Comments on: From the Los Angeles Auto Show

By: Slothrop

Slothrop — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:28:14 +0000

I currently drive a Fusion after driving an Accord for many years. I love it. I am excited to buy the Hybrid version when it comes out – any idea on the price?

By: Buffalopundit

Buffalopundit — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:56:21 +0000

It has been rumored that Chrysler might spin Jeep off to its former partner, Renault. With Renault’s lineup, which is pretty kickass, and its built-in alliance with Nissan, it could very easily enter the US market using Jeep’s and/or Nissan’s dealership network. A small car to challenge the Focus, a smaller car to challenge the Yaris, a mini-MPV to challenge the Mazda5, and a gorgeous minivan to challenge just about anything – all with diesel, all with awesome mileage. They could make a go of it.

The thing that pisses me off most about these domestics is not just that they have foreign outfits that do very well and could teach them a thing or two about design, interior quality & ergonomics, and fuel economy, but that they resisted – tooth and nail – every regulatory effort to do for them what they wouldn’t do for themselves, and that’s improve fuel economy across the fleet. In this day and age, there’s no excuse for what they tried to get away with, and now they’re stuck with a massive financial meltdown.

I think that they’re entitled to some public money, but only with a great deal of strings attached. Quid pro quo, Clarisse.

By: Mike Miller

Mike Miller — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:57:48 +0000

Good stuff, Alan, thanks!

By: Adam K.

Adam K. — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:34:41 +0000

Chris,

I think at this point Chrysler is too small and too dependent on Mopar to make a big ripple in the parts market by folding up.

It’s GM that scares me.

By: Chris Smith

Chris Smith — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:48:40 +0000

Well, if Chrysler and GM go away, it will get exponentially more difficult for Ford to keep prices inline with foreign competitors without some massive corporate restructuring. When costs for components skyrocket, Ford will have to absorb it on their own

By: Adam K.

Adam K. — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:26:30 +0000

I firmly believe that in 3 years Ford will be the only big 3 automaker left standing.

My sad prediction is that without a government loan, Chrysler will sell Jeep (to Ford?) and fold Chrysler/Dodge. GM will sell Chevy to a private investment group for pennies, sell Buick to a Chinese company, sell Cadillac + Opal to Foreign automakers, sell their Defense Operations to Northrup Grumman, Boeing, or Ford, and kill Pontiac/Hummer/GMC, then fold. Sad.

Ford might have to sell a few more brands but will live because they are:
a) making good looking cars
b) making reliable cars
c) liquid
d) well run

LOVE the Fusion Hybrid. I want to sell my current Fusion and immediately buy one, er, Drive One.

LCD Dashboard? Sweet.

By: Chris Smith

Chris Smith — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:02:31 +0000

It seems to me that Ford is making some major improvements, sure the interiors can still look fleet-like, but I’m liking what they are putting out. I drive about 700 miles per week and I’m in the market for a new car. Two years ago, I wouldn’t have even considered a Ford, but I’m liking quite a few of their new models.

Innovation can save a dying company and it looks like Ford is setting the tone.