Why are American cars in a slump? Maybe build the quality a few years back, maybe it's the "oh well" attitude of the domestic auto dealership service departments. The buyers got burned and went where they were treated right.
Maybe it's beacause other than DCX (Chrysler, Dodge), the designs of the latests offerings from GM & Ford are pretty lame looking. They do look better than they did 10 years ago, but they should have looked that way 10 years ago.
Not wanting to bash on American vehicles, but is there a domestic luxury sedan or sport sedan that you would want to own? Maybe a Cadillac CTS -V, an STS-V, or a Chrysler 300 STR-8. The domestics are finally getting it.
The Euopean automakers kept their rear wheel drive platforms, whereas the domestics all went front wheel drive. Yes, yes I know the the Cadillac DeVille was rwd and also the Lincoln Town Car, but these were geared toward "old fogies", nothing that a successful individual in their 30's and 40's to would want to drive.
The Pontiac division of GM is the "excitement" brand. Nothing says excitement like a Torrent minivan. The GTO is a great attempt, it is exciting to drive, but it doesn't look too exciting. The Buick Division is the only division that has their priorities in line -cater to old farts. That's the only purpose of the Crown Vic and Grand Marquis other than make police criusers.
The domestic pricing is is all over the board. A loaded 4x4 Chevy 2500HD crew cab with the Duramax / Allison combo stickers for about $48,000, but with discounts you can get one out the door around $40K+. What does that tell you, the vehicles are way overpriced. Well, it sucks to pay the big bucks for a vehicle, but come on, bring the pricing to a more realistic level where the discounting isn't so great so the resale doesn't kill you when get rid of it or step up.
The vehicle engineers, testers, and factory enthusists (sp) should take a bigger part in the conception, building, and marketing of the vehicles. The prototypes always look bitchen, then the executives get involved and Silverado SS goes from a 500 hp hot rod to a 4 wheel drive extra cab truck with a warmed over mid duty engine in it. Keep the beancounters out of the process.
I don't have the slightest idea how to run a corporation, but to be successful you need to produce something that people want to buy.
Thank you and good night.