[papasmurf]

"The Japaneses have been doing this for years."

I don't think so, not in Automotives anyway. The Japanese have defined the current market, and it's US who have been attempting to clone their product and successes, rather than spending the money on product and technology research.

We'd rather spend money on advertising a pig with lipstick, than a design team with a wind tunnel.

THIS is the main reason why we have lost so much market share. We have lost our ability desire to innovate, and have, instead, relied on our past. We see where that has gotten us.

It has only been of late that we have pulled our heads out of azzes wallets, and out money back into research, design and human talent.

We've lost so much...credibility, talent, value, market share, technology because of our "stick in the mud" mindsets.

Look at all of the nice Toyotas, Hondas, Mazdas, and most of the new Nissans. These are American designers doing most of these. Then, look at the Euros, they are copying the Japanese, especially MB copying Lexus...just like the Koreans are. That's OUR talent doing most of their bidding.

Which Japanese car are you thinking of that's a copy of an American one?

BTW, I'd like a REAL American Cadilliac again. Not a Luxury Sports Sedan in the "Finest of European Tradition". I want large, oppulent, drop dead graceful beauty, comfort, stylish, plenty of high tech amenities/gadgets, and a roooomy inside. Buckets seats and/or center consoles just do not belong in a Caddy. OK? LOL

[-YYZ-]

“Then, look at the Euros, they are copying the Japanese, especially MB copying Lexus”

I’d have to say that it’s been Lexus copying MB, BMW and Audi, and not the other way around. Although a number of recent MBs have been rather insipid. And Lexus definitely ripped on BMW for the current TL and TSX styling cues (among others).