Harley Lover

Wizard, is there any chance that the smaller diesel due for the F150 and Expedition would use this same approach? Just curious!

Wizard, how did Ford end up with the same design for this engine as GM is using for their diesel? The articles I've read about the GM engine made it sound so radical and different in its approach, I didn't think there could be nearly enough time for another manufacturer to have the same design.

Thanks. I meant how much if from Ford, versus developed by Volvo or technology bought from the outside.

I wonder how much of this technology is from Ford?

In the instance of the Escape/Mariner, I wonder how much of the sales decline was related to availability.

Not yet. I don't think it would be a stretch to think that Toyota and Honda might be planning to bring product in that class to the U.S. This could be an opportunity for Ford to have a product arrive before Toyota and Honda. That would be a nice change, and again, good image building for the average consumer. And, for the reasons I mentioned, would be a move with little risk for Ford in terms of cost. I hope they pull this trigger.

I'm glad to hear that Ford is reconsidering the Ka for the U.S. Presuming it could be built on the same line as the Fiesta, it would not require tremendous incremental investment for Ford, yet its incremental sales could help fill out the capacity of the Fiesta plant in Mexico. Put another way, its sales numbers wouldn't have to be huge to pay for itself. It also gives Ford a credible competitor to Toyota and Honda in that size class - which I consider important from a consumer visability perspective; Ford MUST show itself to be a true competitor to Toyota and Honda in the eyes of the average consumer. That's how they will rebuild their image over the course of time.

Came.

Here's the article: http://wheelsmag.com.au/Features/2008+Pari...mWheelsSpecials Is this really a bombshell? Or is it another confirmation of what we already knew?

EXACTLY! The hypocrisy of this damn POS company knows no bounds. They can give up the VW law and its protectionism first, and then we can talk about them attempting to interfere in our country's business. Assholes.

40% of the democrats didn't vote for the measure. Democrats control the House. Explain how this is a 'right winger' issue.

Actually, there's a whole section about the city cycle. The results: Prius: 44.7 mpg /// Jetta: 32 mpg Not sure this supports the premise that the Jetta trounced the Prius.

GT500: http://www.leftlanenews.com/ford-mustang-s...gt500-2010.html

To the OP, did you read the article? If you did, what don't you understand? Do you really think Ford could expect to sell the Fiesta at the price quoted in the article? In addition, the EU Fiesta diesel does not meet our emission standards, and would require even more costly capabilities to do so - so the estimated price quoted in the article would be even higher! And, as mentioned previously, the EU mpg figures are lower than the EPA figures. I'd really love to see some modern diesel engines in the U.S., but the more I've learned about the issues, I understand the reluctance to commit on the part of the manufacturers. The idea of a shared diesel engine plant between Ford and GM to overcome the volume concern is a great idea. They've collaborated on the 6 speed transaxle, maybe cooperating on an engine and sharing the plant could be a next step.

I applied the same metric to this article as has been applied to Ford decisions.

I wonder if there is any significance to the Cruze fuel economy reference. GM has been touting 45 mpg since its announcement, and suddenly in this article, it's now "above 40". Picking a nit, but if that came from GM, they might already be downsizing expectations.

That's a good point about the Corvette's engine. OTOH, the Corvette hasn't trickled down any tech in 3 decades (engine sharing excluded). The Viper had a complete redo (chassis included) about 2 model years ago. My over arching point is that the Viper, in a smaller sense, represents to Chrysler what the Vette does to GM. And they're considering dumping it.

Correct.

How much of this could be applied to the Corvette? Can you imagine GM hocking its heritage in the same manner? I realize that Chrysler has pretty much killed its heritage at this point, but it just seems that this a poor move for their customers, dealers, and employees in terms of having a halo vehicle that is inspirational and aspirational. I don't put the Challenger in the same category.

Holy crap. Nardelli demonstrates his tone-deafness again:

Be fair, Ford can't bring in this engine with its associated costs, and sell this car at its expected price range.

Wizard, I have absolute respect for you. You are dead wrong. The phrase "short term" is key here. Using the definition you profferred, these loans are not a bailout. They will not be used for short term liquidity (paying the bills due in 30 days). They will be used for capital investments (plants and associated infrastructure). How much more straightforward can it be?

It's not a bailout. It's a loan.

GM has already stated publicly that they will not produce more than 200,000 Volts in the first 5 years of production. How exactly will that outdo the Ford models? How will it be the basis of their recovery?

I really like the lower ride height on these prototypes. Could it be possible that Ford has lowered the ride height for improved aero efficiency which will give incrementally better mileage?