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Automotive News & Views What Do You Want To Suggest To The Detroit 3?
13 messages, Last post on Jan 23, 2009 at 11:11 AM
You are in the Automotive News & Views Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & claires
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Replying to: andyz3 (Jan 13, 2009 3:25 pm) I agree. I own a 2000 Intrigue. The alternators (voltage regulator) can cause the headlights to flicker. People on the Chevy Uplander forum are reporting the same problem on a 2007 Uplander. Steering column issues, cooling system issues, DRL issues (those models that use the turn signal), braking issues, etc. Also owned a 2001 Malibu (remember the "car you knew America could build"). I remembered the braking issue, electrical issues, leaks, AC problems, etc. But the reason for GM problems is the credit problems and high gas mileage. Nothing at all to do with past performance.
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Replying to: dtownfb (Jan 13, 2009 6:43 pm) Gee, thanks. |
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Replying to: dtownfb (Jan 13, 2009 6:43 pm) GM needs to trim back on the number of models they produce. 40+ different vehicles, most with different trim levels and body configurations. That’s only the North American market and doesn’t include the large commercial trucks. Platform and parts sharing between models would save some $$$ on design and testing. Building fewer at a higher quality. Ford could also be a little leaner. Number of models could be trimmed back. The Escape is now the size of an Explorer. The Flex, Edge, what are those??
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Replying to: andyz3 (Jan 14, 2009 6:14 am) The reason I don't pick on Ford is they have been working on their lineup for the past 4 years. Even the new Focus with the dated platform is not a bad performer. |
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First, agree with many of the posts here but I would tweak some of them here and there. Most of my comments are GM-based but can be applied to the others. Hope it's not too long: A Model for Every Make I would suggest eliminating the business model of the same vehicle for every line. I would do one or two lines max, depending on the model segment . The Aura /G6 / Malibu, pick one or two and dump the rest. Does the public really need a Silverado and Sierra, Tahoe, Suburban & Escalade, along with their multitude of option packages? Hell, a Denali is a Caddy!! A top-end Silverado is a Sierra (even a mid-grade Sliverado can be considered Professional Grade). Just creating new models to hurry up the ROI, making the spreadsheets look good, while not realizing you're just stealing sales from one brand for the other isn't really too brite. Different Name But Still the Same Make them realize just because you change the name of a model it doesn't mean you can offer the same crap-tastic vehicle. Example Cavalier / Cobalt. S10/Sonoma to Colorado/Canyon. Lumina/Monte Carlo/Impala. Need I say more? Rental / Fleet Sales If you're going to move vehicles into fleets, i.e. rentals, understand these vehicles still represent you. That means the quality has to be up, panel fitment tight, interior design up to snuff. Understand that this is the first impression many people will have of you and your product. And using the excuse of "these are the base models, the upper level models are much better." doesn't cut it as the end-user is immediately going to think ALL your products are like this. Understand and know your market Don't bring a vehicle to market unless it is fully ready. For example, don't wrap the vehicle in a decent exterior only to have a half-a interior. Or get the exterior / interior right, but hinder it with inadequate running gear / powertrain. And I would ask them to please not make matters worse by stating "We needed to get something out there...the new powertrain is coming next year." You might as well tell the potential customer to shop somewhere else. And offer something better than the competition. Don't bring an 8-track player to an iPod/multi-disc fight. If the segment expects navi don't put an outdated map or road atlas in the glove box. Lastly, don't over-price and under-deliver the vehicle for the market. Admit & Fix It If there is an issue with components / problems, find the root cause and fix the darn thing. Or should I say, first admit there is a problem, then find the real root cause and fix it properly the first time. I went through the leaking intake manifold gaskets (4.3L), W-body rear brakes and a host of other issues in my tenor as a GM owner. GM did not stand behind their products. {I went and still am going through hell with them over some issues and their attitude is one of "We got your money, deal with it yourself". But they still want me to be loyal to them as well as take my tax dollars to bail them out.} Learn from your mistakes Pretty self explanatory Sorry for the length but thought I'd break down a few points. There are many more but we're all pretty much on the same page. |
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