In your opinion, what are the core competencies in the auto industry such as GM, Chrysler, and Ford? How do these competencies help them compete with foreign makers such as Honda, Toyota, Nissan and BMW?
I looked around at all their websites, and the general impression I get is that American cars seem to emphasize performance and innovative body designs. The foreign makers seem to more simplistic in body design and emphasize vehicle longevity. Do you think I'm on the right
track, or do you have another suggestion?
Id say thats a very US perspective.
US manufacturers emphasize engine displacement (rather than technology that gets more hp and economy out of a smaller engine -the Dodge Charger Hemi is a perfect example - massive engine - pathetic power output), and frivolous extras like a million cupholders. I would say they are WAAAAAYYY behind in body design and performance. Four wheel drive, power steering, advanced suspension etc etc all come from europe or japan as they need to be innovate to stay ahead of the competitors.
The US has effectively had a captive market for a long time through misguided patriotism (I laugh every time I see a bumper sticker urging to buy GM as its American - only 2 vehicles are entirely built (all components and assembly) in North America. Ford Crown Victoria, and Toyota Camry). Its the only reason US manufacturers have stayed ahead but as you may be aware this situation is now changing as GM has (despite there inventive reporting) lost the largest manufacturer crown to Toyota , and due to there lack of innovation and pretty much guarenteed continued gas price rises wont likely see a turnaround for a long time. Think about GMS delas over the last year or so - offering $2500 bucks of free gas when you buy a new GM - that is a good admission that your vehicle is a gas guzzler.
Foreign vehicles are longer lasting for one reason - they are better put together period, better paint better manufacture. I had a Ford Focus built in Germany. Very high quality, no corrosion or mechanical defects , no major repairs in 7 years damp uk driving. Because the design was such a success it was adopted in the US , but I looked at buying a new one here and the paint was full of bubbles, huge gaps in the panels and garbage detail work inside and out. Corners had been cut everywhere to slightly lower the cost of the car, and unionised plants mean shoddy human workmanship takes the place of robot construction (good for jobs - not so good for the buyer).
I dont intend to be harsh against the US manufacturers but this is the reality.
Its even more clear cut if you look at the motorcycle industry. The US makes big noisy V twins , virtually unimproved since WW2, The UK manufacturers did more or less the same but as the UK/Europe is more demanding they vanished (Triumph is resurrected after a hiatus with new ownership). Japan and some european manufacturers have spent the time continually improving, never standing still. They now make the most high tech, reliable machines. You will likely never see a Harley or US Bike maker in world class motorsports again. They only sell as people still think they look cool and rebellious on them , when in fact they look like extras from the village people.
I guess this wont help with your homework but hopefully may make you question what you are fed as the truth.
Thanks - and Re the bike- at least you have shown the taste and brains to buy a honda twin , the go should actually match the show and they still have some innovation in there cruisers, you can also spend more time riding the thing than fixing oil leaks. (next time buy a rocket) http://answers.yahoo.com/question/accuse_write?qid=20071001093409AAEpX4o&kid=ALd1J2i_AmO_ADxCOsRw&s=comm&date=2007-10-03+05%3A42%3A41&.crumb=
The foreign companies seem to have it down how to make cars last longer, and are cheaper to drive, even though they have the same concept as the American brands. You are in the Right track, on the differences!
Here is the clue - American cars are made for the American public, big, no regards to efficiency and international styles. The rest of the world makes cars to compete. Another differing, US automakers have a large public, which likes to do their own repair, so thinks are made simple ( at least, thats what they think). One more, basically all US cars now have substantial contend from foreign makers, so the line swims.
American replacement parts are cheaper than foreign. The labor is also cheaper. I don't think that Foreign cars have a more simplistic design, they are more intricate. Regarding performance, I have both American made and foreign, and I haven't notice any difference to be honest. I think that it's all in how you treat your car. That is however, my opinion. I'm no expert.
American cars differ in quality as to where foreign cars are made with better materials,right from the start,the more you cut quality from the time you start building a car,the worse it comes out to be when your done,foreign makes put more quality in their parts than we do ,and this ends up being a better product when its finished,the end result is visible,they out sale American cars,and the general public can see the difference in the quality.good luck.
american cars are the muscle cars such as all the v8 big cars with a lot of power when the foreign are those cars that save a lot of gas but are ricerunners i love fords specially mustangs and in america they are like a tradition to have one specially cause they are strong vehicles that will last for a lot of miles while other cars like the jetta will only last for 130000 miles and then they need to be rebuilt while a mustang will last for about 350000 miles on the stock engine
i think it is in the body desgins too, also probably has to do with what is under the hood. Reguardless, I am a Chevy girl for life.
Foreign automakers also seem more interested in improving fuel economy. BMW for instance is supposed to be releasing a diesel model next year that would greatly increase their fuel economy (as well as reliability). Toyota has been the front-runner in designing and making hybrids (Prius, Yaris), whereas the American companies are just starting to produce these vehicles (and are basically copying them from the foreign automakers). American car companies really try to push the extra amenities and large vehicle size, whereas foreign companies push their reliabilty and fuel economy.
They are probaly built differentos some
Ford Sucks!!! I love my VW JETTA!!!!!!
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