Posted on 07/29/2008 7:14:54 PM PDT by Kaslin
Auto-industry insiders over the years have often blamed Detroit's mounting problems on mediocre management, poor technological leadership and a lack of vision for the future.
While the successful foreign firms relied on technological innovation, a thorough study of the market, clever marketing and high quality, Detroit's Big Three automakers relied on massive economies of scale, price discounting, zero-percent financing, rebates and volume fleet sales, all of which led to erosion of vehicle resale values.
What were customers to do? Buy highly rated "foreign" cars with high resale values or steeply discounted American vehicles with lower resale values?
The answer is in the numbers. From 1992 to 2007, the number of imported passenger vehicles more than doubled, and Toyota Motor Co. is now the world's largest automaker. According to a new joint study by TechnoMetrica Market Intelligence and Auto Futures Group, the No. 1 brand Americans will consider buying is Toyota.
Our study also shows that when it comes to brand power among customers, Toyota and Honda owners are — on average — four times more likely to promote their brands to friends than Ford owners are, and three times more likely to promote their brands than GM or Chrysler owners.
This does not bode well for Detroit, where the Big Three are at crossroads. Already bleeding from declining sales, increasing incentives and heavy lease losses, they must at the same time find the resources to retool their lineups, remake their images and shore up their market values.
(Excerpt) Read more at ibdeditorials.com ...
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
There are very few imports anymore. Nissan, Toyota and Honda are stateside and Volkswagon soon will be.
Not in my experience. My 2005 Toyota Camry was priced lower than a "comparable" Chevy Malibu. And it will hold its value, unlike most domestic cars.
Don't clog up a good emotional reaction with facts!
or ones that are made in the US out of convenience
Ain’t choice wonderful?
Marx, is that you?
Most "imports" are manufactured in America anyway.
Yup.
Heck, that's only 55,000 miles. It wasn't even broken in!
These items that I had to fix are simple quality issues; a lack of attention to minor details.
I have bought Ford since 1978 specifically to support an American based company.
The above is how I was rewarded for that loyalty.
It’s one of the important things you were fighting for. And I thank you sincerely for that.
Your idea is brilliant: increase the price of private transportation in a slow economy. The price of all cars will rise because of this tax. Sales of autos will fall causing even more layoffs.
Foreign manufacturers have invested heavily in domestic production. The definition of an imported car is a political question, not an objective issue. The Big 3 are heavily union dominated. Your tax would make the unions even more intransigent.
I avoid buying from union dominated companies whenever possible. I will continue to reject any auto made by the Big 3 as long as the union goons dominate these companies.
I agree. I’ve also heard that Consumer Reports has an anti-American bias. A local garage owner made mention of this on his radio show. He basically made the point that most American autos are just as good as foreigns cars. He also stated that repairs to imports can really get ridiculous. He mentioned Volvo and Lexus in particular. I must admit however, that I’ve given thought to making a Subaru or Toyota my next car.
Why?
Thanks!
The brakes squeaked. I complained to the dealer. I later learned it wasn't “dangerous” but they fixed the problem if you complained.
At about two years out; while changing oil, the plug spun free. AAFES said I voided the warranty by “performing maintenance” (aka, changing the damn oil). I argued with AAFES that, the manual explained how to change the oil so the manufacturer expected the owner to do it. The salesman got on the phone with AAFES HQ and argued with them.
I gave up and bought a new oil pan. Later, the new area manager contacted me with a reimbursement.
At eight years out I was PCSing. It still ran like a champ but had a slight leak at the head gasket. I gave it to a young Airman (an AF Vehicle Mechanic) who had just gotten married.
I'd buy another Dodge.
btt
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