Episode 602 – Ford Ceremony at Michigan Assembly, Nissan Tests for Radioactivity, 2012 Nissan NV
March 18th, 2011 at 12:17pm
Runtime 8:39
Ford held a ceremony at its Michigan Assembly Plant to kick-off production of the 2012 Focus but the big news is Ford will build the electric and hybrid versions of the C-MAX at the same plant. Nissan is monitoring all of its vehicles built in Japan for possible radioactive contamination due to the disaster in the country. JD Power released its annual Vehicle Dependability Study and for the first time ever Lincoln topped the list. All that and more, plus a look at Nissan’s new commercial vans.
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This is Autoline Daily for Friday, March 18, 2011. And now, the news.
SCOTT BURGESS LEAVES THE DETROIT NEWS
In case you hadn’t heard, a story that’s all over the blogosphere and even made the New York Times, involves the former auto critic of the Detroit News, Scott Burgess. He heavily criticized the Chrysler 200 in an article in the newspaper, which prompted an advertiser, reportedly a car dealer, to complain to the paper. His editors then forced Scott Burgess to take out some of the more critical parts of the story which was still running in the online version of the paper. Scott was one of our guests on Autoline After Hours last night and here’s a little bit of what he had to say about this incident. It’s very rare to see a newspaper force an editor to soften up a story based on an advertiser’s complaint. That’s why this has blown up into such a big story. In fact, in the middle of Autoline After Hours last night we even had a camera crew from Fox News Detroit come into the studio to cover what was going on. You can watch that entire show by going to the John’s Journal section of our website and look for Autoline After Hours.
FORD CEREMONY AT MICHIGAN ASSEMBLY
Ford held a launch ceremony at its Michigan Assembly plant yesterday, kicking off production of the 2012 Focus. All kinds of big wigs were there, from Mark Fields, the company’s President of the Americas, to all kinds of politicians, including Rick Snyder, Michigan’s new governor. Ford used to build its biggest SUVs at the plant, like the Expedition and Navigator, but now it’s dedicated to the C-segment. Aside from the gasoline version of brand-new Focus, Michigan Assembly will also build the electric model PLUS the hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the C-MAX minivan. Ford claims it is the FIRST plant in the world capable of building gasoline-powered vehicles, hybrids, plug-in hybrids and full electrics all on the same assembly line.
UAW WON’T TARGET JAPANESE TRANSPLANTS
One of the people at the Ford event yesterday was Jimmy Settles, the UAW officer who heads up the union’s Ford department. He told the Detroit News that the union would not target any Japanese transplants to organize if the company was crippled by the earthquake in Japan. He said they wouldn’t want to take advantage of the situation. Well, that would leave the Korean and German transplants as the likeliest targets. And my gut feel tells me that Volkswagen’s new plant in Tennessee is the likeliest of them all. But I also find Jimmy Settle’s comment to be kind of weird for a union official. If you’re not going to unionize a company when it’s in trouble, doesn’t that imply that you know that unionizing it will hurt that company even more?
GM HALTS PRODUCTION (subscription required)
Now, time for an update on Japan. The ripple effect of the country’s manufacturing shutdown is being felt around the world. According to Ward’s, GM will halt production at its Shreveport, Louisiana plant starting next week due to – and this is no surprise – a parts shortage. The company builds its Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon midsize pickups at the facility.
NISSAN TESTS CARS FOR RADIOACTIVITY
In related news, the AFP reports Nissan is monitoring all of its vehicles built in Japan for possible radioactive contamination. It will continue the testing until it’s confident any potential radioactivity is gone. The article did not say if any of its vehicles tested positive for contamination or what it would do if they did.
GM MANAGEMENT CHANGES
Yesterday GM named Karl-Friedrich Stracke the CEO of Opel and Vauxhall. He replaces Nick Reilly who will remain the head of GM’s European operations and will be nominated to chair the Opel Supervisory board. Stracke has been with GM for 32 years and has led global engineering for the last year and a half. John Calabrese will take over Stracke’s position, he’s currently the executive director of Global Vehicle Engineering and has been with the company for 30 years. The Detroit News reports the company is also shuffling positions in product development. GM has made a number of management changes recently and now some analysts are becoming concerned that there’s too much change going on at GM.
JD POWER VEHICLE DEPENDABILITY STUDY
JD Power released its annual Vehicle Dependability Study which measures problems of three-year-old vehicles. Not surprisingly luxury makers dominate the top of the list but the brand that came out No. 1 overall is a bit of a shock. For the first time ever Lincoln took the top honors while Lexus came in at No. 2. Rounding out the top five are Jaguar, Porsche and Toyota. Unfortunately for Chrysler it dominated the bottom of the list. The brand came in at fifth from the bottom and is followed by Dodge, Land Rover, Jeep and MINI. Other interesting findings include the fact that the average annual improvement for the industry is slowing down because new electronic technology being added to vehicles has increased the rate of problems. Also, the study finds that there is still a gap between the imports and the domestic brands.
Coming up next we’ll look at how Nissan is getting into the commercial van segment.
2012 NISSAN NV
During research, Nissan found that commercial vehicle customers are the least satisfied of any segment. That’s why the company decided to do an all-new commercial vehicle for the American market to meet customers’ needs. And that started with interior workspace.
A Standard Roof model is also available. Other improvements include dedicated mounting points on the roof and in the cargo area so you don’t have to drill into the sheet metal in order to install equipment, an available center console, which can be removed and store items including a computer or files, the rear doors open extra wide, the front seats are easier to get in and out of, and there’s more foot and leg room.
Under the hood the NV comes with two choices, a 4.0-liter V-6 that cranks out over 260 horsepower and a 5.6-liter V-8 with 317 horsepower. Both are mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.
Other than breaking into a market that’s dominated by Ford and GM, Nissan’s biggest obstacle was making sure its dealers are prepared to sell and provide maintenance for the NV.
Nissan will also give customers the choice of adding personalized graphics to the exterior or storage equipment for the interior. Both options are free of charge.
The NV was designed and engineered in the U.S. And production is already under way at Nissan’s plant in Mississippi. The Standard Roof model with a V-6 starts just under $25,000 while the top-trim High Roof model with a V-8 begins at just over $32,000. Both prices DO NOT include destination.
Don’t forget to tune into the LIVE webcast of RoundAbout tonight at AutolineDetroit.tv. Every week RoundAbout takes an offbeat look at the automotive world.
This week’s guest is the one and only Jim Hall of 4791180.2 Analytics. You may recognize him as the “evilest host” of Autoline Daily. Tonight the RoundAbout crew debuts a new segment called Design Hall. The topic will be fender vents, and you’re going to learn more than you ever wanted to know. Catch them LIVE at 6:30 PM Eastern Time at AutolineDetroit.TV.
And that’s today’s report on the top news in the global auto industry. Thanks for watching, we’ll see you Monday.
Thanks to our Partners for embedding Autoline Daily on their websites: Autoblog and WardsAuto.com
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Comments (28)
March 18th, 2011 at 12:34 pm
“Nissan will also give customers the choice of adding personalized graphics to the exterior or storage equipment for the interior. Both options are free of charge.” Huh??? Does this make sense to anyone other than Shamus?
March 18th, 2011 at 12:44 pm
Amen! You’re spot-on regarding the union leader’s implication that unions hurt companies!
March 18th, 2011 at 12:53 pm
John, in a response to one of the ‘Rapidfire’ questions about ethanol and older vintage vehicles, you mentioned that there isn’t any place to get gasoline without ethanol, well practically speaking you are mostly correct, however, here is a website that should help you locate some pure gasoline: http://pure-gas.org/index.jsp While I can’t personnally guarantee these stations, it appears that this is a valid source to research stations that still provide ethanol free gasoline.
March 18th, 2011 at 1:10 pm
I wonder if Colorado/Canyon production will ever resume. I’ve read that they would be dropped in the near future anyway.
March 18th, 2011 at 1:32 pm
Looking at the J.D. Powers numerical data, John Mc called it many moons ago; the difference between the best and the worst is just not that much. The best averages out to be about one defect per vehicle, and the worst averages out to be just over two defects per vehicle. So, for whatever reason you decide to purchase a vehicle, you may have to come back to the dealer for warranty work a little more often if you get a vehicle at the bottom of the list (on average) but that shouldn’t dissuade you from getting the vehicle you really want.
March 18th, 2011 at 2:07 pm
If you’ve got an axe to grind with regard to the UAW, then you can certainly take what Jimmy Settles said and play that angle to the hilt.
Of course, you can also take a more unbiased perspective and consider that the “optics” of going after a Japanese manufacturer who is struggling due to the earthquake would have negative public relations implications for the union, particularly when the manufacturer on the other side of the table can grab it and play “poor me!” with the public sentiment.
You might even consider that the process of unionizing a plant might be somewhat disruptive and that, again, that might be perceived by the public as not particularly “fair play” with regard to the union.
Considering all of the union-bashing that has been promoted and subsidized by pro-business organizations the past three or four decades, is it that much of a stretch to imagine that they might be careful not to hand their opponents any more ammunition than absolutely necessary?
March 18th, 2011 at 3:25 pm
Too bad about Scott Burgess. Partially because of Scott’s situation I agree with Brett above. I know that may sound wierd. Corporations are out for Corps only, a Corp has no soul or ethics. Some managers within a corp have ethics and others don’t. You need Unions in a large corp to keep from getting squashed byt the unethical managers in their fiefdoms. Regarding Kitts comment, that “Just In Time” delivery that everyone strives for is not looking that great right now is it? I am glad to see the Focus made in the USA. It’s wierd looking to buy a car at Ford you think is a USA car just to find out it is Hecho in Mexico.
March 18th, 2011 at 4:20 pm
It’s amazing how little buyers know about the country of origon of their vehicles, even rhough the window sticker tells a lot. I know someone who recently bought a Ford Fusion because it was “American.” Funny thing, though. It is among the least American cars in its class, at 20% US/Canadian content.
March 18th, 2011 at 4:26 pm
I’m not surprised to see 3 of the 5 bottom companies in the Power study to be from Chrysler Corporation.
When I returned from overseas in 1971 I bought a new 70 1/2 Camaro SS/RS. One day a friend of mine who had a ’70 AAR Cuda traded cars for an afternoon. I couldn’t wait to get my car back because his just sounded like a pile of junk while mine felt solid. I always gave the Mopar guys credit as the performance was there, the quality wasn’t.
Also, years ago it wasn’t unusual to see an “oil burner” driving around but not so much anymore. Those I do see smoking always seem to be a Chrysler Corp minivan for some reason.
Maybe the Power study enforces what I’ve always thought about Chrysler quality. My disclaimer is that I’ve always been a Chevy “performance” guy, but I’m just trying to be honest about what I see about their quality. I’m sure the Mopars guys would disagree with me!
March 18th, 2011 at 6:01 pm
@ Gearhead: Welcome home bro.RVN-70-71-72.101st.I corps.67V2F.
March 18th, 2011 at 6:02 pm
Just thinkin’, regarding the Ford Focus festivities, it appears that UAW officials are not encumbered by a $50.00 per meal limit as John mentioned that he was at one time.
March 18th, 2011 at 7:26 pm
Oh you want war UAW? Fu-k you, lets go!!!
Stupid Unions crying about Pay when companies would have more money to pay their employees if there was a single payer system.
You know why the Unions cry about pay while the main problem is the fact that the American benefits system is jacked up?
BECAUSE THEY ARE WORKING WITH THE HEALTHCARE COMPANIES WHO ARE NOTHING MORE THAN SHILLS FOR INTERNATIONAL BANKERS!!!
YOU KNOW THE SAME BANKERS WHO WORK WITH THE BAVARIAN ILLUMINATI, ROTHSCHILDS, AND BILDERBERGS!!!
AND BEFORE YOU CALL THIS A CONSPIRACY THEORY, IT IS A FACT THAT THESE GROUPS EXIST, AND HAVE SECRET MEETINGS, AND ARE EVEN COVERED BY THE PRESS.
Cramer Spills the beans on CNBC:
FIND ON YOU TUBE BELOW:
1. watch?v=gWAtftRqO-4
2. watch?v=LWdVl1Vvwec&feature=related
The UAW knows for a Fact the US Dollar is about to collapse with Hyperinflation, and are planning to take advantage of $15 a bread loaf prices, and $10 a gallon gas prices through Protests.
However, you will lose, and in fact ALL UNIONS in America will die. They will use you as scapegoats.
I think King is a Coroporate plant, to incite in order to give the powers that be an excuse to bust ALL Unions in general.
March 18th, 2011 at 7:38 pm
WAKE THE FU-K UP PEOPLE!!!
THESE ARE THE SAME GUYS THAT ARE ABOUT TO STEAL YOUR SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS.
WHAT YOU THINK WHEN THE DOLLAR COLLAPSES THE FDIC WILL HAVE THE MONEY TO GUARANTEE YOUR DEPOSITS PLEASE, DUDE?
YOU THINK THE GOVERNMENT WONT CONFISCATE YOUR RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS TO FUND THE “NEW DOLLAR?”
STOP LISTENING TO THESE CORPORATE SHILLS FROM YOUR BANKS, FROM TV ETC….
You Baby Boomers are about to get slaugtered!!!
They will kill Social Security too, and you will have to work until you drop.
Either that or:
1. You will have to live in your Kids houses (if they still have a house).
2. You will be forced to live in a shanty town like those Eastern European “Pensioners.”
3. Or you will work until you drop, which will make it bad for your children in the workforce, and you kids will become:
- College educated criminals
or
- Nerd Do Wells who wont be able to obtain any kind of decent Adult job until they are 50 and still living in your basement.
We can not have Entitlement reform for Baby Boomers. The Baby Boomers must be allowed to reitre easily, or this country will die.
March 18th, 2011 at 7:54 pm
I want you guys to watch this on Youtube:
A Scenario about a Dollar Collapse:
watch?v=2N8gJSMoOJc&feature=player_embedded#at=31
A Dollar Collapse would be like the 21st Century version of the Bank Run Panic of 1931-1933, which turned the Recession of 1929-1930 to the “Great Depression.” A Shame they lack to teach this in school.
The Social Consequences of a Dollar Collapse:
watch?v=AQv-sdMCClQ&feature=relmfu
March 18th, 2011 at 8:22 pm
An advisor told me that very soon something is going to happen in America to where such free speech will be curtailed.
This Advisor reccommended that starting near the time period between April to keep the rhetoric to a lower level.
The government already has me on a list, dude.
But do I care? No.
I do know one thing with what we are plotting- Egpyt is coming to America.
The only way they can shut me up is pay me a shitload of money.
I’ll stop inciting revolution, but it comes with price.
March 18th, 2011 at 8:25 pm
Or I will get even more militant with the correct monetary palm greasing.
March 18th, 2011 at 8:59 pm
I’m in for $1 just to shut HS up.
March 18th, 2011 at 10:04 pm
There should be an app for that.
March 19th, 2011 at 1:21 am
To HyundauSmoke:
Someday the current UAW folks will realize that they are paying only for the pensions and health insurance premiums of senior UAW folks, and nothing towards their own financial futures. This is not capitalism – it is a continuation of the Ponzi-scheme mentality our government has proliferated. H/S, you sound like you too recently realized you have been fooled by group-think, and are trying to rationalize your present condition by rebelling against the political system that led us to where we are.
I suggest that you NOT give up on capitalism – under which businesses like GM and Chrysler that suck go under. (Unfortunately, politics always interferes with the natural laws of everything, and these loosers and their unions still live.) True competition (capitalism) to be the best in any endeavor will always produce the highest returns for both the competitor and the consumer. Please do not give up on capitalism.
It is unfortunate that this forum (Autoline Daily) has become so politically contaminated. The automobile industry has been hijacked by politicians. Politics has become the last resort of those who simply do not want to compete on merit.
Back to automobiles: My Passat 2.0T is the perfect vehicle for my wife amd me. One son says his 2001 BMW 530 is perfect for him. The other son says his 1986 Carrera is perfect for him. Whatdoyouthinkaboutthat, H/S? (I really don’t give a sh** what you think.)
I continue to be interested in only two aspects of the automobile business:
1. What are automobile companies doing to produce products that people want to own?
2. What do followers of Autoline Detroit know about #1, and what opinions do they have about the vehicles they own, have tested or have seen? Leave the politics in Hawaii, Kenya…or wherever.
Thank you, John McElroy for Autoline Detroit and your related productions.
March 19th, 2011 at 4:22 am
LMAO@ Bob.
Remember, the people want change, and Captialism is evil. So is Socialism, or Corporatism. However, I want Capitalists to fail, and Corporatists and Socialists to win because I have an agenda.
When America became a Capitalist country we lost true core values in it’s people. When America became a Corporatist Country in the 50s we lost more core values of it’s people. America is about to become Socialist, and that will result in the erosion of all values in the people.
There are values I want to replace the Socialists, but this is all a grand plan.
All 3 systems alone are evil.
- Capitalism grew the evils of American Chattel Slavery from an experiment into one of the world’s first multi Million dollar businesses.
- Captialism Allowed for the Wiemar Republic to collapse, allowing Hitler to come to Power.
- Captialism Created the Great Depression.
- Corporatism Created the suburbs by racially segregating people, and destroying rural environments.
-Corporatism Created the Military Industrial Complex that allowed for “Too Big to Fail” everything.
-Corporatism is Creating as we speak the “Greatest Depression.” There will be a global Dollar Run that will make a severe recession become a Severe Depression.
-Socialism (The Fabian Kind popularized in America) created the entitlement system the way it is, while making it overpriced, and not very inclusive. There could have been a social safety net for all with as much is spent on Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. We wouldnt even need Welfare, or EITC tax credits, etc…. in their current form if we had a smarter more streamlined, and inclusive Entitlement System. Give the Baby Boomers a beter entitlement system, Medicare for all
-Socialism will create an immoral society that lacks work ethic.
-Socialism will create the “Last Depression.”
Then “New World Order” dies.
All three will then synthesize into a slavery like system- The “Final World Order” will ultimately evolve into a free, fair, just, equitable system for all. “The Divine World Order.”
Dem, Rep, Tea- Who cares?
We will let the Mommy Democrats and the Daddy Republicans fight to the death. Just because I decry the New World Order harsh agendas, doesn’t mean I don’t support it. In order for the World to move to the next steps in human evolution and development- we need a New World Order.
At the end of the day there will be a Progressive Libertarian like party who wants everything under the sun to be Legal from drugs to prostitution. Along with A Democratic Christian Party that shares many Modern, and Progresive elements mixed with Strict Traditionalism that will rule America. The Democrats, and Republicans will become “Old People’s Parties.”
By the way, Your sons only like those cars, because they have been brainwashed to believe in the status quo. Like it or not, the Revolution is here, and we will talk your son out of a Traditionally German BMW into a more Exotic New Age Korean Hyundai. We will get your son out of the Porsche into a Hyundai Gen Coupe. Oh yeah, we will!!!
German cars should be Premium cars for “Old People”- In body and/or in Mind.
Korean cars should be Premium cars for “Young People” -In Body and/or Spirit.
The Grassroots have started the Revolution.
You like the Optima!!! I know you do!!
Come on Admit the Truth. You wish V-Dub with it’s Traditional and falling behind German Technology was as advanced as a KIA Optima Turbo.
Come on man!! Change is here, drop the Cobwebs for the new!!!
By the way, I enjoy mixing politics and cars. That’s the problem with America. Everybody is looking for an escape as opposed to facing the facts head on.
I’m just trying to help you guys realize the real truth before it’s too late. I know how hard you guys worked for your money. You need to hold down that nest-egg. I’m just providing bread crumbs.
And debateable material in reference to politics and cars.
March 19th, 2011 at 1:47 pm
I have seen and heard many many car races, both new and classic, and I can not get enough of those glorious 1-2-3-4-6-8-10-12 cylinder racecar engines as they head for their redline. One thing I have noticed at all these racetracks is, every time a racecar engine fires up, and pulls away through the gears to go racing, I have never ever heard terrible rock and roll music starting to play, only the glorious sound of a racecar engine which is the primary reason I am their. But when I get home and turn on my computer and download a clip of a racecar being tested, as soon as the engine starts, the drums start beating and the awful rock ‘n roll music starts to play, it disgusts me beyond belief. Who is the arrogant snob that keeps covering up the glorious sound of these motors with this awful rock ‘n roll music. I have thrown up my hands in disgust, and decided never to watch another automotive clip that covers up mechanical sound of the car with terrible music. All you car lovers out there that know what I’m talking about, we need to boycott the people who have taken glorious car engine sounds and covered them up with a terrible music sound track, just turned them off no matter how much you like the car, it is the music you hate.
Waldy
March 19th, 2011 at 9:30 pm
The big surprise to me in the JD Powers rankings is that Jaguar is in the top 5. I would have expected them to be in the bottom 5.
Also, as Chuck says in #5, the difference between the best and worst is not that great; quality has gotten better all around. That is why the Challenger ranks very high is owner satisfaction with CR, even though it ranks low in reliability.
I’m a little surprised that MINI was dead last in the Powers ranking. Mine has been reliable, the fit and finish is good, and it is rattle free. I guess my MINI experience is another indication that even the worst of today’s cars are pretty good.
March 20th, 2011 at 8:58 pm
Guy’s voice is worse than Mo Rocca’s; didn’t think it was possible.
March 20th, 2011 at 9:25 pm
Kit, MINI has been at or near the bottom of JD Power’s VDS since DAY ONE!!
I’m not hating on the MINI, but check the JD Power since circa 2003.
Another problem with America, is that Older Generations of people want to believe a car is reliable based on the look or the badge as opposed to the hard data.
The Accent is one of the most reliable cars of any size classification you can buy on the market, but becuase it’s from Hyundai and the look of past Accents- people disregard the actual data and will say it’s “Unreliable” anyway.
BTW, the Accent has been on JD Power’s Most reliable subcompact list 5 out of the last 6 years, and 2 more years with a gap before that.
I’ve never seen a MINI come even close.
We’ll see how much New Accent undercuts the MINI with it’s new premium interior, that quite frankly (no offense) looks more adult and masculine than the MINI.
With New Accent/Veloster, Upper Trim New Rios/Souls and Sonics, Fiestas, and even BMW itself developing subcompacts (RWD). The MINI brand is going to have to provide more than just a “Premium Small Car.”
- Chrysler’s Ypsilon
- Audi’s A2
= additional Premium Subcompact Cars I see coming to America.
I have a Feeling Cadillac is very serious about it’s ULC concept, and in fact that could become the most premium small car available in this market.
Cadillac also has the REAL reliability to back it up too.
I also have a feeling that upper trim FIAT Puntos will have well appointed interiors too when they arrive stateside.
Much less Alfa’s small products.
The Premium small car space in America is about to get as crowded the Yaris/Versa economy small car space. In fact, there will be less “Economy” small cars with Accent/Veloster as more upmarket, Chevy stepping their game up with Sonic, and Ford and it’s Fiesta.
At the rate Ford is going, I’m starting to not see a need for Lincoln. Ford can be the premium brand.
March 20th, 2011 at 9:44 pm
This will be a coup for Toyota in a way, as the Yaris competition will be more pricey.
That’s fine.
Toyota provides a service of understated no frills economical cars with an uncompromising reputation and a large cult following.
Like Chevy used to be, and should still be.
I think it’s funny that people cry about a Toyota not having a soft touch dash or leather. It’s a damm Toyota, it’s not supposed to have that stuff. If you want that buy a Lexus- or something else.
If Toyota were to do that they would have 2 big problems:
1. Their cars would have the same complaints as Volkswagen “overpriced” and then Toyota like VW would be forced to move production to 3rd world markets which would of course drop their quality- BIG TIME.
2. They would undercut Lexus.
I find it comical that people think the Koreans are here to compete with Japan ‘Because they are Asian.” Wrong the Koreans are the New Germans.
In the same way Japan killed America, the Koreans will kill Germany.
The Koreans dont:
- Have the depth of companies like Japan
- Have the same focus on making bottom dollar cars with cheap interiors for the masses like Japan.
- Have the same openess as Japan
Face it- The Koreans are here for Germany, but If I were Japan, and Japanese car lovers as a whole I would be VERY worried about China’s growth and development.
I’m watching those Chinese, and if the Japanese were more concerned about Chery as opposed to Hyundai they will be able to survive the storm.
The Chinese unlike the Koreans, Germans, or Japanese are developing exponentially, and many of their products as they are right now well…
Sorry to say, but I can see Americans buying those products. Why get a real Corolla, when I can get a Corolla copy for half the price?
March 20th, 2011 at 9:58 pm
Korean car industry has a lot more in common with earlier years of the German industry than Japan.
Japan VS Korea= Apples VS Oranges
Korea VS Germany= Red Apples VS Green Apples
Japan VS America and China= Hamburgers VS Cheeseburgers
Hyundai/KIA= The early years of Volkswagen/BMW/Audi/Mercedes
The Koreans even have the Dr Ferdinand Porsche types to go with the package as well.
That’s what change is about. One Generation cometh, the old passeth- or move on to higher things.
March 21st, 2011 at 8:42 am
H/S,
Accent has been good, but not great in CR’s reliability surveys. Recent non-S Minis have done almost as well. Note, though, that Mini owners are much more satisfied with their cars than Accent owners. Mini is “much better than agerage” in owner satisfaction, while Accent is below average. This satisfaction rating is based on response to a question which basically reads “Would you buy this car if you could remake your purchase decision?”
March 21st, 2011 at 1:03 pm
I cannot discern whether certain individuals are over-medicated or under-medicated ’round these parts lately.
Extremism in all forms is poisonous to society. As are extreme characterizations of groups such as Democrats, Republicans, Unions, gays, blacks, etc.
Open question: If unions are such horrible, useless, counterproductive entities, why are German companies so admired for both their business success and high-quality products? German law dictates that a specific percentage of members of the Board of Directors of a public company must be union members. They have no “right to work” laws in Germany, either.
How could that possibly be considering the vilification of American unions?