The Germans engineer cars that are simply a pleasure to drive. The Japanese build cars that are absolutely bulletproof and thus very cheap to own, regardless of initial purchase price. Unfortunately, the American mentality is to gain market share via the lowest price, and that short-term outlook does not result in good products.
Good products will gain market share in the long run, and will command price premiums. It’s unfortunate that by and large, Americans don’t seem to recognize or act on that.
I think quality as a whole will go down the crapper as more and more parts are made in China and then used by ALL the majors.
Toyota even got dinged by Consumer Reports recently for declining quality. Maybe they should go looking for the “Made in China” label on the Toyota parts.
Checking the oil in my new Jeep the other day the side of the wiper motor said “Dongzhou” (I think). So who knows how many hidden parts are really iron with a litle bit of dead fish mixed in.