So I read today that Toyota has topped GM in Global auto sales. I have no doubt that GM will scramble and come out and say there is something wrong with the math and will prove that 2+2 = 5
in order to keep their leadership.
But the damage is done - GM, once a leader in the automotive world is having to stand behind Toyota.
How did this happen? I think we all know the answer to that - SHODDY CARS! I have PERSONALLY walked the Cadillac assembly line while visiting the plant on behalf of my employer and watched a factory worker SMOKE while installing a dash. I was appalled by this behavior and stared at the employee who looked back at me...took a long drag on his cigarette and brazenly tapped the ashes onto the new carpeting of this car while staring at me.
I used to buy strictly GM, but after my last GM vehicle - a 98 Surburban, I will be buying a toyota. I am VERY meticilous about my cars, I vaccum them weekly, have them serviced ON TIME and touch up every nick that may appear. My surburban has NEVER been off road, never been abused, yet had to have it's transmission and rear end replaced (under warranty), has gone through 2 starters and one alternator. It has also had to have the entire AC unit replaced as well as the radiator (it sprang a leak on it's own and had to be replaced as it is PLASTIC), the water pump had to be replaced and the wiper motor as well as the head gasket.
All of this on a car which has had it's oil changed every 3K miles and has been garaged all it's 130K life!
Meanwhile, my brother in law has driven his Honda to 200K miles without any problems other than a battery dying and my sister has driven her Toyota Camry over 100K miles with the original battery.
I also blame GM management, while Toyota has been concentrating on building smaller cars that get better gas mileage GM has been working on the latest SUV designs.
I truly think losing the number one spot will be good for GM and will make them work harder.
twiz(04/24/2007)
It is a good wake-up call for them. I think they saw it coming... and they have been trying to make up ground on quality with extended warranties, etc. But while it is good to see them working towards improving quality and reliability, consumers don't have the patience or pocketbook to experiment with their new cars. Why take a chance when you can go with proven reliability? I've had my Toyota (made in the USA by USA workers) for about 8 years now. I'm planning on keeping it for maybe another 8 years... that is something you still can't do with a domestic car unless you plan on keeping it under a blanket in your garage...
RedVelvetFlames(04/24/2007)
I remember when NAFTA was the huge issue of debate during my undergrad studies and in my Argumentation & Debate class this was one of our assignments. I remember GM swearing they would never leave the States and there employee's need not worry about losing there jobs. Well the minute NAFTA was passed they were the first ones to jump ship leaving 1,000's of workers unemployed (I have a friend who was part of this lay off.) Of course GM would never go out of business, but how happy I was to read they are suffering economically.
SouthernProgrammer(04/24/2007)
RedVelvet - Ever notice how management isn't outsourced?
sheila(04/24/2007)
Kind of gives new meaning to "that new car smell"!
RedVelvetFlames(04/24/2007)
So true SP! I have never heard or read of such a case.
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