Nobody

Without question, the Detroit Three are undergoing changes the likes of which are unprecedented.  After years of what could possibly be described as “two steps forward and one step back,” it seems as though they’re now going the wrong way on an escalator and losing forward momentum.  And like the title character from the classic TV show “I Love Lucy,” in the episode where Lucy is working the line in the chocolate factory, it almost seems as though the Detroit Three execs are generally doing whatever they can to keep things going—and if you recall that Lucy episode, it isn’t pretty.  And unlike chocolate, this is less sweet.

There are lots of proclamations being made by these executives.  Lots of speeches and releases and announcements.  Lots of messages to workers, a number of whom are becoming ex-workers regardless of position.  It is sad.  Truly sad.  Sure, there are undoubtedly those who were adding little value.  ...Read More...

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Your Mileage May Vary
No matter how trick the technology, some things never change. Take, for example, Honda’s new FCX fuel cell vehicle. The first two "customer" editions have been leased to Ron Yerxa and Annette Ballester, both of California. They are the first of 200 people who will be able to lease the hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle.  – View More

Meow!
According to the most recent J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Customer Service Index study, Jaguar ranks highest in customer satisfaction with dealer service. Its overall score of 923 (out of a possible 1,000) is just ahead of Cadillac (922) and Buick (919). – View More

The Love Factory?
No, it’s not a reprise of The Love Boat with Captain Stubing giving up his life on the high seas for a job in a German car factory, or a new show from the folks at MTV. The Love Factory is the nickname for the Cologne, Germany, plant that builds the new Ford Fiesta. – View More

Boing!!
Fiat’s latest U.K. advertisement for its Grande Punto is quite different. The spot features a team of trampolinists jumping up towards a camera carrying signs describing the car and its features. The £500,000 film is part of Fiat’s "Engineered to Entertain" promotion for the face-lifted car. The real entertainment, however, comes at the end of the commercial. – View More

Duck! Incoming Text!
The folks at the Texas Armoring Corp., a leading worldwide supplier of armored vehicles and bullet-proof cars, have created a new line of vehicles specifically designed to protect occupants traveling in the Niger Delta region. Dubbed "the Nigeria Package," this system reportedly protects against AK-47 and M-16 threats. – View More

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One Ford?
It’s amazing what can happen when times get tough.  Some organizations use the turmoil to resize smartly—carefully thinking through each and every individual and their contributions to the bottom line—while others wield a hatchet, cutting those who fail to fit the “formula” set out by human resources. ...Read More...