Future of America's auto industry
#51
Thread Starter
Our dynamics with China is an odd one. We buy billions of dollars worth of goods each year but we have super conflicts with them due to their human rights record, low wages, etc. Can you imagaine the uproar if Fiat was a Chinese company rather than an Italian company. No matter, predictions are the the Chinese are coming and they will likely be buying up much of what's left behind from Chrysler and GM.
#52
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Marblehead
Posts: 4,563
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We'll let the Chinese in big time before it is over, because the government is beholden to the Chinese and needs them to continue to buy our debt. Though this will result in some much needed american jobs, we will live to regret their presence.
#53
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by RC - Ryder,May 17 2009, 10:00 PM
We'll let the Chinese in big time before it is over, because the government is beholden to the Chinese and needs them to continue to buy our debt. Though this will result in some much needed american jobs, we will live to regret their presence.
#54
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Bay Area
Posts: 3,827
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Traveler,May 17 2009, 07:35 AM
In IBM's case more and more of the product development is going overseas every year. They laid off 16,000 workers in January. In many cases their jobs weren't eliminated. They were moved to China, India, Brazil and the Czech Republic.
#55
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Bay Area
Posts: 3,827
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by RedY2KS2k,May 13 2009, 09:38 PM
On a related note, can someone explain the big savings to the manufacturer from whacking independent franchisee dealerships? The buildings don't cost the manufacturer anything; the employees aren't on the manufacturer's payroll; the inventory on the showroom floor isn't on the manufacturer's books. At a certain level, these franchisee's are the manufacturers' only customers. I've never bought a car from a manufacturer; I've always purchased from a dealer who bought the car from the manufacturer. I realize that there are costs associated with supporting the franchisees, but where are the mega-savings?
#56
Thread Starter
GM wants to follow Toyota
#57
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Modjeska Canyon, CA
Posts: 1,887
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by WhiteS2k,May 19 2009, 09:33 AM
Unfortunately, a lot of the "knowledge" workers are now overseas and not in the US -- sadly, few Americans are interested in those jobs.
#58
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Bay Area
Posts: 3,827
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, around the SF Bay Area, we have 5 Honda dealers just in the South Bay, we have just as many Toyota dealers. But we used to have three Chrysler/Dodge dealers and now we are down to one. We used to have two GM/Pontiac/Buick dealers and now one of them is closed. There are still a few Chevy and Ford dealers, but I've also seen some of them closed recently. So how is one Chrysler/Dodge dealer going to compete against 5 Honda dealers?
I buy a new car every few years, but I service my car every few months. So one of the buying decision is "how convenient will service be?" With fewer GM/Chrysler dealers to service my car, I know I'll probably buy another Honda (or Toyota) because I know I don't have to go far for service.
I buy a new car every few years, but I service my car every few months. So one of the buying decision is "how convenient will service be?" With fewer GM/Chrysler dealers to service my car, I know I'll probably buy another Honda (or Toyota) because I know I don't have to go far for service.
#59
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by WhiteS2k,May 19 2009, 05:10 PM
So how is one Chrysler/Dodge dealer going to compete against 5 Honda dealers?
#60
Registered User
Originally Posted by dlq04,May 19 2009, 04:20 PM
Sell Fiat's. At least, that's the plan.