and wants) good, small SUV's and reliable, roomy, well-handling sedans. Why has Detroit's recent response been to put out even more new re-designs on their big vehicles? When you check what their Detroit bean counters have been doing, you have your answer. I'm not against bean counters. As I said at the beginning of the post, they more than have their place. And make no mistake, the bean counters still carry enough wait at places like Honda and Toyota to make sure they are making plenty of money. But enough time has passed that, if Detroit was ever going to "get it" in terms of how best to make money and stay a world force long-term, it would have by now. Instead, we have the news story that prompted this and other posts. So back to driving my Hyundai and Kia, and having LOTS of people asking me if I think they are worth buying? (they are). Tom Wenndt |
Re: Foreign cars pass Big 3
Jeff said: "You also need accountants and other business types. Both car
types and bean counters are important."...... I would agree with that assessment overall. But one of Detroit's HUGE problems is that the bean counters always got the final word. This was especially true at GM. Going back to the days in the 1980's when the ultimate bean counter, Roger Smith, was head of GM, you could see that mentality. It could be said that GM still has not gotten out of the shadow of the Smith era, no matter how much money he made the company back then, and in fact, are now paying a heavy price for going down that road. Regardless of what you think of President Bush, he may have nailed it. Within the last year, when there was talk of possible subsidies to the failing domestic car industries, his answer to the Big Three was short, to-the-point, and right on the money: "BUILD RELEVANT CARS!" Why haven't they? When you check what the Detroit bean counters have been doing, you have your answer. As has been pointed out, Detroit has now been reduced to mere marketing slogans. For example, Ford may say, "Quality is Job 1," but a look at their quality numbers, whether compiled by J.D. Powers, Consumer Reports, or whomever, tell a very different story. Why? When you check what their Detroit bean counters have been doing, you have your answer. And when I am looking to find an economical family sedan, not too big, and not too small, I look out in the car world, and the choices are impressive. Beginning with the wonderful re-design of the Hyundai Sonata, I can look at Camrys, Accords, Passats, Optimas, Legacys, the list goes on and on. Then you have the Chrysler entry, the Stratus/Sebring. They were never good cars when they first came out, and to say they are horribly outclassed now is an understatement. Why are they still being sold? When you check what their Detroit bean counters have been doing, you have your answer. As was also pointed out, Detroit banked on large SUV's, large pick-ups, and oversized coupes and sports cars, while the country now needs (and wants) good, small SUV's and reliable, roomy, well-handling sedans. Why has Detroit's recent response been to put out even more new re-designs on their big vehicles? When you check what their Detroit bean counters have been doing, you have your answer. I'm not against bean counters. As I said at the beginning of the post, they more than have their place. And make no mistake, the bean counters still carry enough wait at places like Honda and Toyota to make sure they are making plenty of money. But enough time has passed that, if Detroit was ever going to "get it" in terms of how best to make money and stay a world force long-term, it would have by now. Instead, we have the news story that prompted this and other posts. So back to driving my Hyundai and Kia, and having LOTS of people asking me if I think they are worth buying? (they are). Tom Wenndt |
Re: Foreign cars pass Big 3
Jeff said: "You also need accountants and other business types. Both car
types and bean counters are important."...... I would agree with that assessment overall. But one of Detroit's HUGE problems is that the bean counters always got the final word. This was especially true at GM. Going back to the days in the 1980's when the ultimate bean counter, Roger Smith, was head of GM, you could see that mentality. It could be said that GM still has not gotten out of the shadow of the Smith era, no matter how much money he made the company back then, and in fact, are now paying a heavy price for going down that road. Regardless of what you think of President Bush, he may have nailed it. Within the last year, when there was talk of possible subsidies to the failing domestic car industries, his answer to the Big Three was short, to-the-point, and right on the money: "BUILD RELEVANT CARS!" Why haven't they? When you check what the Detroit bean counters have been doing, you have your answer. As has been pointed out, Detroit has now been reduced to mere marketing slogans. For example, Ford may say, "Quality is Job 1," but a look at their quality numbers, whether compiled by J.D. Powers, Consumer Reports, or whomever, tell a very different story. Why? When you check what their Detroit bean counters have been doing, you have your answer. And when I am looking to find an economical family sedan, not too big, and not too small, I look out in the car world, and the choices are impressive. Beginning with the wonderful re-design of the Hyundai Sonata, I can look at Camrys, Accords, Passats, Optimas, Legacys, the list goes on and on. Then you have the Chrysler entry, the Stratus/Sebring. They were never good cars when they first came out, and to say they are horribly outclassed now is an understatement. Why are they still being sold? When you check what their Detroit bean counters have been doing, you have your answer. As was also pointed out, Detroit banked on large SUV's, large pick-ups, and oversized coupes and sports cars, while the country now needs (and wants) good, small SUV's and reliable, roomy, well-handling sedans. Why has Detroit's recent response been to put out even more new re-designs on their big vehicles? When you check what their Detroit bean counters have been doing, you have your answer. I'm not against bean counters. As I said at the beginning of the post, they more than have their place. And make no mistake, the bean counters still carry enough wait at places like Honda and Toyota to make sure they are making plenty of money. But enough time has passed that, if Detroit was ever going to "get it" in terms of how best to make money and stay a world force long-term, it would have by now. Instead, we have the news story that prompted this and other posts. So back to driving my Hyundai and Kia, and having LOTS of people asking me if I think they are worth buying? (they are). Tom Wenndt |
Re: Foreign cars pass Big 3
snip
>> The trick is also to hire less people with accounting and business >> degrees and more "car people". > > Incorrect. You also need accountants and other business types. Both car > types and bean counters are important. I totally agree with you. Read again my sentence. I suggested having more "car people" and "less" of the other kinds. |
Re: Foreign cars pass Big 3
snip
>> The trick is also to hire less people with accounting and business >> degrees and more "car people". > > Incorrect. You also need accountants and other business types. Both car > types and bean counters are important. I totally agree with you. Read again my sentence. I suggested having more "car people" and "less" of the other kinds. |
Re: Foreign cars pass Big 3
snip
>> The trick is also to hire less people with accounting and business >> degrees and more "car people". > > Incorrect. You also need accountants and other business types. Both car > types and bean counters are important. I totally agree with you. Read again my sentence. I suggested having more "car people" and "less" of the other kinds. |
Re: Foreign cars pass Big 3
snip
>> The trick is also to hire less people with accounting and business >> degrees and more "car people". > > Incorrect. You also need accountants and other business types. Both car > types and bean counters are important. I totally agree with you. Read again my sentence. I suggested having more "car people" and "less" of the other kinds. |
Re: Foreign cars pass Big 3
"Rev. Tom Wenndt" <trwenndt@grics.net> wrote in message news:ea7tgn02mst@enews2.newsguy.com... > Jeff said: "You also need accountants and other business types. Both car > types and bean counters are important."...... > > I would agree with that assessment overall. But one of Detroit's HUGE > problems is that the bean counters always got the final word. Whose fault is that? Not the bean counters. Who was stupid enough to give the bean counters the final word? Jeff |
Re: Foreign cars pass Big 3
"Rev. Tom Wenndt" <trwenndt@grics.net> wrote in message news:ea7tgn02mst@enews2.newsguy.com... > Jeff said: "You also need accountants and other business types. Both car > types and bean counters are important."...... > > I would agree with that assessment overall. But one of Detroit's HUGE > problems is that the bean counters always got the final word. Whose fault is that? Not the bean counters. Who was stupid enough to give the bean counters the final word? Jeff |
Re: Foreign cars pass Big 3
"Rev. Tom Wenndt" <trwenndt@grics.net> wrote in message news:ea7tgn02mst@enews2.newsguy.com... > Jeff said: "You also need accountants and other business types. Both car > types and bean counters are important."...... > > I would agree with that assessment overall. But one of Detroit's HUGE > problems is that the bean counters always got the final word. Whose fault is that? Not the bean counters. Who was stupid enough to give the bean counters the final word? Jeff |
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