Article Comments: Detroits Third Q

13 messages, Last post on Nov 18, 2006 at 9:30 PM

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Article comments for Detroit's Third Q: Not So Easy as 1-2-3 for Big Three - Ford and its new chief, Alan Mulally, recruited from Boeing, have a lot of work to do. It's hard to know where to begin. (more)

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#1 of 13 Article Comments: Detroits Third Q by KarenS HOST Oct 30, 2006 (12:05 pm)
Check out Michelle Krebs' take on the challenges facing the Big 3. Talk about her column here. Detroit's Third Q: Not So Easy as 1-2-3 for Big Three
#2 of 13 When will they learn... by crazyb02 Nov 01, 2006 (9:22 pm)
The BIG 3 are the big dawgs of the automotive world yet they are fluttering like buttreflies on a windy day. The stigma of "bad" product and value is where these three are lacking big time. Cars of the past such as the Cavalier, Le Baron, and Contour all examples of products that have driven away buyers. The competition has noticed this slip up and have used it to their advantage while these three still have yet to learn. "If you build it they will come." Chryslering is learning but FORD and GM still haven't completely gotten it. Poor resale value is another BIG reason why many consumers avoid domestics when shopping for a new car. When these three get their act together things will turn around. They've gotten too complacent and now the gap is far too wide for them to get themselves together and get on the right track.
#3 of 13 3 Stooges? by billingsley Nov 02, 2006 (7:03 am)
I agree with crazyboy: The big 3 have done it to themselves. They felt for years, that just because it was American, people would flock to them. I had a Chrysler product back in the early 80's that was pure junk. I still have a bad taste in my mouth about Chrysler. My wife and I have 2 very recent Chevy's. We're pleased with them. But, before that, we were both buying Japanese. Datsun (Nissan), Honda, Toyota. They were good vehicles. I think they can get on the right track, but it's going to take some head rolling in the corporate offices. And, the UAW is going to have to back off. I personally think the unions are some of the reasons the Big 3 are in the predicament they're in now. I hope for the workers' that the Big 3 can turn around. It would be terrible to have all those people laid off. Plus, all the companies that supply GM, Ford & Chrsler would be in trouble. It would have a ripple effect throughout the economy.
#4 of 13 Fairy Tale? by 7driver Nov 02, 2006 (7:57 pm)
How about a "Fairy Tale" scenario? What if gas suddenly becomes dirt cheap again?
#5 of 13 It's all at some point going to boil down to..... by rockylee Nov 02, 2006 (8:17 pm)
Healthcare costs. If someday this country gets national healthcare like they have in Canada, that will be a saving grace for the domestic auto-manufactors. The UAW, next contract is going to have to accept a 401K plan since GM, can't figure out how to put back money for it's workforce. Hopefully the UAW, can get a good comapny match for it's workforce. Rocky
#6 of 13 time up by iqbaldhillon2 Nov 04, 2006 (8:20 am)
Big 3 your time has come has come. Now Toyota will rule the market. Replies to this message: rockylee (Nov 04, 2006 12:45 pm) iqbaldhillon2 (Nov 10, 2006 2:38 pm) billingsley (Nov 10, 2006 4:32 pm) rockylee (Nov 10, 2006 11:46 pm)
#7 of 13 Re: time up [iqbaldhillon2] by rockylee Nov 04, 2006 (12:45 pm)
Replying to: iqbaldhillon2 (Nov 04, 2006 8:20 am) GM, hasn't heard the "fat lady" sing yet !!! Rocky Replies to this message: iqbaldhillon2 (Nov 10, 2006 2:38 pm) billingsley (Nov 10, 2006 4:32 pm) rockylee (Nov 10, 2006 11:46 pm)
#8 of 13 Time for Congress to step in! by iancar Nov 09, 2006 (6:23 pm)
Think about it: When Ford, GM, and Chrysler are short on cash, unprofitable, and lack of critical investments, Honda, Nissan, and Toyota are busily working on the next jump in technologies and productivity. Can you bet on Japs to screw up their products like Germans and oil prices become dirt cheap again? of cuz not. So, what options we got? Restructuring? Big 3 had plenty of time in the past 30 years, and still failed. Quality and productivity gain? Most factories on GM and Ford's chop board are JDpower winners, what a surprise. Price cut? They had tried it since 70s oil crisis, ending with incentives burden and resell value crashes. With tougher competition from Korean government backed automakers, cash loaded Japs, and high price tag Germans, only the Congress has the power and cash to save the Big 3 from sinking to the bottom.
#9 of 13 Re: time up [rockylee] by iqbaldhillon2 Nov 10, 2006 (2:38 pm)
Replying to: rockylee (Nov 04, 2006 12:45 pm) You wait Rocky, when Toyota introduces thier Tundra diesel you'll be sorry, and the Big 3 will be gone and forgotten. Toyota has every market today except fullsize trucks. By 2010 I think they'll have the market. If not maybe 2015. Replies to this message: billingsley (Nov 10, 2006 4:32 pm) rockylee (Nov 10, 2006 11:46 pm)
#10 of 13 Re: time up [iqbaldhillon2] by billingsley Nov 10, 2006 (4:32 pm)
Replying to: iqbaldhillon2 (Nov 10, 2006 2:38 pm) I have heard that Toyota will pass GM as the largest car maker perhaps in '07. But, to me it's strictly a numbers game. The spin doctors will be out when Toyota surpasses GM.