Is a Nissan-Renault plan good for GM?

MSNBC ^ | July 7, 2006 | Roland Jones

[JamesP81]

General Motors’ board of directors has voted to start exploratory discussions with Nissan and Renault on a potential business alliance — a plan first proposed one week ago by Kirk Kerkorian, GM’s largest shareholder. But would a deal with the automakers help boost GM’s flagging fortunes?

[JamesP81]

So you won't give GM a chance hey? Well, my husband works for GM as do thousands of other Americans.

Thousands of red-state Americans also work for Nissan and Toyota, many of them from my home state of Kentucky and my second home state of Tennessee.

Look, GM is overrun by a bunch weasels who went to school and got MBAs and decided it was a smart business move to make cheaper, but lower quality cars. The market spoke and said that isn't what it wanted. I prefer to buy American made goods like you, but I can't afford to be sinking heavy duty money into maintenance on a vehicle. I'm one of the little guys to, ya know. I need my vehicles to run to 150,000 miles with minimal maintenance. Most GMs will not do this. Some of the more expensive ones will, but since I'm one of the little guys, I can't afford those kinds of cars.

Yes, it's a bad situation. GM used to make the finest automobile money could buy. Union regulations and cutting corners has lost them that reputation. I hope they get it back.

[brownsfan]

"Is that also true of their TDI Passat?"

I'm not sure. I've just read where VW as a company is having problems with quality. I like their offerings, but if I were considering VW, I'd be very careful.

[1rudeboy]

The engines? :)

[The South Texan]

I concur with you 100%. I don't get why some here are so bent on beating up Toyota, Honda, And Nissan in an effort to save the UAW. It's not there fault GM and Ford built and now are reaping the benefits of a faulty business model.

I used to have a 96 Honda Accord and I traded it in 2003 for a Ford 150 Supercrew. I regret it now. Needless to say when we bought a new vehicle for the family in 2005 we we skipped the Big three and got a Toyota Sienna. The quality is second to none. When my truck is ready to be traded in I will look at Toyota and Nissan and pick from those two.

[JamesP81]

why don't you Google "Pontiac Solstice"

I'd love to have one, but I can't afford it. They're a new vehicle which means I'd have to buy a new or almost new automobile. Not going to happen, unfortunately.

[1rudeboy]

It might interest you to know that all car companies are starting to get their parts from third world countries-thanks to the failure of our government to enforce fair trade policies.

If US content is the deciding factor for you, then buy a Toyota or a Honda.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

The Saturn. Looks and sounds ugly.

[JamesP81]

I'll probably be buying a Toyota Celica early next year. Either that or a Maxima if I can get the money. Used, of course.

[TheOracleAtLilac]

I'll probably be buying a Toyota Celica early next year. Either that or a Maxima

... the idea of a new GM sports car that I could afford with a far more reliable Nissan engine in it is a good thought that I'd like to see happen.

You really have no idea of what you want, do you ?

[gogeo]

It might interest you to know that all car companies are starting to get their parts from third world countries-thanks to the failure of our government to enforce fair trade policies.

I'm sure $75/hr to employ good union members at places like Delphi has nothing to do with it, right?

[JamesP81]

You really have no idea of what you want, do you ?

Actually, I know precisely what I want. It's just that nobody makes it. I've settled on buying a Toyota Celica because it's the closest thing I can find to my requirements.

[SMM48]

The Japanese would NEVER go for that. They really do believe in the zero defect ideals and they would never take the chance of losing face in such a way.

You obviously are unaware of all the Toyota recalls of late? You know why? Because the MSM is not only to the left politically, they are also anti-American auto industry. Japanese recalls are found on the back page while American recalls are front page news. Flame me if you want, but check it out for yourself. I am sick of GM/Ford bashers. Especially the ones who are so critical of the MSM when it comes to politics, yet believe everything else they read.

[weegie]

BMW is not particularly "hot" looking. It is however IMO the best mass produced car available.

[1rudeboy]

Here is a link to the top 10 vehicles in terms of domestic content sold in the U.S. What is striking to me is that, if you leave the Chevys out of the mix, then practically the only cars on the list are "Japanese."

[1rudeboy]

I meant to say that "the only vehicles an entry-level purchaser would buy," in the sense that your typical city dweller has little need for a Ford F or E Series.

[Senator_Blutarski]

You know why? Because the MSM is not only to the left politically, they are also anti-American auto industry. Japanese recalls are found on the back page while American recalls are front page news. Flame me if you want, but check it out for yourself. I am sick of GM/Ford bashers. Especially the ones who are so critical of the MSM when it comes to politics, yet believe everything else they read.

I'm a card carrying GM/Ford basher. My opinions are not based on the MSM coverage. They are based on practical ownership experience with GM, Ford, Toyota and Honda products.

I had horrible real life experiences with Ford and GM products. One of my GM cars spent 52 days in the shop in the first year of ownership. My Hondas and Toyotas have been solid, reliable and durable products. There plenty of practical reasons for the popularity of the Accord and the Camry.

[Old Professer]

Both the Corolla and the Camry have gotten larger overall while their MPG figures don't seem to have suffered proportionately; people really aren't fond of small cars.

[SMM48]

You're entitled to your opinion. It's perception. Accord and Camry have been good reliable cars. Even if they start becomming crap, they would still be perceived as high quality, reliable autos. For the record, when was the last time you shopped for an American car?

[1L]

Sounds like you want a Mustang, so why don't you go get one?

The V-6, from what I've heard, is decent, and you can put a v8 in there if you want to spend the extra money. I'm looking at getting one (V8) in the next few years, as I've wanted one for a long time.

[Senator_Blutarski]

For the record, when was the last time you shopped for an American car?

March, 2006.

I'm a value shopper. I bought a new 2006 Camry LE for $18,130. The American cars couldn't touch it as a value proposition.