GM and Ford getting together

[Skullrot]

I was reading this at autoblog.com

Automotive News reported early this morning that senior executives within Ford and GM have explored the possibility of an alliance, even a merger, in the near future.

The supposed talks between the two Detroit titans began sometime in July, soon after Rick Wagoner and Carlos Ghosn began investigating the benefits of a GM/Renault/Nissan threesome. The sources cited by Automotive News have not been able to confirm who opened the door to the talks, with one insider saying that Wagoner was the instigator, while another source disputes that assertion. It is known that a possible merger was discussed between the General's CFO, Fritz Henderson and Don Leclair, Ford's own CFO sometime in August.

Although the idea of a Ford/GM alliance may seem odd at first glance, one only needs to look at the tremendous stake each company has in the other's continued existence. The most potentially catastrophic scenario would include GM or Ford declaring bankruptcy, leaving their mutual parts suppliers blowing in the financial winds and subsequently cutting off the other from much-needed materials. It could be argued that both would go down and quickly.

Although it's doubtful anything of this magnitude would come to fruition, the dependency each of the players share may warrant a second look at a union between what's left of the 'Big 3.' At this point however, spokespeople for both GM and Ford are relying on the "no comment" approach to get them through the next few days.

[GrandAmGT1996]

I heard about this also...it would be weird...

[Skullrot]

Just think...the Ford GT Z06 or the brand new Roush Camaro.....I guess you gotta do what you gotta do to survive

[crazypontiac03]

Wont Happen. IF the do anything they will only share Tech Info ie. Next Genration Motor's etc.

[Sleepwalkr]

Wont Happen. IF the do anything they will only share Tech Info ie. Next Genration Motor's etc.

I've actually already read that GM and Ford co-developed either a motor or transmission together. Even that seemed weird to me.

[crazypontiac03]

Dam after re-reading that post. I can't spell worth **** tonight. lol

I guess i can blame the, "only had one day off in 3 weeks" reason.

[lone_wolf025]

I think an alliance is definately possible but I don't see a merger happening anytime soon. It would certainly be an interesting concept but at the same time wouldn't there be anti-trust laws to cope with? Perhaps someone here can tell me what the laws are regarding this stuff...

[2003SCT]

Yes..the new FWD 6 speed automatic is the co developed tranny that you are thinking of.

As far as a merger goes....o.k. so say it happens....still doesnt bring up what the hell is going to happen to all of the ACTUAL problem areas....remember selling cars isnt the issue right now....GM sold 9 million alone last year in addition to having just over $190 BILLION in revenue....more than ANY other auto maker. The issues lie in areas that other companies dont have to worry about such as higher wages and retirement and the fact that GM is the world's largest health care provider. A merger doesnt solve that. Efficiency is really the only issue and its balance sheets that are scaring investors...nothing more nothing less. Corporate direction has been moving down the right path but because of the power of the internet...everyone seems privy to information that wasnt available years ago. Now as everyone reads panic articles about each companies ups and downs, alot of speculation is made on a regular basis. And as far as the parts suppliers go...does nobody realize that Delphi is one of Toyotas largest part suppliers here in North America. ..I wanna say they are like number 3 for the Big T in overall parts volume.

Again, I am just getting tired of hearing crap about the companies such as GM or Ford literally closing their doors tomarrow(or hinting at something like that is inevitable)....it would be hard for all the companies TOGETHER to make up for a sudden lack of 9 million cars and full size trucks worldwide sold this next year....



CHRIS




CHRIS

[GregFarz78]

If anything the government wont allow a merger it will probably violate anti-trust laws...they can probably do a joint venture though

[caraudiodave]

honestly, i dont think ford holds enough of the market to violate anti-trust laws. even still, the US government needs the big 3 to stay in business. if one goes under, then the gov't is in trouble.

if they did merge, they would stay as separate brands. they might share motors and trannys, but the cars wouldnt look alike and they would keep their own models, ie corvette, mustang...although ford doesnt really have any other recognizable models anymore other than mustang and f-series trucks.

the problem i have with the merger is that they both have the same quality issues. ford has really cheap feelign interiors, and GM isnt much better. renault/nissan is much better and would have brought something to the table, while renault/nissan could use the V8s that GM has (and the discounted parts cost that GM gets because of their volume).

[Graxall]

4-banger fwd ecotec mustang ftw

[2003SCT]

The funny thing is that the Nissan merger wouldnt have made better interiors.....Nissan has got to have the cheapest Japanese manufacturer interiors.....hard plastics abound!


CHRIS

[2003SCT]

You know what though....I think that Toyota being the giant automaker is really what Japan needs....remember their general lack of natural resources and focus in the automotive industry and electronics. Well with alot of comopanies like Samsung and LG becoming MASSIVE, and companies like Sony having the warning signs of failure Japan needs all it can take from the auto industry. Korea and China already make most of the Japanese companies stuff for them and now that they have the technology for less....Japan better start doubling production of the Camry. As the middle of the line products grow their revenue, they will have even more money to add to grow very high end brands.


CHRIS

[Graxall]

The funny thing is that the Nissan merger wouldnt have made better interiors.....Nissan has got to have the cheapest Japanese manufacturer interiors.....hard plastics abound!


CHRIS
Have you ever heard/seen the interior of the new maximas? makes me all silly inside...I know what you mean tho, alot of foreign companys especially make pretty bad MADE interiors. If you ever been/had a honda accord/civic, the arm rests are hollow. Friend cracked his arm rest from somone slamming the door too hard.

[Ajaxus]

im trying to figure out the bad interiors on nissans, ive been in the maxima and titan alot recently and have found no issues with them being cheap or bad. these aren't luxury model cars, for the market they are being sold to i feel their interiors are perfect if not better than needed.

but maybe that's just me.

[Graxall]

im trying to figure out the bad interiors on nissans, ive been in the maxima and titan alot recently and have found no issues with them being cheap or bad. these aren't luxury model cars, for the market they are being sold to i feel their interiors are perfect if not better than needed.

but maybe that's just me.
x2
Also i was in a Infiniti that i was gonna buy about 6monthes back, beautifull car..

[lone_wolf025]

4-banger fwd ecotec mustang ftw

Seeing as how anal GM is about making or having ANY high power 6 cylinder engine I could see that happening...wouldn't want to make the corvette people look bad now would we...

-Edit-

And someone please fix the thread title! Everytime I see it I think "GM and Frodo getting together? WTF?!?!?"

[Rich]

lol i saw that earlier and forgot i could change it until now. fixed.

[2003SCT]

The cars that I am referring to are the Sentra and the newer Altima.....alot of hard plastics and that is usually what people refer to as "cheap plastics".

I dont have a problem with them specifically but my only thing was that Nissans interiors arent light years ahead of GMs as many people claim that someone like Toyotas are(though thats debatable in some areas aka the Celica or the Xa or Xb)

My only point is that its not that GM doesnt know how to make a high quality interior and I think that is the misconception. Its the cost invloved that is prohibitive. Hell the Cobalt could have a STS quality interior but the price wont allow it. You find the best supplier for the money and roll with them. GM plastics have changed alot in the past couple of years but they have a little ways to go.

BTW has anyone seen who has done the STS-V and XLR-V interiors....Draexlmaier....same company that did the Maybach. Keep on truckin GM...we want them to do the Enclave too!!:)


CHRIS

[Graxall]

The cars that I am referring to are the Sentra and the newer Altima.....alot of hard plastics and that is usually what people refer to as "cheap plastics".

I dont have a problem with them specifically but my only thing was that Nissans interiors arent light years ahead of GMs as many people claim that someone like Toyotas are(though thats debatable in some areas aka the Celica or the Xa or Xb)

My only point is that its not that GM doesnt know how to make a high quality interior and I think that is the misconception. Its the cost invloved that is prohibitive. Hell the Cobalt could have a STS quality interior but the price wont allow it. You find the best supplier for the money and roll with them. GM plastics have changed alot in the past couple of years but they have a little ways to go.

BTW has anyone seen who has done the STS-V and XLR-V interiors....Draexlmaier....same company that did the Maybach. Keep on truckin GM...we want them to do the Enclave too!!:)


CHRIS
You want leather in a 10,000 car brand new?(Sentra)
And the Altima isnt supposed to be the sporty one, thats why the maxima is rediculous

[RedGrandTour]

You want leather in a 10,000 car brand new?(Sentra)
And the Altima isnt supposed to be the sporty one, thats why the maxima is rediculous

What do you mean?

[2003SCT]

What do you mean?


I didnt quite understand the post either...


CHRIS