American Automakers Are On Top Again, But How Long Can They Stay There?

I'm interested in what Fiat's long term plans are for Chrysler. Hopefully they don't plan on cutting and running off with Chrysler government money as Daimler did to them already.

I find it hard to believe that Chrysler had that much money for disposal.

Sportsbike80. Diamler NEVER bought Chrysler, remember it was "a merger of 2 equals". It ended up being a hostile takeover! Chrysler had 13 billion that Diamler could then get there hands on. Thats what they used to buy White Freightliner, Detriot deisel, and others. Chrysler was at the time the most profitable auto manufacture. And do you really think Diamler would purposely buy a so called ailing American auto co and try to help them? Give me a break! Diamler pillaged and used Chrysler and when they were done destroying them , put them up for auction. Again Screw Diamler.

Veyron, Yes they did. Diamler also got Chryslers state of the art design studio. Chrysler also had a bit under 10 Billion put away for new R&D for there electric program and the Pheonix 4 and 6 cyl world engines that are now called the Penestar engines along with other programs that Diamler redlined. Who knows what Diamler spent that money on. Most likely to fix the problems with Merc Benz.

Not government owned buy like toyota has been government protected for years and years.

sportsbike80 seems to think the only things affected by the tsunami were Honda and Toyota facilities/suppliers. Yet doesn't realize that the suppliers the Japanese manufacturers use are in a large part the same ones used by every other major automotive manufacturer. Which is why I previously mentioned (in another thread) that only 45% of the components in the Silverado are actually made in the USA.

I personally can confirm that the tsunami has effected the Chevy Silverado

Sportsbike80, stop spinning bill's argument into something it isn't.

Governance doesn't imply ownership.

If governance and ownership were one in the same thing, you being governed by the laws would imply that you could also be sold off as an asset.

The Mini coupe's miniscule wing does two things, it's primary reason for existing is as a visual aid to help sell a car with a disproportionate look. And to make gear heads happy it aids in fuel economy by reducing turbulence over the rear window.

If you think it's there because it makes the Mini perform better... well I wouldn't be surprised given your lack of insightful arguments on this forum.

Yes, it clearly is. That's why he also said. lol at your fail argument.


"I never said Honda was government owned"

Wait, I thought we were talking about the Mini Coupe. Why are you changing subject??? Oh wait, we both know why.

In regards to your new subject change. If by improve handling, you mean to increase understeer then yes it did improve handling. Performance wise however, that "improvement" also degrade's the Audi's performance as it will now plow through corners more then it would without it. But that's ok since it's a production vehicle not intended for track use. Long story short, Rear Wing + Audi TT = Less performance + Improved customer safety

The Japanese Government puts a hefty tax if you drive a vehicle that has over 40,000 kilos on it in Japan.Most of these cars are reconditioned and sold off to south pacific and third world countries which in turn keeps their factories rollng.There is a hefty import tax so American cars cannot compete with them.Isnt this a type of Bailout/Bribe/Scam etc.The American government/people have been taken for a ride.

Yes, American automakers CAN keep it going. It's whether or not they've learned from their past mistakes and decide they WILL keep it going.

When I have time I will research some info.The Koreans are leaving because of restrictions and Japanese will support their own products no matter what.Hyundais are way better than Toyotas.If you dont agree you will soon.Here is an artilce where imports were not allowed for their cash for clunkers program.They finally gave in under much pressure.They have some balls.http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2010-01-19-cash-for-clunkers-japan-cars_N.htm

Well getting back to the subject at hand. How long can the US auto makers stay on top? The answer to stay on top is to keep producing products that are not only competative but class leading. Further that the continue to focus attention on quality(especially interior)and reliability. Further that they need to continue to keep an eye on costs to produce a car. That means in one specific area that what they pay workers does not get out of wack as opposed to what the import transplants are paying.They also need to be inovative in engineering. GM has demonstrated this with the Volt. It is a more comfortable and more practical EV then the Nissan Leaf for example. Fiat pioneered multiair,Ford created ECO Boost. But each company has caveats that could potentially derail their continued success. GM needs to try an avoid the extreem rebate pricing that caused their products to be undervalued. Ford has to fix Sync and My Touch. Chrysler's new platforms had better be at least class competative in terms of ride handling and their gas mileage has to improve for their entire fleet. It's time to put multiair on all engines.Above all the US 3 really need to have a scrupulous handle on import competition so that they avoid producing yesterday's cars. The Bogie keeps moving.

well we have read thee comments it's easy to see who the sale outs are.

Retard I mean Eldard and the guy from 1980 in a sport bike are actually Toyota Salesman who do not have the reliability thing going for them to fool the American Public Anymore.