- #1726 of 1788
-
Re: meanwhile, back at the ranch [kdhspyder]
by gagrice
-
Feb 28, 2009 (2:00 pm)
-
|
|
Replying to: kdhspyder (Feb 28, 2009 1:53 pm)
Excellent small cars can be built in America, if management chooses to do so.
Just not by the D3. As long as they carry $1500 to $3000 in legacy costs on each car they will not be able to build them with UAW labor. You cannot add $3000 to an Aveo and sell it. An Escalade maybe. Even a Silverado. Not a small car that will compete with Fit and Yaris.
|
- #1727 of 1788
-
Re: meanwhile, back at the ranch [gagrice]
by lilengineerboy
-
Feb 28, 2009 (2:47 pm)
-
|
|
Replying to: gagrice (Feb 28, 2009 2:00 pm)
Excellent small cars can be built in America, if management chooses to do so.
Just not by the D3. As long as they carry $1500 to $3000 in legacy costs on each car they will not be able to build them with UAW labor. You cannot add $3000 to an Aveo and sell it. An Escalade maybe. Even a Silverado. Not a small car that will compete with Fit and Yaris.
Ford Fiesta
|
- #1728 of 1788
-
Re: meanwhile, back at the ranch [lilengineerboy]
by nippononly
-
Feb 28, 2009 (2:57 pm)
-
|
|
Replying to: lilengineerboy (Feb 28, 2009 2:47 pm)
Ford Fiesta
Which won't be built in the U.S......
|
- #1729 of 1788
-
Re: meanwhile, back at the ranch [nippononly]
by bpizzuti
-
Feb 28, 2009 (3:01 pm)
-
|
|
Replying to: nippononly (Feb 28, 2009 2:57 pm)
It's gonna be just as American as a lot of cars from "American" companies.
Only it sounds as if Ford may have another Honda/Toyota-killer on their hands.
|
- #1730 of 1788
-
Re: meanwhile, back at the ranch [gagrice]
by Mr_Shiftright HOST
-
Feb 28, 2009 (5:29 pm)
-
|
|
Replying to: gagrice (Feb 28, 2009 2:00 pm)
well that's where leadership and management comes in. The legacy costs are just part of the challenge of doing it.
Remember I said PROFITABLE small cars--I didn't say "cheap" small cars.
Look thee to the MINI.
|
- #1731 of 1788
-
Re: meanwhile, back at the ranch [lilengineerboy]
by gagrice
-
Feb 28, 2009 (7:30 pm)
-
|
|
Replying to: lilengineerboy (Feb 28, 2009 2:47 pm)
The Ford Fiesta is built all over the World. Just not in the USA by UAW workers. It would not be profitable. Same with any other small vehicle inexpensive vehicle. The Mini is a wonderful small car. I wonder if it could be built in the USA at a profit?
|
- #1732 of 1788
-
Re: meanwhile, back at the ranch [gagrice]
by Mr_Shiftright HOST
-
Feb 28, 2009 (7:41 pm)
-
|
|
Replying to: gagrice (Feb 28, 2009 7:30 pm)
Given the prices they get for MINIs (have you seen the resale values?!!), I can't imagine that an American MINI (presuming it was just as good) couldn't make a profit.
Of course, this is just a niche vehicle---not enough volume to save their butts.
|
- #1733 of 1788
-
Re: meanwhile, back at the ranch [Mr_Shiftright]
by gagrice
-
Feb 28, 2009 (7:48 pm)
-
|
|
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Feb 28, 2009 7:41 pm)
I don't think that the D3 have the foresight to build a Mini. Think PT Cruiser, SSR and HHR. If that is the best they can do for retro, they have not convinced me. It would be nice for one Domestic to survive. I voted for Ford and bought their stock. A bit like playing the lottery.
|
- #1734 of 1788
-
Re: meanwhile, back at the ranch [gagrice]
by Mr_Shiftright HOST
-
Feb 28, 2009 (8:04 pm)
-
|
|
Replying to: gagrice (Feb 28, 2009 7:48 pm)
I looked at the HHR before I bought my last new car. Test drove it. Not bad but it was no MINI you're right. Again....adequate but nothing special.
|
- #1735 of 1788
-
Re: meanwhile, back at the ranch [Mr_Shiftright]
by gagrice
-
Feb 28, 2009 (8:08 pm)
-
|
|
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Feb 28, 2009 8:04 pm)
I got an HHR when I went to see my new grandson in Alaska. I was not impressed at all. Made lots of strange noises driving down the highway. Had difficulty on ice. Probably some kind of worthless traction control device. I like to control my own vehicle on Ice. I have spent as much time driving on ice in the last 40 years as dry pavement. ABS is horrible on ice. All doodads for non drivers.
|
![[F]](http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/site.gif){kind=small}
Forums
Automotive News & Views 
