The American Automotive Industry

Recently the American automotive industry has been under a lot of fire. Industry analysts think that the big three, or more appropriately the big two now, are in serious trouble and we are looking at the eminent demise of our beloved manufacturing capabilities. Unfortunately this may be the case. And it is not due to any major current problem, except that both Ford and GM have both decided to make good vehicles that are competitive in the modern era. So what's wrong with that? Well they each have their own problems that are related fundamental problems with past philosophies relating to vehicle design and manufacture. This author has some suggestions that may help clarify those problems and perhaps lead to solutions.

Let's start with GM shall we? Now, most people either own or know someone who owns a Chevy Truck. Or a GM car of some sort. The fact that they have sold cars and trucks for the past 25 years is actually astounding due to serious quality control and reliability issues. Lets face it, GM cannot build electronics to save their lives. Other companies have no problem designing and building alternators and starters to last for 100,000 miles minimum. However GM might as well put Delphi (or Delco) alternators on the maintenance schedule for replacement at 60,000. After selling parts as long as I have this is what I have come up with as the usual interval for replacement on these things. If Honda can use the same alternator on a 1990 Civic for 300,000 miles with no failures, then the GM interval is totally unacceptable. Some may say that supply and demand will make sure that the alternator is inexpensive to replace, however this is not the case. Go to www.kragen.com and check out the price for an alternator for a 1998 Chevrolet Blazer.