Notes on a Fallen Detroit

51hornet · Posted: Sat Dec 27, 2008 8:26 pm Post subject: Notes on a Fallen Detroit

Here are some links to some nice news stories about the passing of old Detroit when you think about it the problems Detroit is experiencing now it has seen before.

www.nytimes.com/2008/1...ef=opinion

www.opinioneditorials....81218.html

Bit of a Nash lover

www.detnews.com/apps/p...440/AUTO02

Just like this story

blog.mlive.com/citpat_...d_fir.html

Dave53-7C · Posted: Sat Dec 27, 2008 10:00 pm Post subject: Re: Notes on a Fallen Detroit

The author of the first article should have been hired by the automakers to make a presentation before congress. Maybe Wal-Mart should buy the old Packard plant and turn it into a Super Center. Seriously, the article speaks volumes of waste and gross negligence in Detroit governement. When parts of buildings falling into roadways don't get removed, that says it all. I wonder if they remove the bodies of crime victims from the streets or leave them to rot. See you there in 09. I'll be the one driving the Sherman tank with a Hudson logo on the turret.

As far as the second article goes, those who can't do their own jobs right shouldn't even dream about doing someone elses. Maybe we need the independent manufacturers to return so I could finally get a car like a Stutz, Marmon or a Kissel, not to mention a new Hudson. If you ask me, I think badge engineering killed Olds and Plymouth and will continue to do so until each of the automakers has only one model. As recently as the early 70's, at least the different makes from each manufacturer had their own style. Although the Japs do badge engineering, at least they try to make the models appear different.

Yeah, Nash must have been part of GM since Cadillac invented the synchromesh trans. The Galvin family here in town invented the car radio and their company became Motorola. Stewart mfg of Chicago was one of the first companies to offer car clocks as an after market accessory. I seriously doubt that Nash "invented" or pioneered anything worthwhile. During the early 30's, they did make at least one impressive model of car, but that was short lived. Their claim to fame was making cheaply priced cars for the painfully frugal. I'm surprised the author didn't claim that Nash invented the car. He should get his facts straight.

The last article gives a tiny glimps into what the heyday of the automobile was like in small town America.

Dave53-7C · Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 12:58 pm Post subject: Re: Notes on a Fallen Detroit

This car is from the Kenosha Duesenburg era when Nash built a beautiful product.

www.conceptcarz.com/vi...Photo.aspx

51hornet · Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 1:10 pm Post subject: Re: Notes on a Fallen Detroit

Yup thats a beauty alright. I was at a car show and a guy was driving a 39 Nash business coupe and that was a nice car. Nothing fancy but nice lines and seemed very well built.

Dave53-7C · Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2008 12:47 am Post subject: Re: Notes on a Fallen Detroit

The history of Nash seems a little confused. They began with the philosophy of providing a solid car for little money. In the early 30's, they offered cars like the one in the link I posted above. Big, classy and expensive cars loaded with goodies. After the lae 30's, they were back to building econo boxes for the masses. I assume that going upscale didn't work out well for them in the midst of the Great Depression.

51hornet · Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2008 9:14 pm Post subject: Re: Notes on a Fallen Detroit

Here is another article of interest. Its easy to say these things I want someone to show me an implementation plan.

blogs.forrester.com/ve...-gm-i.html

Dave53-7C · Posted: Thu Jan 01, 2009 12:09 pm Post subject: Re: Notes on a Fallen Detroit

OK, here we go. The automakers need to look to the past and bring back:

A) Notable styling cycles every two years for every model.
B) Excitement and anticipation for new models.
C) Choices in interior colors beyond gray and tan.
D) Door panels and dash boards that are of soft materials.
E) Chrome trim.
F) Stainless steel trim.
G) The ability of the customer to select exact options.

I'm not saying that these things alone will solve the ills of all manufacturers, but I am saying that customer's buying trends need to be shifted from one of buying from need to one of buying from desire. After years of GM's 10 year model cycles for example, who can blame customers that defected to foreign brands. At one time, and again using GM as an example, if you wanted different, you switched divisions to get a different look, sound, feel and driving experience.

Since the car manufacturers were able to make it through everything from two world wars and a depression to numerous recessions and an oil embargo, I can understand why people are pointing their fingers and crying mismanagement this time around. However, it is absurd to think that every manufacturer was mismanaged to the point of failure, all at the same time.

51hornet · Posted: Thu Jan 01, 2009 2:38 pm Post subject: Re: Notes on a Fallen Detroit

I have been looking at the new Lincoln MKS and you know me likey......its either that or a new Porsche and you know how I swing on buying.

Dave53-7C · Posted: Thu Jan 01, 2009 5:29 pm Post subject: Re: Notes on a Fallen Detroit

The MKS is nicey, nicey. You may want to wait until your other projects are complete before you take on another one, like a Porsche. Wink