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Design1stCode2nd · 01-09-2008, 02:56 PM

So then was Chrysler a German company up until last year and is it now a Canadian company? If Ford files Chap 11 (distinct possibility) and drops their US manufacturing while they restructure and set their Office in Ford of Europe are they then a European car company?

I understand the point of follow where the money goes to see what nationality the car has but that is going to become grayer and grayer as time goes on. When GM, Chrysler and Ford start reselling Chinese cars in 5-10 years here in the US will these be American cars because the profits go to a US based company?

GM, Ford and Chrysler are in a real tough spot right now. Ford most of all. Back in the 50’s GM had a 52% market share in the US and a dealer network to support it. Now they are at 26% with the same network and they can’t afford to shrink it due to US franchise laws. They also have 8 brands which constantly compete with each other for sales and few have any specific audience or defined niche. GM in the past year has sold Allison transmission, sold their large trucks to international, sold proving grounds, and many more things I can’t remember. Why? They need cash. The new UAW contract helps, it helps a lot but it’s still uncertain if it’s going to be enough. Keep in mind GM bonds sell at below junk bond status and Ford has about two years to turn it around before bankers come in and sell off the bits. I give Cerberus 10 months before Chrysler is parted out to Magna, the Indians or the Chinese.

Why does a Cobalt not measure up to a Civic or Mazda 3? Why is it only now that the Malibu is reaching parity with the Camry and Accord let alone surpassing them?

Why was the Solstice (one of the most beautiful cars on the road today at any price IMO) not benchmarked against the MX5 to have a power top and trunk space on par or better?

GM has proven with the new CTS, Enclave, Malibu and hopefully G8 and Camaro that they can compete on the world market. This must be done across the board if they want to be a leader again and win back all of those they lost in the 70’s-90’s to imports/transplants.

01-09-2008, 02:56 PM	#65
Design1stCode2nd Drives: four wheels Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: usa Posts: 585	So then was Chrysler a German company up until last year and is it now a Canadian company? If Ford files Chap 11 (distinct possibility) and drops their US manufacturing while they restructure and set their Office in Ford of Europe are they then a European car company? I understand the point of follow where the money goes to see what nationality the car has but that is going to become grayer and grayer as time goes on. When GM, Chrysler and Ford start reselling Chinese cars in 5-10 years here in the US will these be American cars because the profits go to a US based company? GM, Ford and Chrysler are in a real tough spot right now. Ford most of all. Back in the 50’s GM had a 52% market share in the US and a dealer network to support it. Now they are at 26% with the same network and they can’t afford to shrink it due to US franchise laws. They also have 8 brands which constantly compete with each other for sales and few have any specific audience or defined niche. GM in the past year has sold Allison transmission, sold their large trucks to international, sold proving grounds, and many more things I can’t remember. Why? They need cash. The new UAW contract helps, it helps a lot but it’s still uncertain if it’s going to be enough. Keep in mind GM bonds sell at below junk bond status and Ford has about two years to turn it around before bankers come in and sell off the bits. I give Cerberus 10 months before Chrysler is parted out to Magna, the Indians or the Chinese. Why does a Cobalt not measure up to a Civic or Mazda 3? Why is it only now that the Malibu is reaching parity with the Camry and Accord let alone surpassing them? Why was the Solstice (one of the most beautiful cars on the road today at any price IMO) not benchmarked against the MX5 to have a power top and trunk space on par or better? GM has proven with the new CTS, Enclave, Malibu and hopefully G8 and Camaro that they can compete on the world market. This must be done across the board if they want to be a leader again and win back all of those they lost in the 70’s-90’s to imports/transplants.