With the handouts and layoffs from big manufacturers, do you think we'll see any corners cut?
I've already heard that companies will try to adopt a more "overseas" model and cut out a lot of available trim levels and some customizing options. So far so good.
However, I'm kind of skittish about buying a new vehicle. I'm worried about lower quality parts and standards coming in under radar.
Overseas model? Um. Like how Acuras and Hondas are put together like the proverbial Swiss watches? There's not a single gap between any of the panels of high-quality material in my Accord, and at eight years old, not a thing squeaks or makes any noise at all, anywhere. It's silent.
And it was built in Marysville, Ohio by American workers, so it's not really an import. It just has a feel of quality to it that of the us makers, only Ford seems to be trying for. Ford is the only one with a clue, I think.
If they want to to go for that, they need to reach UP pretty darned high. GM seems to have had this idea that they could turn the interior quality material level down to "riding in a rubbermaid bin" and nobody would notice. I've noticed when I've ridden in or tried to drive any! Panel gaps, squeaks and rattles and magic biodegradable plastic in the sun...GM, they have that. Chrysler, they have that (someone I know who bought a PT, it did not age well)...
Explains why Ford didn't need the bailout, either, yes!
(and to be fair, not all imports are good. Mitsubishi has specialized in clunkers and oil-burning engines for a looooooong time. Their Eclipses were horrible fallaparts.)