Chrysler Email to Employees

[Anthony]

Nancy Rae, Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Communications, shares an email that she sent to employees today, entitled "Keeping Track of the Facts on Chrysler LLC".

 

 

 

 

Keeping Track of the Facts on Chrysler LLC By Nancy Rae Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Communications

 

 

 

As the industry goes through a period of great change and a slowing economy, we all face difficult questions about the status of the industry and our company. Following are a number of the leading subjects that come up in the media and in our daily conversations, as well as information you need to know and share:

 

 

 

The State of the U.S. Auto Industry in 2008

 

• Our full year plan for the market in 2008 has been aggressively conservative, allowing us to be better positioned for the current slowdown. We are clearly in a challenging environment, but continue to be focused on building a profitable enterprise for the long term.

 

• We are committed to good business practices despite the market slowdown such as reducing fleet sales (volume down more than 20% YTD) and dealer inventory (volume is down 67,000 units from a year ago).

 

 

 

The State of Chrysler

 

• As a private company, we are like a $60 billion startup with a real owner-operator mentality.

 

• Despite the challenges, we are meeting or exceeding our financial targets.

 

• According to Bob Nardelli (in The Wall Street Journal), "Cerberus nor its backers are second-guessing the deal. They are not looking back."

 

• According to Tim Price, Cerberus spokesman, "We are comfortable. We are long-term investors. Chrysler is ahead of its cash flow forecast by $1 billion."

 

• We currently have our top 300 leaders going through a comprehensive leadership development program consisting of five segments focusing on strategic thinking, operating excellence and leadership.

 

• We are developing project-specific alliances to help bring the world's best technology to our customers, as soon as possible. Examples range from working with Nissan on a new small car for global markets to partnering with GM, Daimler and BMW on hybrid technology.

 

• We enacted a 5 percent cost reduction on certain non-production materials and services as a part of ongoing efforts to reduce our cost footprint in a highly competitive marketplace.

 

 

 

Chrysler's Sales in 2008

 

• Worldwide sales are down 14% YTD, which includes YTD increases in Canada, Mexico and International Markets. Fleet sales in the U.S. were down 40% in May and 23% for the year.

 

• Sales are rising for new products, such as Dodge Journey (2nd best selling mid-size crossover in May), Dodge Avenger (+15% YTD), Dodge Caliber (+9% YTD), Chrysler Sebring Sedan/Convertible (+11% YTD), and Jeep Patriot/Compass (+65% YTD).

 

• Our long-wheelbase minivans' U.S. retail sales are up 30% YTD, and retail share is up.

 

• In Canada, Chrysler is the #2 best selling manufacturer in the country, and up 5.5% YTD.

 

• In Mexico, Chrysler's sales are up 5.1% YTD.

 

• Outside North America, Chrysler's international sales are up 8% YTD, with markets like China and Russia becoming a larger part of our business.

 

• Dealers have embraced Project Genesis, and we are making progress in transforming the U.S. dealer network. Through May, 58% of our dealers are tri-branded, compared to 50% a year ago. In the U.S., we now have 3,488 dealers, down from a year ago 3,684.

 

 

 

Chrysler's Alignment with Marketplace

 

• Chrysler is better aligned than previously for the shift towards smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles. We also believe there is a strong and viable pickup truck market going forward.

 

• Through May, our U.S. sales were 41% pickup trucks and traditional SUVs, and 59% cars, car-based crossovers, compact vehicles and minivans. (Industry is at 33%/67% ratio)

 

• Chrysler has six vehicles that achieve 28 MPG on the highway: Dodge Caliber, Dodge Avenger, Chrysler Sebring, Chrysler Sebring Convertible, Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass.

 

 

 

Chrysler's Launch Lineup for 2008

 

These new vehicles have competitive advantages and are well-suited for today's marketplace:

 

• Dodge Journey - A crossover with class–leading (25 mpg) with a 4-cylinder engine.

 

• Chrysler Aspen/Dodge Durango Hybrids – Full-size SUVs offering up to 40% improved fuel economy in the city at a price thousands of dollars less than the competition.

 

• 2009 Dodge Ram – There is no better way to fight truck buyer malaise than with our best truck lineup ever boasting breakthrough new features. The new Dodge Ram lineup will also soon add optional light duty diesel and hybrid powertrain options.

 

• Dodge Challenger – This modern muscle car will come with a fuel-efficient V6 option at an aggressive entry-level price of $21,995.

 

 

 

Harbour Report for Manufacturing Productivity

 

• This year, Chrysler tied Toyota for #1 in manufacturing productivity (avg assembly hours).

 

• Chrysler has the #1 assembly plant (innovative Toledo Supplier Park) and #1 engine plant (GEMA joint venture with Hyundai and Mitsubishi).

 

• The combination of lower hours-per-vehicle production and a more competitive wage rate helps us compete with the transplants.

 

 

 

Quality

 

• In the latest J.D. Power IQS, the company improved six points, and Chrysler and Dodge brands showed improvement. Unfortunately, the Jeep brand was last in the survey due to concerns about the Wrangler Unlimited. We can do better and we know it.

 

• Dodge Durango and Dodge Dakota were tops in segments for least problems per hundred. Chrysler PT Cruiser took second place in the "Compact Multi-Activity Vehicle Segment".

 

• We have a corporate wide focus on the customer. As part of this, we have put in place the industry's first Chief Customer Office, Doug Betts, and the Customer Advisory Board.

 

• Chrysler LLC has approved more than 400 improvements in areas such as better materials, fit and finish and quieter operation.

 

 

 

Commodity Prices

 

• In the wake of mounting pressure from ever-increasing steel and other commodity prices, Chrysler is managing its costs and revenues to partially offset spiraling commodity costs.

 

• Chrysler will continue its overall commitment to deliver the best values in the business through increasing standard equipment with our New Day packages to creative incentives, such as the $2.99 Gas Guarantee and our industry-leading lifetime powertrain warranty.

 

• At the beginning of the model year, Chrysler added, on average, $1,200 of new content to the vehicles in its lineup.

 

 

 

Investing in our Future with Advanced Technology

 

• Chrysler is in the midst of a $3 billion investment in advanced powertrains to develop new fuel efficient engines, axles and transmissions.

 

• ENVI is Chrysler's in-house organization charged with establishing Chrysler leadership in electric-drive vehicles and related advanced-propulsion technologies.

 

• Chrysler's UConnect® is a Bluetooth® enabled voice-activated, in-vehicle, hands-free communications system that recognizes more than 100,000 words and is capable of learning new words. Voice commands can input addresses to the navigation system, select satellite radio stations and access voice mail. New for 2009, the hands-free system automatically downloads up to 1,000 phone book entries per phone.

 

 

 

• Examples of new advanced technologies available on 2009 models include:

 

• In-vehicle wireless Internet connectivity: coming from Mopar® by year end 2008.

 

• Rear Cross Path: Chrysler-exclusive system warns drivers of approaching traffic in the parking lot aisle during back-up maneuvers.

 

• Blind Spot Monitoring: exclusive to Chrysler and Dodge in minivan segment.

 

 

 

We are committed to continuing to share information with you. As an ambassador for this company, we hope you will communicate this information in your conversations about Chrysler.

 

 

 

Nancy

[rmc523]

It's interesting to see some of the progress Chrysler is making.

Edited June 20, 2008 by rmc523

[Anthony]

I'm impressed they laid out the bad with the good. I didn't even know that about the Wrangler Unlimited and it was on my radar.

[goinbroke2]

THAT'S A FAKE!!

 

I GOT THE REAL LETTER, HERE IT IS!!

===========================================================

 

Nancy Rae, Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Communications, shares an email that she sent to employees today, entitled "Keeping Track of the Facts on Chrysler LLC".

 

 

 

 

Keeping Track of the Facts on Chrysler LLC By Nancy Rae Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Communications

 

 

 

As the industry goes through a period of great change and a slowing economy, we realise that Chysler is screwed!

 

 

The State of the U.S. Auto Industry in 2008

 

• Our full year plan for the market in 2008 is basically non-existent and we're not sure which way to go from here.

• We are committed to good business practices despite having no concept of what they are.

 

The State of Chrysler

 

• As a private company, we're screwed.

 

• Despite the challenges, we can almost see the bottom of the ladder.

 

• According to Bob Nardelli (in The Wall Street Journal), "Cerberus is looking like tools now, huh?."

 

• According to Tim Price, Cerberus spokesman, "We are burning billions, where will it end? who knows"

 

• We currently have our top 300 leaders going through a comprehensive leadership development program, hoping and praying something will click in these morons. Perhaps they MIGHT figure this out before the fat lady sings.

 

• We are developing project-specific alliances to help bring the world's best technology to our customers, as soon as possible. Examples range from the ginsu knife and that weird ball-type brush thing for cleaning your wheels to Disney's "CARS" movie which seemed to have talking cars in it...we haven't figured out how they did that but when we do? LOOK OUT!

 

 

 

Chrysler's Sales in 2008

 

• They, uh, tanked, what can I say?

 

• Dealers have embraced Project Genesis, although they have no idea what it is. (truth be told I'm a little in the dark myself)

 

 

 

Chrysler's Alignment with Marketplace

 

• Chrysler is better aligned than previously because now we only build the very few cars we sell.

 

• Through May, our U.S. sales were horrendous, but it's about what we figured.

 

• Chrysler has six vehicles that achieve 28 MPG on the highway. Unfortunately, the public is looking for a minimum of 30mpg. Oops, our bad.

 

Chrysler's Launch Lineup for 2008

 

These new vehicles have competitive advantages and are well-suited for today's marketplace:

 

....................ummm....we're still looking into that right now...umm, we'll get back to you.

 

 

Harbour Report for Manufacturing Productivity

 

• This year, Chrysler tied Toyota for #1 in manufacturing productivity which isn't anything to brag about it turns out because Toyota really sucks now too!

 

• Chrysler has the #1 assembly plant (innovative Toledo Supplier Park) and #1 engine plant (GEMA joint venture with Hyundai and Mitsubishi) compared to ALL companies with the pentastar as a logo.

 

 

 

Quality

 

• In the latest J.D. Power IQS,we still sucked, but Toyota sucked worse!

 

Commodity Prices

 

• In the wake of mounting pressure from ever-increasing steel and other commodity prices, Chrysler

admits cost are going up.

 

Investing in our Future with Advanced Technology

 

• Chrysler is in the midst of a $3 billion investment in the aforementioned Ginzu knifes so we can "cut the red tape" on our way to profitability. (Or have a second career when mopar tanks)

 

• ENVI is Chrysler's in-house organization charged with establishing Chrysler leadership in electric-drive vehicles and related advanced-propulsion technologies. They have been recently seen motoring around detroit in white convertables with the Steve Miller band blaring "boys in the bright white sports car" for some unknown reason.

 

• Chrysler's UConnect® is a Bluetooth® enabled voice-activated, in-vehicle, hands-free communications system that recognizes more than 100,000 words and is capable of learning new words. Unfortunately it was designed to work on 33 volt systems and is not yet automotive friendly.

 

• Examples of new advanced technologies available on 2009 models include:

 

• Rear view mirror.

 

• Remote cable-operated/lowered spare tire.

 

• Stereophonic radio with both AM and FM capability

 

 

 

We are committed to continuing to share information with you. As an ambassador for this company, we hope you will communicate this information in your conversations about Chrysler.

 

 

 

Nancy (I'm going on a bender) Rae

[rmc523]

THAT'S A FAKE!!

 

I GOT THE REAL LETTER, HERE IT IS!!

[MGallun]

THAT'S A FAKE!!

 

I GOT THE REAL LETTER, HERE IT IS!!

===========================================================

 

Nancy Rae, Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Communications, shares an email that she sent to employees today, entitled "Keeping Track of the Facts on Chrysler LLC".

 

 

 

 

Keeping Track of the Facts on Chrysler LLC By Nancy Rae Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Communications

 

 

 

As the industry goes through a period of great change and a slowing economy, we realise that Chysler is screwed!

 

 

The State of the U.S. Auto Industry in 2008

 

• Our full year plan for the market in 2008 is basically non-existent and we're not sure which way to go from here.

• We are committed to good business practices despite having no concept of what they are.

 

The State of Chrysler

 

• As a private company, we're screwed.

 

• Despite the challenges, we can almost see the bottom of the ladder.

 

• According to Bob Nardelli (in The Wall Street Journal), "Cerberus is looking like tools now, huh?."

 

• According to Tim Price, Cerberus spokesman, "We are burning billions, where will it end? who knows"

 

• We currently have our top 300 leaders going through a comprehensive leadership development program, hoping and praying something will click in these morons. Perhaps they MIGHT figure this out before the fat lady sings.

 

• We are developing project-specific alliances to help bring the world's best technology to our customers, as soon as possible. Examples range from the ginsu knife and that weird ball-type brush thing for cleaning your wheels to Disney's "CARS" movie which seemed to have talking cars in it...we haven't figured out how they did that but when we do? LOOK OUT!

 

 

 

Chrysler's Sales in 2008

 

• They, uh, tanked, what can I say?

 

• Dealers have embraced Project Genesis, although they have no idea what it is. (truth be told I'm a little in the dark myself)

 

 

 

Chrysler's Alignment with Marketplace

 

• Chrysler is better aligned than previously because now we only build the very few cars we sell.

 

• Through May, our U.S. sales were horrendous, but it's about what we figured.

 

• Chrysler has six vehicles that achieve 28 MPG on the highway. Unfortunately, the public is looking for a minimum of 30mpg. Oops, our bad.

 

Chrysler's Launch Lineup for 2008

 

These new vehicles have competitive advantages and are well-suited for today's marketplace:

 

....................ummm....we're still looking into that right now...umm, we'll get back to you.

 

 

Harbour Report for Manufacturing Productivity

 

• This year, Chrysler tied Toyota for #1 in manufacturing productivity which isn't anything to brag about it turns out because Toyota really sucks now too!

 

• Chrysler has the #1 assembly plant (innovative Toledo Supplier Park) and #1 engine plant (GEMA joint venture with Hyundai and Mitsubishi) compared to ALL companies with the pentastar as a logo.

 

 

 

Quality

 

• In the latest J.D. Power IQS,we still sucked, but Toyota sucked worse!

 

Commodity Prices

 

• In the wake of mounting pressure from ever-increasing steel and other commodity prices, Chrysler

admits cost are going up.

 

Investing in our Future with Advanced Technology

 

• Chrysler is in the midst of a $3 billion investment in the aforementioned Ginzu knifes so we can "cut the red tape" on our way to profitability. (Or have a second career when mopar tanks)

 

• ENVI is Chrysler's in-house organization charged with establishing Chrysler leadership in electric-drive vehicles and related advanced-propulsion technologies. They have been recently seen motoring around detroit in white convertables with the Steve Miller band blaring "boys in the bright white sports car" for some unknown reason.

 

• Chrysler's UConnect® is a Bluetooth® enabled voice-activated, in-vehicle, hands-free communications system that recognizes more than 100,000 words and is capable of learning new words. Unfortunately it was designed to work on 33 volt systems and is not yet automotive friendly.

 

• Examples of new advanced technologies available on 2009 models include:

 

• Rear view mirror.

 

• Remote cable-operated/lowered spare tire.

 

• Stereophonic radio with both AM and FM capability

 

 

 

We are committed to continuing to share information with you. As an ambassador for this company, we hope you will communicate this information in your conversations about Chrysler.

 

 

 

Nancy (I'm going on a bender) Rae

 

thats pretty much the truth, friend at local dealer who owns, GM, Ford and Chry lots said chry is losing out big and they are thinking of tanking the chry lot... no sales at all.

[jobu37]

I have reason to believe the second email was fake as well. Since it did not include the following:

 

"The 15th way that we at Cerebrus are screwed is the fact that our original plan was to wait for gas prices to drop from $3.50 a gallon. Once that occurred we were going to put the Jeep brand on the market and sale it for more than we paid for this entire company. As some of you may have read in the papers, the price of gas has actually risen. We have run the numbers and we have come to the conclusion that this may deter anyone other than Tata or Mahindra from bidding on the Jeep brand. Tata seems to be more interested in selling us their Land Rover brand than buying our Jeep brand so we really think they are out of the running. It turns out that Mahindra is only interested in buying brands that Tata wants to buy. So with Tata not interested we have reason to believe that Mahindra has lost interest as well. So we have moved to plan B. Immediately we will do what we can to move the quality of the Jeep brand up to 20th century standards. Yes we know we are in the 21st century but one step at a time please. Our internal numbers indicate that 90% of the buying public wants to be able to drive the Rubicon trail so a new ad campaign will emphasize even more our trail-rated heritage and maybe no one will notice the shoddy interiors, rough ride, and poor fuel efficeincy. The public (1) has already ignored the horrendous look of our Patriot so we may already be on the right track."

 

(1) Public as used in the above email refers to Advantage Rental Cars, Enterprise Rental, and 1500 individuals from the general population during the month of May.

Edited June 21, 2008 by jobu37

[96 Pony]

I wouldn't get too cocky. None of the Big 3 are in a position that they can cast stones at this point.

 

As for retail rental cars, the last figures I saw towards the first of the year was Chrysler at 26% and Ford at 25%. Meaning that since Chrysler is lower volume Ford has more of them out there.

 

Just go to the Enterprise rental at O'Hare as I did last weekend and you'll see what I mean.

 

Although I did love the Mariner I had. I want one now!

Edited June 21, 2008 by 96 Pony

[Anthony]

I wouldn't get too cocky. None of the Big 3 are in a position that they can cast stones at this point.

 

As for retail rental cars, the last figures I saw towards the first of the year was Chrysler at 26% and Ford at 25%. Meaning that since Chrysler is lower volume Ford has more of them out there.

 

Just go to the Enterprise rental at O'Hare as I did last weekend and you'll see what I mean.

 

Although I did love the Mariner I had. I want one now!

 

Unfortunately, many people do not see past their own bias. I'm hoping all domestics make it through these tough times. I know this is a Ford board, but having discussions that always result in "Ford rules, everyone else sucks no matter what the truth is" doesn't do much for the people who actually want to debate true merits and foibles of any manufacturer.

 

I'll be in the market for a new car in about a year and a half. Whoever gives me the best value and quality for the money gets my business. If its Ford with the redesigned Fusion (which judging by many of the preliminary reports is at the top of my list), so be it. But you can bet I'll be checking out the Malibu, the Accord and whatever comparible cars in that class are at the time. Manufacturers have to earn my business with good, quality cars that I actually want. I will not walk into any dealership because I am a blind loyal follower of a brand. I did that for the first 15 years of my driving life, not anymore. However, I can say more then any other manufacturer... Ford is well on their way to getting me back behind the wheel (GM a close second).

[96 Pony]

Unfortunately, many people do not see past their own bias. I'm hoping all domestics make it through these tough times. I know this is a Ford board, but having discussions that always result in "Ford rules, everyone else sucks no matter what the truth is" doesn't do much for the people who actually want to debate true merits and foibles of any manufacturer.

 

I'll be in the market for a new car in about a year and a half. Whoever gives me the best value and quality for the money gets my business. If its Ford with the redesigned Fusion (which judging by many of the preliminary reports is at the top of my list), so be it. But you can bet I'll be checking out the Malibu, the Accord and whatever comparible cars in that class are at the time. Manufacturers have to earn my business with good, quality cars that I actually want. I will not walk into any dealership because I am a blind loyal follower of a brand. I did that for the first 15 years of my driving life, not anymore. However, I can say more then any other manufacturer... Ford is well on their way to getting me back behind the wheel (GM a close second).

 

And that is where I am as well. My blood runs Ford Blue as much as anyones on this board - just look at what I have owned and I grew up with a Model T, A and '57 Thunderbird almost in our backyard! I have a Thunderbird in the garage with 30,000 miles that has an iffy transmission, fuel pump modules that went out at 23,000 miles and left me sitting in the middle of the Golden Gate Bridge once, along I80 once and on the Carquinez Bridge once; a module that went out at 24,000 miles in the drivers side door that will not unlock any longer via key fob; a highly underpowered engine that gets fewer mpg than my dads 300C and a gremlin in it somewhere that causes it to not start when it doesn't want to. But I am not dumping it because I love that car. People still yell at me from other cars or the street "Hey, nice car!"

 

I just want the Big 3 to succeed as well and do not discount any of them.

 

Ford has had some royal screwups in the past 10-15 years and defending them does nothing but encourage more of the same. Which is why I no longer blindly go straight to the Ford dealership when shopping for a car. I don't like GM - never did, despite owning 2 - but would consider one of their models, especially Cadillac. Chrysler has had some exciting stuff come out the last 10 years or so as well as Ford.

 

So yea, I support Chrysler as much as I do GM. Probably not as much as Ford tho. :shades:

Edited June 21, 2008 by 96 Pony

[94bronco]

Got a good laugh out of the second letter, I really don't like seeing Chrysler shit the bed though which it seems to be heading towards. The fact that GM is burning through about a million dollars a day is not very comforting either as I do love Ford but also have some love for the other American companies as I can't stand seeing anymore imports on the road!

[96 Pony]

Got a good laugh out of the second letter, I really don't like seeing Chrysler shit the bed though which it seems to be heading towards. The fact that GM is burning through about a million dollars a day is not very comforting either as I do love Ford but also have some love for the other American companies as I can't stand seeing anymore imports on the road!

 

Well that is it right there. Outside of Honda (which I do have a little respect for) I would much rather see 10000000000 ugly Sebrings on the road than a Camry.

[94bronco]

Well that is it right there. Outside of Honda (which I do have a little respect for) I would much rather see 10000000000 ugly Sebrings on the road than a Camry.

I have absolutely no respect for any of those companies, As a matter of fact last year at the autoshow I went out of my way to make sure I personally thanked every representative of an import brand for the destruction of the american auto industry. I would rather drive a 1980 Ford Escort than drive any brand new import!

[rmc523]

I have reason to believe the second email was fake as well. Since it did not include the following:

 

"The 15th way that we at Cerebrus are screwed is the fact that our original plan was to wait for gas prices to drop from $3.50 a gallon. Once that occurred we were going to put the Jeep brand on the market and sale it for more than we paid for this entire company. As some of you may have read in the papers, the price of gas has actually risen. We have run the numbers and we have come to the conclusion that this may deter anyone other than Tata or Mahindra from bidding on the Jeep brand. Tata seems to be more interested in selling us their Land Rover brand than buying our Jeep brand so we really think they are out of the running. It turns out that Mahindra is only interested in buying brands that Tata wants to buy. So with Tata not interested we have reason to believe that Mahindra has lost interest as well. So we have moved to plan B. Immediately we will do what we can to move the quality of the Jeep brand up to 20th century standards. Yes we know we are in the 21st century but one step at a time please. Our internal numbers indicate that 90% of the buying public wants to be able to drive the Rubicon trail so a new ad campaign will emphasize even more our trail-rated heritage and maybe no one will notice the shoddy interiors, rough ride, and poor fuel efficeincy. The public (1) has already ignored the horrendous look of our Patriot so we may already be on the right track."

 

(1) Public as used in the above email refers to Advantage Rental Cars, Enterprise Rental, and 1500 individuals from the general population during the month of May.

 

I love the last line in this "email".

[96 Pony]

I love the last line in this "email".

 

Then you are uninformed if you think Ford is that much better than Chrysler in lowering the numbers in the retail rental car market.

 

But, then again, this is a board that finds no problem with the Crown Vic and Grand Marquis being relegated to fleet only.

[rmc523]

Then you are uninformed if you think Ford is that much better than Chrysler in lowering the numbers in the retail rental car market.

 

But, then again, this is a board that finds no problem with the Crown Vic and Grand Marquis being relegated to fleet only.

 

The public (1) has already ignored the horrendous look of our Patriot so we may already be on the right track."

 

(1) Public as used in the above email refers to Advantage Rental Cars, Enterprise Rental, and 1500 individuals from the general population during the month of May.

 

I said I loved this statement above. I never said anything about Ford lowering rental sales numbers.

[Anthony]

The public (1) has already ignored the horrendous look of our Patriot so we may already be on the right track."

 

Again, bias versus fact. From the May 2008 sales report:

 

The fuel-efficient Jeep® Patriot posted record monthly sales as it continues to be one of Chrysler's fastest growing models. Jeep Patriot sales of 8,199 units represented an 82 percent increase in May 2008 versus the same period last year.

 

Patriot May 2008: 8,199 May 2007: 4,504 Vol +/- % 82%

 

One step further: Combined MK (Caliber, Compass, Patriot) sales for May were 24,169... Outselling the Escape/Mariner (23,348 respectively). Maybe they are on the "right track"?

Edited June 22, 2008 by Intrepidatious

[96 Pony]

I have absolutely no respect for any of those companies, As a matter of fact last year at the autoshow I went out of my way to make sure I personally thanked every representative of an import brand for the destruction of the american auto industry. I would rather drive a 1980 Ford Escort than drive any brand new import!

 

I am kind of with you there. I would drive a used Big 3 product over a new import any day.

 

Honda - they have some good stuff. I wouldn't buy any of them at this point but their engineering is pretty good.

Edited June 22, 2008 by 96 Pony

[rmc523]

Again, bias versus fact. From the May 2008 sales report:

 

 

 

One step further: Combined MK (Caliber, Compass, Patriot) sales for May were 24,169... Outselling the Escape/Mariner (23,348 respectively). Maybe they are on the "right track"?

 

How come you didn't include Tribute sales to the Escape/Mariner total as well?

[Anthony]

How come you didn't include Tribute sales to the Escape/Mariner total as well?

 

You are most certainly right, I completely forgot that Mazda still sells that. New total is 24,612. (Adding in 1,462 Tributes).

[goinbroke2]

Wow, some get their panties wound up too tight, too quickly.

I hate imports and certainly hope mopar comes out as number 3 again behind ford and GM.

 

It was a JOKE! I rewrote the real letter, in case any of you missed it.

[bb62]

I have absolutely no respect for any of those companies, As a matter of fact last year at the autoshow I went out of my way to make sure I personally thanked every representative of an import brand for the destruction of the american auto industry. I would rather drive a 1980 Ford Escort than drive any brand new import!

 

This is the type of short sighted view that completely overlooks the fact that the US Auto industry problems are largely their own doing. Had it not been for the imports, it is likely that the average quality today wouldn't have improved much from the mid 70s (where Ford executives would NOT even believe the data brought to them that the imports like Toyota and Honda had better quality).

Edited June 23, 2008 by bb62

[goinbroke2]

This is the type of short sighted view that completely overlooks the fact that the US Auto industry problems are largely their own doing. Had it not been for the imports, it is likely that the average quality today wouldn't have improved much from the mid 70s (where Ford executives would NOT even believe the data brought to them that the imports like Toyota and Honda had better quality).

 

I'll agree with you to the point of "competition improves the breed".

Yes the imports were smaller, couldn't tow as much, were dangerous in accidents, and rusted out in a few years. In short, they were junk. So what could they do, break into the muscle car market with a 600cc honda? Maybe break into the luxury market with a datsun b-210?

What they could do is compete and corner a market in a war that wasn't being fought. Quality. That was a war they could wage, and appearantly win. But now that the domestic's have took up THAT fight, the field is slowly leveling.

So yes, you are correct, if the imports weren't higher quality, neither would the domestic's.

If, if, if,

The hp war started this way, the tow capacity, etc,etc.

[rmc523]

You are most certainly right, I completely forgot that Mazda still sells that. New total is 24,612. (Adding in 1,462 Tributes).

 

Not a problem, so now our triplets outsell their triplets.

[rmc523]

Wow, some get their panties wound up too tight, too quickly.

I hate imports and certainly hope mopar comes out as number 3 again behind ford and GM.

 

It was a JOKE! I rewrote the real letter, in case any of you missed it.

 

I picked it up, if it makes you feel better. :reading: