Buick wins

Buick has started the slow process of turning perception back toward what is and most likely always has been real. That reality, I believe, is that US-made cars are not truly that different in regard to dependability and quality than foreign made rigs. The problem is that owners of foreign cars have, for years, yelled louder about the quality of their Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Perhaps, they've been making excuses or defending their automobile selection.

Doesn't really matter.

Point is, more people yell about the superior quality of foreign made cars. People listen and then. . .don't get me started again about how stupid the American public can be. Sheeple just start following along without a clue. Next thing you know Detroit's industry is non-existent. OK, I know the fall of the auto industry in this country is more complicated than that but perception is a huge factor in our buying patterns. No?

So, in case you've been under a rock today or you just don't care that much about the auto industry I'll fill you in. J.D. Power has released their rankings for all types of car related categories and Buick has tied Lexus(Toyota) in the Dependability Study. Keep in mind Lexus has owned this honor alone for the past 11 years.

Nice job Buick!! U.S.A. OK!

[read story from Autoblog here]

Magna & Blackstone Muscled-out by Cerberus with $7.4 billion bid.

I’ve been intently following this story for the past few weeks because DaimlerChrysler (DCX) is a very large part of my company’s business. Interestingly enough, Magna is also a valued customer to ITW. It could have been a great situation for the future of the robotic paint equipment division had Magna won the bidding war to take control of DCX.

This morning, the Detroit News reported in an article that Cerberus Capital Management will purchase 80.1% stake of the automaker for $7.4 billion after a bidding war against Magna International Inc. and Blackstone Group.

I don’t care to regurgitate the story the link is there for you to check out if you so choose, but being that I’m a proud Michigander and understanding my passion for the rebirth of Detroit, I can’t help but wonder what this may mean for the economic progression of our great state. In short I doubt it’ll have any positive impact at all.

The fact that the UAW feels this is a good situation for them concerns me. Although it is true I am a UAW member in good standing and the majority of my relatives are UAW members, I strongly believe the union has played a major role in the current state of Michigan’s horrific economy. Of course I don’t see an end to the union anytime soon, but I certainly wouldn’t be too upset to wake up and hear it dissolved overnight. Either that or they get a grip on the reality of over paying under educated employees.

According to the article most of Chrysler’s top management will remain the same in the new Chrysler Holdings LLC. Does anyone else see how this may not promote the idea of change and/or organizational advancement? I hope I’m wrong and my pessimistic feelings surrounding this sale prove inaccurate.