Ford * Lincoln * GM

Small Block - GM

2012-01-17T15:32:00.000-08:00

I think the GM small block has been the longest lasting engine in its size class and is extremely versatile and durable.

I like the fact that the 100 millionth engine was an LS9 put into a ZR1.

The one thing I'd like to add is that this engine has the ability to put out loads of torque, so keep it up.

Nissan GT-R

2011-12-20T16:20:00.000-08:00

I accidentally put erroneous information about the Nissan GT-R on the GM Fastlane blog and I now want to rescind all information I wrote about the Nissan GT-R on the GM Fastlane blog.

New Battery

2011-10-22T02:22:00.000-07:00

I just put a new battery in my 2001 Impala LS for the first time. The original battery lasted eleven years. I purchased the car back in October 2000.

Anguished Man

2011-04-30T22:19:00.000-07:00

Just a few words about a simple man,
Who was quite a storyteller, and a ham.
Well that isn't all of it, isn't totally true,
What he really did was come to rescue,
A failing and broken nation, in a time of great turmoil,
And glued it back together, but not before it’d boil.
Slavery was an issue that wrought this fight,
Lincoln knew he'd win ‘cause right makes might!
And he did nothing short of a miracle,
While being made out to be a spectacle.
Deeply troubled, tormented, slammed in the face by his plight,
Lincoln took refuge in small things like music that was light.
But getting back to the great country he helped save,
Was the biggest concern of his, and the brave.
A great civil war is what this sorrowful man faced,
And he did better than any because of his grace.
Of course horrible fighting ensued in this war,
He couldn't find a top general who’d fight and score.
Finally in the latter part of the war came,
A fighting general, Grant was his name.
He did all Lincoln's bidding on the battlefield,
While Lincoln did his politicking with all wield.
His faith in God was truly strong,
However this war was just too long!
But this horror finally came to an "end,"
Not before 620,000 were dead, foe & friend.
Lincoln accomplished his objective, was happy one day,
Mary thought that was a bad omen, that he might go away.
Lincoln was assassinated that night at Ford's theater,
Leaving a redeeming monument that no one can meter.

C7 Corvette

2011-02-15T23:01:00.000-08:00

I have seen many renderings of the C7 'Vette and I don't really care for them. The best one is by Mark Schulz. It has the "Stingray" moniker on it and looks nice.

Recalls

2010-02-10T23:37:00.000-08:00

No matter all the different percentages of complaints and other such data. Toyota and Honda have most serious recalls! People have died because of this acceleration defect and to that extent the fault must be fixed by Toyota.

Of course Toyota will attend to it, but it must not be forgotten. This was a company with a spotless reputation, that is no longer spotless and shall never be again!

Honda has a recall on an airbag problem that has caused one death. They also have a recall on a window switch on another vehicle. Honda will attend to these problems, but their reputation is no longer spotless, and shall never be again.

American Car Offerings

2010-02-10T06:04:00.000-08:00

There are many excellent new cars being offered by GM and Ford. With the extensive recalls from Toyota and Honda, it is time to look at these American cars.

Not only that, but the American cars offer more value for the money. Go to a GM and Ford car dealership, and you will be pleasantly surprised!

The offerings from the American car companies are extensive and excellent. Chevy Malibu, Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac CTS, etc., Ford Fusion, Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS, etc.

Iacocca

2010-01-27T12:17:00.000-08:00

Lee Iacocca should be hired as a special adviser to General Motors.

If anyone knows autos and the industry it is him. Remember the Mustang?

Ford Motor

2009-05-28T16:30:00.001-07:00

Now that Bob Lutz advocates the gov'ts "auto task force" I think that Ford is the last vestige of hope for American car companies. I certainly hope the "auto task force" keeps its hands off of Ford Motor. Ford did it alone and does not need to be messed with. I tried so hard to stick with GM (have had five new GM vehicles) but I am sick of all the shenanigans. I'm not saying I won't buy another GM, but it must be designed here and manufactured here in the U.S. We do not need the government dictating what vehicles should be built.

GM - 4

2009-05-14T19:45:00.000-07:00

An important point. A small percentage of bondholders (I think 10%) hold Credit Default Swaps (Derivatives) & I think they will make more money if GM goes bankrupt than if GM is reorganized out of court. I think this is one of the problems with the bondholders and the out of court settlement. It only takes 10% of bondholders to accept or reject an offer. We are talking about an extremely important decision about GM, a huge American corporation, and it could be made because of unregulated CDS.

GM - 3

2009-05-06T04:06:00.000-07:00

U.S. workers (both union and salaried) are needed to keep General Motors an American company. GM's management must use ways to keep and employ these U.S. workers. There are financial wizards that can calculate the most complicated formulas, therefore they should be able to figure ways of not only keeping, but employing more workers here in the U.S. when times are better.

It is absolutely imperative that GM does this in order for them to keep American pride and be proud of its heritage.

ALSO, it is of extreme importance to have a manufacturing base here in the U.S. From design to production, auto manufacturing is an extremely complex process. It involves many complicated facets, from rigid engineering to the finest production facilities. America desperately needs this and it is a necessity for a strong nation.

GM - 2

2009-05-05T18:24:00.000-07:00

GM needs to employ more workers here in the U.S. The white collar and blue collar workers have diminished too much.

Once GM is back on its feet, and producing more vehicles again, it must hire workers from the U.S. This outsourcing is not good for the reputation of GM. And many jobs can be created here when new vehicles come out and are selling.

GM is an American company because of its workers and labor force. This is the reason that some (maybe many) purchase a vehicle from them. It must be understood that to relegate jobs from the U.S. to foreign countries, has a negative effect.

Yes GM can make an excellent product, and yes they are struggling for their corporate life, but without U.S. labor, it is not the same GM we once knew.

GM -

2009-05-04T18:59:00.001-07:00

GM should do a complete makeover in the styling of its vehicles. More angles and edges and less of the jelly bean roundness.

This doesn't mean GM doesn't have nice looking cars, and vehicles. It's just that all vehicles look the same today. There isn't much delineation between different makes. All look like they came out of the same mold.

If GM were to start sharpening up their vehicles shapes, it probably would boost sales. Having the same look as other makes, isn't going to win sales. A radical change in design will win sales.

And if GM's sales increase, they could employ more citizens here in the U.S.

GM And Other Possible Failures

2009-04-26T01:11:00.000-07:00

If GM were to go bankrupt (forbid) there is a lot at stake. Not only will the private sector lose, but I think medium to big banks may have a problem.

I think GM has 30 billion dollars in loans with these banks, and this obviously would cause more banking problems.

That 30 billion dollars could be used as part of the $48 billion the U.S. Government could loan GM (as mentioned in a previous article).

The ramifications of GM's pains is obvious to other sectors of the economy.

Saving GM

2009-04-26T00:44:00.001-07:00

The U.S. Government should loan GM 48 billion dollars! Since their inception, the Japanese and South Korean governments have protected their industries and particularly their car industry. It is now time for the U.S. gov't to help out our car industry.

This loan by the U.S. gov't should be supplemented with another assist mentioned in a previous article. (That is if someone purchases a vehicle from GM, Ford or Chrysler, they should receive a 20% rebate of that vehicle's MSRP from the U.S. gov't).

Japanese and South Korean Governments have put up barriers to imported automobiles. This not only helped their auto industry to flourish, but the U.S. allowed practically all the cars they could manufacture into this country. A modest tariff of 5% should be put on all Japanese and South Korean automobiles, including their autos made here in the U.S.

It is imperative that these steps be taken to aid these U.S. companies, otherwise there may be little left. And the thought of an upstart auto company is unrealistic. Car manufacturing is far too complicated and is done on a massive scale. It would take far more money than suggested above to start an automobile company from scratch.

Revitalizing GM

2009-04-13T17:54:00.000-07:00

The U.S. Government has to do something about GM and Chrysler. For these two industries to go down, would be a mockery of our capitalist system. I propose that the U.S. Government offer 20% rebates on the MSRP of a purchase of any vehicle from GM, Ford, and Chrysler. In other words, if a consumer buys a GM vehicle with an MSRP of $20,000.00 they would receive a $4,000.00 check from the U.S. Government.

I think this could save the companies aforementioned from collapsing during this treacherous recession. The stakes are too high. This is not favoritism. It is survival.

The Japanese and South Korean governments practically do not allow imported vehicles into their country. This is not globalism. The U.S. is by far the most global Democratic country in the world. We take every other countries goods and there is not reciprocation on their part.

Finally, Toyota had a bad year too. I think the Bank of Japan is loaning them a billion dollars. Just what we should do, in a more creative way to stimulate GM, Ford, and Chrysler sales.

GM And Bankrupty

2009-03-06T10:22:00.000-08:00

GM in bankrupty would cause repurcussions throughout the U.S. Of course the Midwest would suffer intensely, but so would the nation.

Wall Street would have a domino effect occur, as one calamity would set off others (real and perceived). Already banks are not giving out loans and they have been given 100's of billions of dollars from the gov't.

Other manufacturers would possibly hurt worse in "sympathy." And as stated before, Wall St. doesn't take kindly to this really bad news.

It would be the wrong move. And it would cost at least a $100 billion!

GM And Chrysler Merger?

2008-10-17T23:13:00.000-07:00

The preliminary, proposed merger of GM and Chrysler is a bad idea. It will cause cuts in jobs, and more concessions for the remaining workers. Retirees may suffer too.

Not only that, but there would be duplicate manufacturing facilities and too many overlapping of like vehicles.

Another very important point is now they would have umpteen divisions and all would suffer in this bad recession (and coming depression). Something GM has a problem with already and does not need.

Another key point is that Chrysler holds most of the cash, and who knows how they would want to spread it around. Also (very important) Chrysler would now be the sole owner of GMAC, the finance unit, and this could cause friction between GM and Chrysler. How would loans be handed out to potential customers? Who would receive the best deals? Chrysler or GM.

A last, but very small point: would it be GM's Chrysler brand or Chrysler's GM brand?

I am against this merger completely.

The Big Three

2008-09-07T23:04:00.000-07:00

The Big Three finally and definitely need a break. The loans (loans that is) are a necessary compliment to them. For years many of the Asian manufacturers have closed out the markets they have to the outside. It's high time our gov't did something for the Big 3.

The fact is that when governors, senators, and other politicians are courting foreign manufacturers, they give them huge tax breaks. And these are for jobs that paid less than the American manufacturers pay.

Another side of the coin; millions directly or indirectly rely on the American manufacturers for their substinance. The Big 3 always pay much more in taxes than the foreign implants. Not to mention the American content in an American auto is much higher than the foreign counterpart.

Lastly, when the foreign manufacturers see that the market is soft, the first plants to dismiss workers are not the ones in their home market, but the ones in America. And these were the American jobs that were wooed by the politicians in the first place with heavy tax reductions.

It only makes sense that the American three manufacturers receive these loans. Let's face it; it's absolutely ridiculous to think they can work on higher technology and move forward, by paying exhorbitant interest rates from the junk bond market.

Human Nature And Oil

2008-09-03T19:02:00.000-07:00

When oil starts to go back down (eventually) we'll see operations and production of larger vehicles resume (as usual) on the supply side and consumption (of the same) resume on the demand side. It's just a matter of human nature.

King For A Day

2008-06-26T00:32:00.000-07:00

If a person from the past were suddenly transported to today's world, I think they would find that one of the most fascinating things they would and could see would be the automobile. No longer driven by horse, such luxury, and destinations could be reached so much faster.

(Yes there are many things that this person would find amazing, such as the "flying bird" but I also think they would not comprehend such a thing, therefore they might be afraid of it. I know they would also be fascinated by television and computers and all the electronic gadgetry that is around, but this blog focuses on cars, hence there is my focus).

Another thing they would notice is that there were such a variety of these cars, that they could pick and choose according to what suited them. They would have a bevy of brands and models to choose from. That is where the problem lies. Which one?

For one thing, in order to have the best selection, they'd have had to come to the U.S. where there are the most cars available from the most manufacturers.

I think the first thing they might go for was aesthetics. (For arguments sake, we'll leave cars over fifty thousand dollars out of the mix).

Immediately, I think the new Corvette would be the car of choice. It's so cool looking and stands out!

When this person got into it though, they would find it only seated two, and was much too quick. I think at this point , the person would start looking at all the other cars. Objectively, the next move, would be practicality.

All have quite a nice bunch of good looking cars and offer value. Size and weight (for safety) is what is needed, but as this person from the past learned more and more, they would realize that thriftiness was necessary too (gas approaching five dollars a gallon - for now anyway).

The two door cars profile better, but in the past decades these have gone out of style, for the most part, so a nice sized four door would have to be settled on.

That doesn't mean they'll settle for less. There are so many of these available today, this persons head would spin. Bottom line, all of them are excellent!

As days and weeks past, and this "consumer" wanted to at last buy a car, it would be how much they could get for their money, how well on gas it would do, how it performed, how roomy, the amenities, etc., and one more thing. Last, but not least, they would have to like their car, and the image it gave them.

I do not know exactly what they would pick, everyone has their preference, but I haven't mentioned the last important point. And that is quality because it is not an issue anymore. They're all good!

Chevy Volt

2008-04-16T22:24:00.000-07:00

When the Volt does arrive, it is imperative that GM create many jobs in the U.S., as this automobile will be a big success.

Part of the process of capitalization, is not only to make profits, but to create labor. This way you have not only an increase in capital, but the means for those to purchase goods. In previous posts I pointed to ways of having labor intensive studies to make labor in America very competitive.

Global economics can not be one sided as it has been all these years.

GM & U.S. Jobs

2008-01-22T01:25:00.000-08:00

GM must employ as many people as possible here in the U.S. as their newer technologies come out and new types of autos arrive. GM can make it economically feasible and create wealth for people in the U.S. to buy U.S. made products.

Not that the new products coming to market will be the only way to create jobs, but with studies on employment, how to employ, and accomplishing tasks will create jobs! The latter can be done with different test procedures, such as the basic time-motion study to effort deliberated from start to finish of a product.

Not only GM, but other U.S. companies must do this. IT IS IN THE NATIONAL INTEREST OF THE UNITED STATES. To produce is to survive, and to produce is to create wealth. Competitiveness is the key to a countries strength and endurance.

This is not to shut out other countries, but harboring one's own industries in one's own country is imperative!

GM Has A New Site

2008-01-07T20:17:00.000-08:00

GM's newest site-GMnext-seems a bit complicated to me. I mean, one can get around easily enough, but it isn't very organized.

GMnext's site has a blog. On this blog I noticed many articles on international plans for GM. I am not interested in the international plans of GM. It only tells me there are less domestic ones here (in the U.S.). Concern should be to make the best product (here!) and create more jobs here!

I am not a big fan of the global economics issue. I think it is backpedaling. Certainly there should be some international focus, but the crux of the business and jobs must be here in the U.S.

"Clean" Diesel

2007-11-07T20:02:00.000-08:00

If GM (Ford or Chrysler) were to use a diesel engine with low or lower emissions they could try this method.

The outgoing (emission) gases (flowing upward) would be filtered through cylindrical screens. The innermost screen would have a larger mesh with the outermost screen being of the smallest mesh. As the emission gases pass upward through these combined screens, a cleansing liquid would flow downward on the outermost screen, where all the exhaust would finally end up, removing a goodly portion of the diesel emissions and ridding the diesel pollutant of that awful smell. This cleansing liquid would be recycleable - renewed and reused.

This possible emission control could make it feasible for a diesel motor to be used in any vehicle, being the smallest auto to the biggest truck.

The Men (A Lincoln and Two Fords)

2007-07-08T01:50:00.000-07:00

I have written many articles on the automobile industry. Now it's time to write about something else.

A. Lincoln, Gerald Ford, and Edsel Ford all had similar qualities. The most pronounced was their benevolence. What was better for the others, not themselves. This is what made them great. And they were all most capable.

Lincoln's achievements are known (some no, but many yes). Gerald Ford's are known to a degree (now that it is thirty years since his presidency, the "light" of his presidency has come out). Pardoning Nixon was a completely selfless act. He inherited many problems and dealt with them succinctly and always with dignity.

But Edsel Ford's accomplishments are not known by the general public. All I want to say about this man is that he died for what he believed. And what he believed was to make an excellent car, and doing what was best for Ford Motor. If he had full reign of Ford Motor (as he should have) Ford would be flourishing now. There wasn't any seconds for Edsel. The best is what he wanted and his underlings were willing to do it for him, because he was so decent. His best showed in the car designs of Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln in the 1930's. There are other magnanamous qualities of Edsel, that showed real character. I have written about Edsel in the past, though, and one can read some of them in my past articles to understand more about this great man.

General Motors and The Electric Car

2007-06-06T18:27:00.000-07:00

GM is receiving a lot of flack about its electric car (the Volt) that is supposed to come out in 2010. I do not see why bloggers badger GM about this car on GM's blog. And it is prevalent.

Yes it is a fact GM fumbled in the past. But now they are fighting for their corporations life, and it is time to show some consideration. I am not saying a full time rally around them is what is needed, but constructive criticism without the naysaying would be much more of an advantage to GM and the consumer.

If the Volt does make it out by 2010, this would be a major breakthrough in battery technology. It would help emission control tremendously and reduce petroleum intake. For this I don't think GM should be punched in the nose.

It will take great strides in General Motors engineering, but I for one am behind it. GM is trying!

Chrysler

2007-05-20T09:31:00.002-07:00

Now that Chrysler has been bought (80% of it) by an investment firm, I don't think we have to guess what they will do. I can see bad things for them. An auto firm they are not, and only making money is on their minds. I pray I am wrong, but this is always the outcome.

How they could manage selling off the assets of Chrysler is dubious since the auto firm is focused on just one thing, autos. But I never cease to believe that a buyout, merger, or takeover is bad news for the target company. Again, I hope I am wrong.

I guess we'll wait and see.

American Automakers

2007-03-01T20:12:00.000-08:00

I have to say that to have your work/job as your "way of life" is off kilter. Americans are known to be hard workers. That is what made this country what it is. Practically everyone is clamoring to come here or copy our culture. But we do not make our work our way of life.

So what is all this about America auto workers in American auto companies not being up to snuff. Let me state they are. Just because you think that the Japanese car outdoes an American, and has all red circles in a certain biased magazine, does not mean it's a fact.

In fact, American trucks are superior to any, and have a rabid following. Let's see how well the foreign market moves in on them.

Another fact. If an American company tried to do in their countries, what foreign companies have done over here, they'd show us where the bear does it in the buckwheat! America home of the beautiful is becoming America home of the foreign firm.

Edsel Ford & Deming

2007-02-27T22:19:00.000-08:00

If Edsel Ford were running the show at Ford in the 1950's (which would have been quite possible because he died at 49 in 1943) the outcome of today's Ford would have been completely different.

First of all Edsel wanted cars that were modern in design, and accepted nothing second. He made sure of this with E.T. Gregorie. Second Edsel only wanted the finest materials in his cars. Third he was a planner with big ideas, and would only use the best ones.

There is something else though. When W. Edwards Deming came to Detroit to bring his dynamic quality issue and idea, he would not have been turned down or tuned out by Edsel. Edsel only wanted the best for his automobiles and Deming had a big solution. Look at what it has done for the Japanese and South Korean automobile industry.

Constant change and improvement weren't only the idea of Deming; Edsel Ford had the idea years earlier. Deming had the answer.

GM and Chrysler

2007-02-27T07:09:00.000-08:00

GM could buy Chrysler and it would be much better off not. It simply would be doubling up all the models it sells now and it would be a calamity. Trying to fit in the different models Chrysler sells into the mix of brands and models GM sells now, would be like trying to fit two pounds of baloney into a one pound bag.

I don't think anyone else will buy it either. They'll have the same problem.

I read that it would behoove GM to grab all the dealerships that Chrysler now has, but that argument does not hold water. GM already has a vast network of dealerships. It would be overkill.

Market Plan For Ford And GM

2007-02-03T14:45:00.000-08:00

I already mentioned in a previous post that 100,000,000+ persons have been born after 1980. This is one of the biggest segments of the market that GM should have its grandest marketing plan of all. GM should inundate this segment with all marketing techniques known and unknown to man. It is imperative for the future of GM (and Fords) existence. Without it they can look to a very dire future.

Abraham Lincoln's Thoughts

2007-01-30T20:41:00.000-08:00

Lincoln would be aghast at what this nation turned out to be. The horrific American Civil War was fought for the way the country is today?

I highly doubt Mr. Lincoln would be happy. From global economics to abortion to pornography, etc. The USA is in a mess. The only good thing that came out of the American Civil War was the abolishment of slavery.

President Gerald Rudolf Ford

2006-12-27T15:41:00.000-08:00

President Ford is one of the most underrated presidents. Not only did he inherit the problem of Watergate, but the worst inflation in U.S. history, not to mention the closing out of the Vietnam War.

He handled all with dignity and in some cases, appropriate abruptness, and brought back dignity to a worn down Executive Office.

And he did this while being assailed by a cynical press. Posterity will be much kinder and place President Ford in a much, much brighter light.

Future and Present of Ford and GM

2006-10-29T18:11:00.000-08:00

What I think GM must put heavy concentration into now, is the 100,000,000 or so persons born after 1980. This is a segment of the buying population now and a giant size portion of the buying population in the future.

There are a myriad of ways of doing this, but I think that key consumer markets of these young are the key. Every sort of habit and way of living that they do and will do must be taken into consideration. And it must be each of the different wants of the different populations (e.g. white, black, hispanic, oriental, etc.).

Of course the styling of a vehicle and quality will always take precedence, but the honing in on the little amenities will make a difference. And what always must be taken into consideration is what their parents drive!

This will take considerable effort in planning and execution, but with diligence it is very possible to stay ahead of the fierce competition.

Edsel Again

2006-09-23T13:32:00.000-07:00

I have not written about Edsel Ford in a while. This man is a hero to me; one of the top two, the other is A. Lincoln.

The amount of stress Edsel endured while coming out with the most beautifully designed cars in the world is nothing short of amazing. And all the time he was really running the show in the 1930's and early 1940's, at Ford Motor.

Very little is known about Edsel, but what little is known, would make him everyone's hero. Many
do not even know Edsel and immediately think of the car, but he had nothing to do with that car. It came out years after his early death. A most decent human, anguished by the environment he worked in, killed him. Not before he did incredible feats of design, administration, showing humanity in the face of inhumanity, and many other things. This is why he is a hero to me.

If we had Edsel around today, I think that the automotive industry just might be in better shape.

Verve

2006-09-16T23:57:00.000-07:00

I am GM's Most Loyal Customer. And I would say the same for Ford. I care very much about their success. But I have run out of ideas for now, not that I won't come back, I will, but I have lost my passion for defending them. Not that I think they don't make good cars, I do. But so many, many in this nation just blithly overlook GM and Ford and go and buy Japanese cars. This gets very discouraging.

Americans can be so unforgiving of themselves, that they do not see themselves hurting other Americans. I am not saying I agree with everything the American auto industry has done, I don't. But overlooking the American car like it does not exist is hurtful, for this time they are trying their guts out. For someone who does not drive a car more than five years, it would be silly not to consider American. They cost less, give more, and are usually more sizeable to their Japanese counterpart. Not only that, it is a myth Japanese cars get better gas mileage. Pound for pound, size for size, the American car gets better m.p.g. than a Japanese car.

I could go on and on, but I have to shore up my defense, and then I'll be back with more; much more.

Design

2006-08-09T20:04:00.000-07:00

I have excellent designs in mind for GM or Ford. They obviously would have to be modified by the designers and engineers, but nonetheless they are revolutionary! It is quite possible that they are too vanguard for today's times, but I know it shall be the future of automotive design.

TAKEOVERS

2006-07-31T19:29:00.000-07:00

Stop all this takeover nonsense. Sometimes they call it mergers. It is not good for the economy. First it rids good paying jobs. Second r&d suffers because of the debt taken on by the takeover company. It is not a good thing! If out of the blue I were to throw a load of debt onto a company, it would have to sell off and diminish the work force to get rid of that debt. It does not make a company lean! It reduces the company's good assets for the sake of making very few rich.

2006-06-24T22:03:00.000-07:00

My favorite writing of Lincoln's is the following. "....and yet the human instrumentalities working just as they do are of the best adaptation to effect His purpose..."

This was a part of a sentence, in part of a brief writing to himself in September of 1862.

Oil

2006-06-15T22:07:00.000-07:00

Oil prices at this time are no higher than any other time in the 1980's, after adjusting for inflation. It was just that the spike in oil occurred rapidly and the consumer wasn't ready for this. Should the spike have happened. That is up for conjecture. The oil companies are definitely pleased so this is no surprise. Secondly (or maybe this should be first) the "perceived" shortage drove up prices. I do not see lines at gas stations the way they were in 1973.

Just for starters, ration cards should be issued to all motorists. Also, High Occupancy Vehicles should be mandatory. SUV's wouldn't be such gas guzzlers if at least five or more passengers were in each one. These two measures alone would reduce fuel (gasoline) consumption tremendously and the price would be driven down on oil.

It would take a concerted effort, but this is "war" and it can be done.

Reviewers In This Day

2006-06-09T21:55:00.000-07:00

Some of the notable car reviewers of this day were the car reviewers of the past. Oddly enough, they liked the "junk" that came out of Detroit that they now disparage. What's even odder is that the cars that come out of Detroit now are 100 times better than the past! It's quite confusing to the consumer, an anomaly, and exhibits the hypocrisy of many if not most of the auto media.

Automobiles

2006-06-08T21:04:00.000-07:00

All cars are not created equal. That is why there is a choice, and the consumer has that choice. But for too long now cars here in the U.S. have looked quite similar among the many different car companies.

So really, is there a choice? As far as reliability, maybe; as far as looks, they all look like they came out of the same can.

Safety Vs. Quality

2006-05-31T11:55:00.000-07:00

Safety is absolutely #1 in the manufacture of any goods. Quality is #2.

Taking the former, an example of a real life occurence is best. A new CEO was put in place in a manufacturing business. He stressed safety throughout the plant, including not only the factory, but the offices too. Accidents fell dramatically to a negligible amount (one or two). Also, quality increased because the reduction of errors increased dramatically and efficiency replaced the errors.

So to put quality first may be erroneous because safety is not only more important, but makes the process less costly and more efficient.

"Tuners"

2006-05-25T23:37:00.000-07:00

If GM does not want to make "Tuner" cars right from the factory, they should make the parts so their cars could be made into "Tuners" by the GM dealerships or by selective body shops.

As I said before I think this would be a great way for the young generation and the Hispanic population to become more oriented to GM cars instead of the Japanese cars.

I also think this is a simple way for GM to get into those markets. Engineering the parts would not take much and distribution would be negligible.

And the cost of marketing in a test market such as L.A. would be very low.

Steam Power

2006-05-23T23:12:00.000-07:00

I would say easily less than ten years down the road, steam shall or should play a major role in hybrid automobiles.

Right now because of massive technological and engineering improvements, steam locomotives in the future will produce a 60% lower fuel consumption per passenger and a huge reduction in maintenance costs in comparison to advanced diesel or electric passenger trains. In 2000 a company was created to design these modern steam locomotives.

This means that because of the huge technological advancements, steam power would be feasible on a smaller scale such as in automobiles. The economy of scale would obviously have to be engineered, but with patience, it can be done.

For one these cars could be used on long trips, where the clear highway dictated the fuel consumption per passenger. But that would only be a start. Commuting could use the steam part of the engine, as we see the advent of auto driving sensors on highways and even if we don't, steam could regulate and be regulated in traffic just as the internal combustion engine is now.

Some think steam is not only passe, but never was. I think steam is going to ride the crest of the future!

2006-05-19T10:05:00.000-07:00

Certain parts of the car wear out or corrode. Bearings among other moving parts obviously
wear out. But they can last a lot longer. Using nickel coated stainless steel
bearings [inconel(C)] for the alternator, fan, and all other parts that use bearings would be
a start.

Double coating? How about triple coating the certain areas of the auto that tend to corrode?

I know gas lines corrode and the bottom back edge of the door does, along with many parts exposed to the elements.

Obviously Chemical Engineering is necessary to manufacturing autos, but it can be used to
increase the standard at all levels that the current processes are not at.

If GM would put the best metals, alloys, plastics, etc. where needed, the automobiles they
made would be superior to the competition, have endurance and have incredible durability.

GM could become synonomous with the best and have the highest end automobiles, and be the
envy of the automobile world. And customers would be willing to pay the higher price for
these automobiles.

Not feasible? In its heyday the Model T used the best materials and was made to drive on the
awful roads of that era. And it isn't necessary to say how popular it was.

Lastly, and most importantly, as these parts were used for your cars and maybe auto production increased, more high paying American jobs would be created.

GM and NY Car Show

2006-05-14T16:59:00.000-07:00

After seeing the cars that GM has proposed for production and that are either Concept or Show cars, I hope all are manufactured. They are good looking cars, and they are much better than what is out there.

My idea of extremely good looking cars are the '34 Ford, '39 Mercury, '67 Shelby Mustang, '68 Chevy Chevelle, most 'vettes, '73 Chevy Camaro, 1975 Buick Riviera, etc.

Now GM's challenge is to build them with such a high durability, that all functions of the car will work after 150,000 without any major repairs. And it is highly possible. For one keep the finance men away. Two, do some of the things I have written here and on the GM blogs. Three, read up on getting out of the dilemna GM is in, by focusing on qualitative results, not quantitative. (Forget about the dividend for now). Strictly focus on market share and increasing it.

With dedicated work and good fortune, GM can do this.

Critical Path

2006-05-07T17:50:00.000-07:00

The Critical Path is one where the jobs or tasks absolutely must be done in a rigid time frame. This is not to mean there is skimping for all resources necessary are mandatory. The tasks are completed on time (or as extremely close thereof) and the highest standards are used to complete this task. All the way down the Critical Path, each task is completed using this standard.

If a task within a completed job is not critical, more lenient time standards and possibly more lenient "standards" can be used. (i.e. Critical Path - Getting the frame of the house up. Non-Critical Path - Maybe putting in the floors).

For "standards" I mean the ultra-serious attitude the carpenter must have when measuring the frame and layout of the house. Whereas the floorer doesn't need that ultra-serious way to put down the floors. It does not mean it is not done as well, it means that the task is much more easily done.

Bob Lutz Addendum

2006-05-06T17:10:00.000-07:00

I think Bob Lutz will do all he can to make the best cars, but if the bean counters counteract his measures, it will be all for naught. Am I talking about the designs? NO! I am talking about the quality of the cars, the durability and near flawless manufactured cars. This is preeminent in the scheme of things. Design is extremely important, but without the lasting ability of the car, without costly repairs (or for that matter any repairs other than simple maintenance) there won't be any headway into the market.

I am a loyal GM customer. Maybe GM's most loyal customer. But that won't help any if GM (and Ford) doesn't start a cohesive and comprehensive plan to make the best cars in the world.

Bob Lutz

2006-05-05T17:10:00.000-07:00

I am very glad this man heads up GM's Product Development (or whatever the correct term is). GM has made and is going to make some of the best designs and durable cars we have seen in years from any auto manufacturer. It is as though he has his hand on the "heartbeat of America." There is no doubt that Lutz has gasoline in his veins.

GM was smart by plucking him off of the auto tree.

To Heyll In A Handbasket

2006-05-03T19:42:00.000-07:00

I wrote before on the detrimental effects of a country (particularly the U.S.) losing its manufacturing base, especially the automotive manufacturers. There are a myriad of reasons, but one in particular comes to mind now. That is the domestic automobile industry contributes 4% directly to the GDP (gross domestic product) and 7% when counting all the other industries (like parts it buys) it directly effects. This is no small piece of change. It is necessary to look at this and wonder why government does not do anything about the domestic auto companies (like helping them in some way - namely a moderate tariff on all foreign autos built here or abroad (5%) or have a voluntary restraint on autos coming here from abroad and built here in the U.S.). And if the gov't went with the voluntary restraint, that wouldn't mean that the foreign carbuilders could load up their cars with options to make up for the slack in sales. That is nonsense, this was done in the 1980's.

This is something very important to consider!

Another point to consider: The service industry is now the larger percent (70%) of the GDP. Foreign nations have many concerns here in the U.S. eating into this service sector at a rapid rate. The way we are going, I see the U.S. being a wholly owned subsidiary of foreign businesses. And in no small part, we have our elected officials to thank.

GM Advertising (Ford Too)

2006-05-01T11:40:00.000-07:00

With all the negative advertising GM (and Ford) get, you'd think they wouldn't have to advertise at all - all advertising is good advertising (NOT!).

They do though. Really to counter all the bad publicity and rhetoric they've received over the years. So it's not only a reason to advertise the new products, but to "bully pulpit" how well the vehicles they make are.

For now I would say that in some cases Toyota and Honda do have a quality edge. But they have nothing on GM as far as design. And with what GM is coming out with, Toy and Hon are falling even further behind in design, from the perspective of this car enthusiast.

So here we are. The foreign competition is a little ahead in quality, but only equal or behind in design.

2006-04-28T20:52:00.000-07:00

Manufacturing is extremely important! The supply chain is of utmost importance, especially
in the domestic auto industry. An automobile is comprised of a simple nut (hopefully made
well) to well engineered frames and other such parts, all the way to complicated computers.
This auto "supply chain" is the most complicated and elaborate of any manufacturing system.

This country is 70% service oriented and only about 30% manufacturing. The manufacturing
base has collapsed considerably in the last 30 years. Without a manufacturing base, a
country loses its ability to create and make products. This is dangerous for the stability of a country; not to mention poor economics! When you consider that manufacturing also includes transplant facilities from other countries, there is another huge loss.

These foreign based facilities do not have the complicated supplier chain as the domestics do. They are basically build only facilities. The important pieces and parts are made overseas and
imported to the American factories.

Is there anyone or anything to blame? No I think it is a chain of events that occurred in
America because that is the way this great nation has always worked. But can it be changed?
It absolutely can be changed! With the right decisions by government, by top management, and
by all the workers this great nation will recover to the way it once was. I never read in any text
books that America must go down in a blaze of flames only to have its economy crushed.

Two more items: The service sector is now being challenged by overseas firms; the outcome is not good.

AND I'VE SAID IT BEFORE, AND I'LL SAY IT AGAIN - COMMUNICATION IS KEY WITHIN ALL DEPARTMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURING OF VEHICLES. AND THAT INCLUDES OUTSIDE SUPPLIERS, CONTRACTORS, ETC.!

GM and Design (Ford Too)

2006-04-20T12:31:00.000-07:00

In order for General Motors to make inways back into it's share of the car market, it must build cars with radically different styles that are completely appealing. It is obvious that a car that will last and not have the least of repairs matters too. But for now it must be a revolution in design (NOT EVOLUTION) that will drive buyers back into the showrooms.

For too long (26+ years) most of the cars manufactured all have a similar look. If you put many of these cars together, you'd see my meaning. They have rounded edges, if not round all together, and have the "aero" look. It's time for a design change! Get some sharp angles in there, and work the body so there is more flush sides. I am not a designer, but it can be easily seen if one just imagines on this design standard for quite a few moments.

Whilst GM is working on these new and fantastic designs, they can concurrently engineer better, work at the durability issue in all phases of manufacturing, AND use the best parts. AND COMMUNICATION AMONG THE DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS IS A NECESSITY!

Management must decree this, and if they do their job well, I see a larger percent of the market for their company.

He Made This Scene

2006-04-14T20:03:00.000-07:00

By far and away, our greatest president was Abraham Lincoln. He was shot on this exact day (and Good Friday) 141 years ago. He would live for 9 hours and 9 minutes.

There is so terribly much written about Lincoln it might be fruitless to write any more. But the fact of the matter is that the 16,000 plus books (and counting) written about him, strive to get to the crux of who Lincoln was.

Lincoln suffered. This is a fact. But he also had jocularity (verifiable by his private secretary - Nicolay). He was humble. This can be verified by many eyewitnesses.

And Lincoln was great. When Lincoln made his Cooper Union Address and had finished, a man on the street was asked by Noah Brooks (well known reporter) what he thought of Lincoln. The man replied, "He's the greatest man since St. Paul."

That was in 1860. We know from there it would only become worse for Lincoln with the soul troubling responsibilities of the Civil War.

Well I could go on and on, but there are 16,000 plus books out there that one could read.

Masterpieces

2006-04-11T15:29:00.000-07:00

The only way the American car companies are going to sell cars like hotcakes at this point of the game, is to make outstanding designs for their cars. Let's face it, most cars out there look like drivel and going all out with design will make winners.

The durability of these cars will come as time will show, if engineered and pieced together correctly with all the best parts.

The "quality" issue cannot be seen overnight. It takes a minimum of five years to be able to tell if a car is well made. But design has an immediate satisfaction and thrill. And let's face it, as I said before, the cars of the last twenty six years have been less than stellar. So if a car is sharp and catches the eye in a big way, it'll sell!

Trade Deficit

2006-03-31T18:31:00.000-08:00

The U.S. policy makers must realize that the trade deficit is a major detriment to the U.S. economy. Something must be done!

Start by either reducing the number of imports into this country or finally standing up to all of our trading "partners" and getting tough about them accepting our exports into their countries. The dollar has fallen in the last three years, yet the deficits continue to balloon. This is quite an anamoly as our products are cheaper to them, yet it is not effective.

It's not that our products are not wanted, this was proven in the 1990's. It's that policies in the 90's were not carried over.

I'll say this; you kill the "goose with the golden egg" (U.S.) and every other "goose" (country) will go down too.

Quality

2006-03-13T16:46:00.000-08:00

"How low can we go in quality, but still keep our customers?" This question is ridiculous. One or one company always strives for the best.

In this world now of excessive trade (mostly in the U.S. - to the detrement of the U.S.) the highest quality must be strived for. Too much technology and ideas have been let out of the bag by I think our greedy CEO's and Manager's at the cost of America's well being. The bottom line is all that matters. And of course, foreign countries are only too happy to take these ideas, make products from them at a lower cost, and export them right back to America.

And of course some countries make better products than we do, but that's no reason to let your industry (ies) go down the drain. Yes, I think that tariffs (the % would have to be calculated to be effective) are definitely a short term solution. This would give time to the "unhealthy" industries in America to boost quality and also regain customers.

It's treachery to let the U.S. go down in blazing flames, just for the sake of globalization!

Communication Is Number One

2006-02-21T02:34:00.000-08:00

COMMUNICATION in the manufacturing of any and all products (especially automobiles) MUST TAKE PRECEDENCE!

My father was a Chemical Engineer at a pharmaceutical company for forty years. He impressed on me that it was communication among all the departments that made things roll. He would talk to Maintenance, Production, etc., and go down to the job sites to see the progress. And it all worked.

I think GM can take a lesson from this. It doesn't take any financing either.

In the long run, employees will feel better about doing their job, plus more satisfied. Quality will increase, and the company as a whole will flourish.

Ford and GM

2006-01-28T02:41:00.000-08:00

I think Ford and GM are in a conundrum. Even if they make the finest cars, they are pigeonholed. Where might you ask? Into making junk. Yes in the past they hadn't tried. But that is long in the past. How do you crack that perception?

As they are doing. Making the absolute best they can and continue each year to strive for better. And, I do agree with many that they should offer better warranties!

Here is a little spin. I would cut advertising in half (we all know they can use the money) and with the other half of the money, do comparisions with the competition. Let CR know where the bear does it in the buckwheat.

A. Lincoln and Suffering

2006-01-27T23:40:00.000-08:00

During the Civil War there is no doubt Lincoln suffered immensely! The pain this poor president endured is really up for conjecture.

That said, any time, and I mean any and all the time, when Lincoln came across a chance to do a good deed for anyone how small or large he did it. I think he did it for two reasons. One was that it was a God given Gift. Second, because Lincoln knew it would in some way, directly or indirectly, remove or stop any suffering the pain the person he helped was or would have. It also gave Lincoln a modicum of peace and goodwill which might decrease his suffering if only for a moment.

GM & Ford Manufacturing

2005-12-31T18:46:00.000-08:00

I have written quite a few articles stating that Manufacturing must follow Engineering's designs exactly. The reason I do this is because I have heard that Ford and GM's Manufacturing does not. This is not Manufacturing's fault as I have heard, but Management's fault.

Manufacturing receives the engineer's specifications and does not adhere to them. This I think is caused from a directive from Management to cut corners and save money. This, if true, is ludicrous!

Management has its work cut out for itself in order to make the best cars and in the long run regain market share. This inevitably will trigger confidence, boost stock price, make the customer happy, and inevitably take back a percentage of the auto market.

GM And Bankruptcy

2005-12-30T19:45:00.000-08:00

GM is not going bankrupt. Already they have cut billions per year in costs and expect concessions from its UAW. The union does not want GM to go bankrupt, so they will be quite concilliatory when they are sitting at the bargaining table. Not only that GM has anywhere from 12 to 19 billion dollars in cash.

SO FORGET ALL THE TALK ABOUT GM GOING BANKRUPT!

GM And Ford (Again)

2005-12-30T17:20:00.000-08:00

Engineers must work with the top quality materials. This is why the Research and Development Department is so important. For materials that must be fabricated (as opposed to parts already developed) it is imperative that R & D fabricates top notch materials.

Once this is done, Engineering can create the most modern and durable vehicle possible. As is said "Engineering makes the world go round", and this is oft true. Once engineering can and will design with the new R & D parts and parts already developed, then a piece of art can be made. And what is this piece of art? An automobile of course.

Is it possible for Ford and GM to do this? Of course, as they have the best in the world. No seconds. And when this is accomplished (the design) it can be passed down to manufacturing where keeping the exact tolerances to the engineers design will make these companies flourish!

A. Lincoln - A Quick Quip

2005-12-26T15:18:00.000-08:00

Lincoln was asked how he liked being president. He answered, "That it was like the man that was tarred and feathered and ridden out of town on a rail." Lincoln continued, "The man said, 'If it weren't for the honor of the thing, I'd much rather walk'."

GM & Ford Management

2005-12-23T16:19:00.000-08:00

A Necessity for these two companies is Management change.

If an article I read a few days past is correct, then GM and Ford are in for big changes.

Management must change its attitude. No more of the bean counting. And for now, much, much more of guiding their respective companies to durability, highest quality, fit and finish, finesse both in ride and interior look, AND superb looking autos. This is what management is to do, and it can accomplish this by giving this directive to the engineers and manufacturing, and then keeping their hands off those two departments. Management is also key to getting financing for the giant changes. Stockholders for now will have to do just that; hold. And of course Marketing will need some management, but if the cars are of the highest standard, they will market themselves somewhat (word of mouth, etc).

Management for now can just guide their companies, like a ship in the dark night, watching out for glaciers and other sea faring garbage, so they can get to their port of destination safely.

General Motors and Ford Motor Company

2005-12-19T09:00:00.000-08:00

What GM and FMC need to do seems simple on the outside. What they need to do is come up with radically different designed cars (maybe revolutionary) that are very appealing and engineer and manufacture so quality hits new heights (like they never have before).

Is this possible? Absolutely! GM and FMC have designers and engineers that are the best in the world. Then what is the problem?

When a person gets into certain habits for sixty to sixty-five years it is almost impossible to break them. So goes GM and FMC. And secondly, taking chances with billions of dollars and tens of thousands of workers jobs on the line takes GUTS!

So what to do? I say take the chance and build them. You'll never know unless you take that grand step.

Edsel Ford (Part 7)

2005-12-18T11:27:00.000-08:00

Edsel was checking the Accounting Department and had been told that it needed to be increased in size as Ford Motor was growing. He decided to expand the department. Work was started and more room was being made.

Henry came by one day and asked what was going on. A worker told him.

The next day when Edsel came in, all the Accounting Departments office equipment was out on the road and everyone in the department had been fired. Edsel was astounded and went to Henry. Henry said if the accounting department needed more room, then no accountants and no department of accounting was needed. (Henry was hateful toward the bean counters).

Edsel was powerless as always and could do nothing to reverse his father's decision. But Edsel was such a man, that he found jobs for every one of those who were fired.

This is the way Henry "worked with" Edsel. He was cruel and unjust. Why!??

Maybe in the next article on Edsel, I will bring in another character that (believe it or not) made Edsel's life worse.

A. Lincoln - Civil War

2005-12-16T13:31:00.000-08:00

During his presidency (and even before) , Lincoln believed in a Federal Government of the United States which would be a central government for all the states. In other words a United States of America as the fathers of the country envisioned.

I know this is open to debate as to whether it should be state's rights or a central goverment that ruled the states. But one only has to look to the Declaration of Independence to see that a United States was meant to be (as a new country).

Therefore Lincoln was correct in trying to keep the Union together. (The horrific problem was it was the bloodiest battle in history - to that date).

New Computer

2005-12-15T14:57:00.000-08:00

I have my new computer up and running. It is vastly different from the one before for it is a Pentium 4 2.93 Ghz, and my old one was a Celeron 700.

I am still on dialup so the internet still boogies at a snail's pace.

This blog is temporarily

2005-12-14T10:28:00.000-08:00

on hiatus while a new computer

is being installed.

Lincoln On The Cutting Edge

2005-12-12T08:22:00.000-08:00

Lincoln was a proponent of education. And not the type of education that had been taught up to his presidency. Philosophy, literature, and the arts would not cut it in a country that was on the verge of industrial growth. So Lincoln propagated teaching practical skills for the real world like engineering and other such curriculums that would foster growth of the U.S. industries.

I would say this would make Lincoln vanguard on the issue and the implementation of "technical" education, and that there was no turning back. And he was the first person of influence to implement these massively important changes in the U.S.'s higher education, thereby fueling the expansive growth this nation would undergo.

Try It (GM) - You'll Like It

2005-12-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

It seems that many Japanese car buyers pass over GM's cars when heading to their favorite Japanese car dealer. This is not right. GM is not the cars it made in the 80's and for that matter the 90's.

GM deserves a look see. If you are going to buy a Japanese car it wouldn't behoove you to go to a GM dealer and look around. Just look if nothing else. You might find that there is something you like. This is not your father's General Motors (the quality has leaped eons since then).

If after giving GM cars an adequate look and tryout, you may find you'll like it.

Edsel Ford (Part 6)

2005-12-05T22:01:00.000-08:00

I think Edsel was only 5'6", but I have read that he was 5'4". Whatever his diminutive size, he was a strong willed person.

I don't like doing this, but I have to show some of Edsel's toughness through his father's meanness. During World WarI Edsel was of drafting age. Henry kept Edsel out. (I must say that I can understand Henry doing this as it was his only son and child). This caused much agony for Edsel defending himself against the press. Edsel was ridiculed mercilessly. Edsel defended himself by stating he would have gone to the war and done his duty. But they didn't care. I think Edsel carried this one his whole life.

If this is to be accurate, the sad tales of Edsel will have to be told to show how strong he was. This will continue in the next segment.

Japan's Exports

2005-12-04T09:32:00.000-08:00

Japan exports so many billions of dollars of goods it's not realistic. I'll only say this; that if they think the U.S. can handle it without reciprocity on their part, the ship (the U.S.) may eventually sink. What does this mean? That without the U.S. economy, there won't be any economies throughout the world.

A. Lincoln 3

2005-12-02T22:07:00.000-08:00

Biographers, American Civil War neophiles, those interested in 19th Century history, almost everyone, have a fascination with Abraham Lincoln. Many think it is only because Lincoln was brought up in squalor, and to paraphrase William Herndon, ignited himself from a "putrid pool" and rose to the utmost success. In other words, he was a great president, and fascinating.

I say this is true, but it is also that his Melancholia (Depression) fascinates all of us. As one biographer put it, when Lincoln spoke his face displayed such sadness and what he said came out as nothing, but the truth, that people were very much impressed by him.

Lincoln's depression made much of his discipline and thought, although I do disagree that he was depressed most of the time. It's as though his depressions brought on a thought pattern that wouldn't allow apathy, but quite the opposite. This more than anything made him rise to heights that may have been unattainable otherwise. It is the "putrid pool" syndrome.

By not allowing his Depression to debilitate him, he let it hone his mind, as a laser beam finely cuts a die which becomes a most useful tool! Lincoln wasn't lazy and this ability, surely would prepare him for a greatness, few others if any could attain.

GM And Tariffs

2005-11-29T15:05:00.000-08:00

A writer for the Washington Post declares that nothing can be done to hold up General Motors and other American industries. This is hogwash. Certainly tariffs can be put on all foreign made foreign corporation vehicles. That would include the vehicles made here by foreign firms.

I am sick and tired of hearing that the "displaced workers" in other words the laid off, can be retrained while they collect unemployment. Nothing is wrong with them receiving unemployment, but not all can be retrained for other lines of work. Their aptitude is assembly line work. Sometimes you cannot take a fish out of water and expect it to swim! In other words, these poor souls are STUCK IN THE MUD! What could get them out is only another job of the same skills, which is most likely a very poor paying job compared to what they were paid at GM. It is a sorry day for America.

GM And The UAW (Delphi)

2005-11-28T17:28:00.000-08:00

It seems as though GM is in dire need. But is this the case? Delphi (GM's largest supplier) declared Bankruptcy before the laws on Bankruptcy became more stringent. This takes much pressure off of Delphi.

Now, GM is liable for the pensions that Delphi's UAW retired workers were entitled to if Delphi ran into trouble. Well Delphi has run into trouble. But Delphi's workers do not like the fact that their wages are being cut 62%. This could be the Ace in the Hole for GM. They could offer higher wages to Delphi workers in lieu of GM being held accountable for the pensions on retirees.

I think this would be good for everyone all around. If GM were to become liable for these pensions, it is possible GM would be in for it's bumpiest road ever in ten decades.

Edsel Ford (Part 4)

2005-11-28T02:31:00.000-08:00

An admirable asset of Edsel Ford was his patient, quiet, enduring decency that you did not find in persons in corporations of his size. Edsel had a character that was admired by the people who were worth admiring. There are no bones about it, Edsel was an excellent administrator, second to none, and probably would have been an excellent President of Ford Motor (he was) had Henry never meddled. And he was not the type to sucker punch as so many of his adversaries (including his father, Henry) pulled on him. As stated he took all of this in stride, until it finally made him ill (more on this later).

Could Edsel have countered his adversaries punches? He did. But this wasn't good enough for them. They were relentless and could not see the absolute fair play and decency of Edsel. They were too ignorant to see how TOUGH EDSEL WAS!

Edsel Ford was a grand man with grand ideas that if carried out, would have equalled Henry Ford's genius accomplishments.

GM And Edmunds

2005-11-27T19:50:00.000-08:00

The hot new car from GM is from Pontiac. It is a 2-seater roadster called the Solstice. This is a Bob Lutz inspired project. (Bob Lutz has more gasoline in his veins than a service station and has worked for all of the American car companies, with this being his second stint at GM. He is Vice Chairman and 73 years young).

When checking Edmunds, one will notice the 6.7 rating it received from the editors, while looking at the nine reviews from customers of the actual production car, it receives a 9.7. An anomaly is that although the Solstice only receives a 6.7 it is an Editor's Pick as a car they would want. Low standards?!

One more thing. Everything Edmunds cuts down about the Solstice, the nine customer reviewers state they LOVE! The one thing both agree on is the limited trunk space.

So there you have it. I'm saving my money!

Edsel Ford (Part 3)

2005-11-27T03:07:00.000-08:00

As I said before, Edsel wasn't allowed to go to college, but because he was so highly intelligent (probably brilliant) he turned into one of Detroit's greatest executives. Competitors even knew and said this.

One example of Henry's odd and mean ways toward Edsel, comes in this story. The Model T was long in the tooth and had been for some time. Edsel and his allies had it planned that at lunch, Edsel would bring up the subject (something that was taboo) and his executive friends would chime in afterwards, sticking up for Edsel and his cause.

Edsel did just that at lunch. He mentioned to his father that it might be time to change cars from the Model T to an all new model car. Henry stood up and said, "You shut up Edsel!" and stormed from the room. Not one of Edsel's executive friends said a word. This was the type of fear Henry instilled in everyone. Even Edsel, Henry's own son, had a trepidation around his father. It was very sad for the supposed head of Ford Motor Company, President Edsel Ford.

Edsel had character unlike his father. He was well bred and aristocratic. Being this way, he did not have the fight in him, as did his father. Instead he was obedient, to a fault. Not to say Edsel did everything his father's way, he did not, but his father felt the company belonged to him, so he had everything to say, and no one else had anything to say. For Edsel, being grown up would become a tragedy from Shakespeare.

Lincoln * Another Quick Joke

2005-11-26T19:26:00.000-08:00

Abraham Lincoln (who did not really have any religious affiliation most of his life, although he lived like a "Christian") was asked one day what his religion was. He answered, " I knew a farmer in the old days who said, 'When I do good I feel good, when I do bad I feel bad'", and then Lincoln added, "And that's my religion."

This is not the Christian way as Jesus is the saving Grace for us, but Lincoln is nonetheless hilarious.

Fail Safe

2005-11-26T18:58:00.000-08:00

I know I am writing about GM an awful lot, but bear with me. There is too much news to ignore this.

If all else does not work, then the U.S. policy makers will have to resort to automotive tariffs. It is one thing to have a healthy global marketplace. It is another to have your own corporations flounder while the foreign competition thrives in your markets.

These automotive tariffs would be put on all automobiles whose manufacturer is based in a foreign land (e.g. Honda is derived from Japan). The amount of tariff put on any one automobile would be in direct relation to the quantity of that auto that is sold in the U.S. Of course GM and Ford would not be subject to these tariffs, as they are the American auto industries that need bolstering.

It would behoove the U.S. not to do this, for a calamity may be on the horizon!

GM Again

2005-11-25T20:07:00.000-08:00

I am going to forego the continuation of the last post to bring more timely information about GM to the forefront.

I think it is well known that GM sells to fleet buyers. In a magazine I was perusing in the late 1980's, it was stated that this certain fleet buyer was getting 250,000 miles from their six cylinder Impalas. This is quite ironic considering the fact that GM was making "junk" at that time.

But I would like to address another issue. It is a fact that bean counting is an important factor in any business, especially public ones. But it doesn't forgive management for not giving every last resource to the products they make. When making automobiles engineering and manufacturing must take precedence. Everything matters when making these pieces of machinery that are no less than 10,000 pieces.

I think it would be unforgiveable for the engineers to hand out their plans for an auto over to manufacturing, only to have the designs compromised. And this would not be manufacturings fault. It is upper managements fault, for all decisions come from above.

Am I saying GM does this? NO, not anymore. But I think the complacency of management of the past in this corporation did. GM is now feeling the hangover from this and not many car consumers are giving GM THE CHANCE TO PROVE THEY ARE COMPETITIVE AND ARE MAKING FINE AUTOMOBILES TODAY AND NOW!

It is inevitable that GM would give large discounts again in the face of losing market share. It may cost now, but each one percent of automotive market share is equal to two billion dollars. This is something that this car company just cannot give up, even if it means much lower profit margins. It's called buying time. GM's products are equal or ahead of all, but as I said, it's hard to live down a bad reputation, and extremely hard to rebuild a good one.

How does a company try to win back a customer or win a new customer? Any way it can! First build the best possible product. GM is. Let customers know. GM is doing so. If all else fails, the first measure of getting people back in the showroom (and keeping market share) in a short period of time, is through the pocket book! Then when the automotive customer sees that GM's devotion to manufacturing an outstanding vehicle is there, then and only then will the automotive consumer return sans rebates and special offers.

There are very few American product manufacturers left. Automobiles is the "last vestage of hope" for the U.S. Yes, look at the competition, but do not forget GM, and you will not be dissappointed.

That is all.

Pastel

2005-11-25T19:02:00.000-08:00

This excellent piece of work by Ylli is of course, Derek Jeter. It is an example of Ylli's exemplary work in pastels. I had mentioned them as an aside when I put the picture of Lincoln up (right below).

To see Ylli's wonderful works (there are 100's) on eBay just use the searchword Ylli.

Lincoln's Patient Suffering

2005-11-25T08:27:00.000-08:00

This fine piece of artwork was done by the artist Ylli. Use this searchword (Ylli) to find all of this masters artwork on eBay.

Ylli not only does Charcoal (this piece of Abe is in Charcoal) but he does oils, acrylics, and pastels, the latter being an outstanding and much more rare medium to use. Artists do not work with pastels as often, as they would rather spend time with oils. Most of Ylli's portrait prints are done in pastel.

Edsel Ford (Part 2)

2005-11-25T03:35:00.000-08:00

Understanding Edsel is difficult, one - because he never really let his emotions out and two - because there isn't enough literature out there about this wonderful man.

But as I do with Abraham Lincoln, I will lay out the facts and then try to generate my thoughts, feelings, and what I think Edsel Ford was like.

When Edsel Ford was a boy, this was the happy time of his life. His father set up a mechanics shop for Edsel to work in, and this is where he learned mechanics. In school he would scribble on paper the different designs that were in his head and thought of. (He also was an excellent student).

When Edsel turned 18 years of age, he naturally wanted to go to college. Henry stopped that. Henry Ford was not an advocate of formal education. This hurt Edsel immensely, but although he argued his point, in the end he gave in to his father's wishes (something that would recur his entire life).

You will notice as I go along that there will not be any negative writing of Edsel. That's not because I like it that way (though it is nice) but because nothing negative is in the history of Edsel, either in writing or interviews with peers.

(More To Come)

Lincoln * A Quick Joke

2005-11-24T23:15:00.000-08:00

Lincoln was asked how he felt being President of the United States. Lincoln replied, "It's kind of like the man who is tarred and feathered and ridden out of town on a rail. The man stated, 'If it weren't for the honor of the thing, I'd much rather walk!' "

GM * Just A Cogent Thought

2005-11-24T23:03:00.000-08:00

I was wondering why so many Japanese autos have been sold with the seven year warranty.

The only reason is because something could go wrong, go wrong, go wrong, you get the idea. I guess the haloed Japanese automobiles can have flaws.

Everyone of the four new GM vehicles I bought did not go out the door with the seven year warranty; I knew it was a waste of money!

A. Lincoln 2

2005-11-24T15:08:00.000-08:00

I will be jumping around with Lincoln because there is just too much to tell, and many times I forget something from his life that I should have included.

There are 16,000+ books on Lincoln and I think probably every one of them is trying to figure him out. I think that one of the reasons that Lincoln is so popular is not only what incredible success he had as a patient president, but also the fact that no one can figure him out.

I must say that the best any book could receive for its efforts on Lincoln, would be very good. Yes this is all. The reason, there are no hard facts on every time of Lincoln's life. Lincoln's "Speeches and Writings" is the closest anyone will be able to delve into the mind of Lincoln. Or if one is lucky enough to run across something he said from a reliable source.

Personally my favorite summary of what Lincoln was like in the White House comes from Harriet Beecher Stowe. I can't quote it, for I haven't the book in front of me, but at a later date I certainly will.

My personal favorite quote of Lincoln's:
"...and yet the human instrumentalities working just as they do are of the best adaptation to effect His purpose..."
This came from one of his personal writings, and was found after he was dead.

Lincoln if anything was a genius. I do not think that anyone else in the secular world even remotely achieved what he did (and with so little). On second thought he probably could be considered for Sainthood, although he became Christian late in life (more on this later).

What I will do, is not try to figure him out, but display the facts (that I know and will learn) about him. This will give the man the true measure of character without any theatrics.

GM And 1980

2005-11-24T07:48:00.000-08:00

In nineteen-eighty it was the new dawn for the Rising Sun. Just the year before gas prices went up and many car consumers (and probably the majority were commuters) were looking for better gas mileage from their car. This entailed buying what would be the only game in town, which were the Japanese automobiles.

Simultaneously it was noticed that the Japanese makes were superior in quality to their American counterparts. This was definitely the case with the small makes, but as far as the bigger make American autos, this was dubious. Front wheel drive also became the rage and Detroit was caught off guard for these three items (gas mileage, quality in small cars, and FWD).

GM went from 50% of the market share in the U.S., to 37% in 1985. This was a catastrophy. Resources were not being used right in manufacture of autos. The old Sloan method would have to be put out to pasture or would it?

(More To Come)

Thanksgiving

2005-11-23T19:16:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Thanksgiving was made an official holiday by Abraham Lincoln during the terrible Civil War. This has always been known to be most ironic. Lincoln stated something to the effect that we must be thankful to the Almighty for our bounty. Think of how much more we should be thankful to the Almighty at this time.

Edsel Ford (Part 1 Of Many)

2005-11-23T17:32:00.000-08:00

Edsel Ford the man is my greatest hero. Here is a man who all his life wanted to satisfy his father (Henry) and received not the least bit of praise from him.

Who is Edsel Ford? He is the only son of Henry Ford, the man who made the Model T and was not only a genius, but an ignoramus. Henry Ford if anything is an enigma. But I do not care to go into his life. Edsel is the one I am writing about. He was a devoted husband and father. He knew the car business as well as any. And he made some of the most extraordinary automobiles of his time. Today these autos are classics! If you are familiar with the '34 Ford, you know Edsel.

Edsel not only knew the mechanics of a car, but the styling. He could not necessarily put the pencil to paper or hands to the clay, but the designs were in his head, and E.T. Gregorie did the rest. He also was an excellent administrator. In other words, he was the purest form of your "gasoline in the veins" auto man and manufacturer. But alas he lived in the shadow of his father (to this day he does) and lived a life with real Machevelian (sic) danger.

What else did Edsel do? Well he was the glue of Ford in the '30's and made "Willit Run" run.

(This will be continued at a further date).

A. Lincoln

2005-11-23T14:06:00.000-08:00

Abraham Lincoln was a man not a myth or mystical figure that could perform miracles. That he was a man makes him more amazing. If you consider what this towering genius of a man accomplished in just a few years you can see that this is quite the opposite of his peers who had long political careers.

Lincoln was born in eighteen-o-nine in very humble surroundings. This quite humble, but hopeful genius, was not well known throughout most of his life. It was the Dred Scott (a slave) case in eighteen-fifty-four that impelled Lincoln to action. And even though he debated Stephen Douglass (the last "s" was later removed) the extremely well known senator from Illinois in eighteen-fifty-eight, it was not until eighteen-sixty when he made his famous Cooper Union Address (to unprecedented rousing applause) that he became known in The East. This stapled or forged his reknown stature in the United States.

As is known, he became President of the U.S. in eighteen-sixty-one.

(Continued At A Later Date)

Some of GM's Roots

2005-11-23T13:50:00.000-08:00

William Crapo Durant had the right idea when he put together a conglomerate of different car companies, making General Motors in 1910. Though he really didn't have the business mind, he started a new way of selling cars.

In the late nineteens or early nineteen-twenty's Alfred Sloan took over. In effect, this would change General Motors for good. Sloan had the idea to sell cars from the low end all the way to the affluent.

Chevy would be everyman's car. Once this "everyman" stepped up, he could buy a Pontiac. From there a Buick, an Oldsmobile, and finally the Flagship Cadillac.

This business model was an excellent one. It worked for the times and for sixty years. But the end of this business model being useful ended with the onslaught of foreign makes in nineteen-eighty.

(Continued At A Later Date)