10 Years Out

For fun, let's take a look out 10 years:

Top car makers in terms of volume:
#1 Toyota
#2 Hyundai
#3 Honda
#4 GMF Consolidated
#5 Daimler/Chrysler
#6 Nissan
#7 VW

You see, Ford and GM are doing so poorly that we feel their future is questionable. In fact, they are doing so poorly (by that we mean low sales and the unlikely prospect of higher sales to come) we guess they will need to combine their companies to in order to make it. And instead of trying to find a non-trademarked word, they'll just use some initials. But rather than FGM (heh), they'll go with GMF. Unless we trademark it first!

The Auto Prophet also mentions something very interesting: the companies that make parts for GM and Ford are having a hard time, too.

Comments

[hugo]

Who said that Japan cant make good Diesel engines? Isuzu dominates the diesel engine market in China and its big in Latin America (thanks to Chevrolet). You can imagine that more than 50% of the fleet of trucks hauling goods out from China to the rest of the world run on Isuzu-Chevrolet trucks. I believe your "answer" is unfounded and not based on facts. Isuzu engines are fairly reliable. Hino from Toyota also produces superb diesel engines, so does Mitsubishi and Nissan Diesel.

[Jim]

As for the question, "who makes Chevy's diesel engine?"
Answer: It is outsource thru Isuzu. There have been many quality issues. The Japs need to stick with gas motors.

As for the rest of the diesel teams, the Dodge Cummins is reasonably priced, but is a DOG, lacking on torque and has the same problems they still cannot solve although merging with a German company - lackluster transmissions and rear-ends.

Regarding Ford, the Powerstroke diesel (made buy International, a Ford owned company) is the cats a**. Superior power and torque - good looks, and a re-designed transmission that shifts like an Allison

I am a Chevy guy, but enjoy the diesel kick. Only to find Ford being the only company with anything worth selling in the market.

And I wonder why GM struggles with their new "G Ride" cars?

[skeptical]

The fact is, American cars don't sell well outside of America. Even in America the trend of buying American is significantly on the way out - in favor of German and Japanese. I'm not going to analyze whether it's simply or perception or related to real quality. But this is the reality of the long-term buying trends.

That's why it's completely rational to believe that GM, in it's current form, will not exist in 10 years. Unfortunately, at it's current market cap it has giant for sale sign on it. But nobody wants to acquire the issues with UAW or the lension liability. So you tell me - merger with Ford or shutdown? "Trimming" 1/4 of what it's worth doesn't realistic. Otherwise there's not a lot of options.

[allen]

chevy f-150 might just work

[Jessi Ventura]

I disagree with you. Japeneese cars suck big time especially Toyota.

[Joe]

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[DETROIT]

you tell them big ford fan joe these people dont get it if ford and gm went under the job loss would be huge and it would trickle down so far i cant even think about it i work at the ford sterling axle plant our trucks are so much better then toyota its crazy we put an axle from a F 150 and from a toyota tacoma through an agility test the toyota didnt even make it through the test its gears disinigrated the f 150 did 30 test and barely showed marks next time you are behind one of these trucks look how small the toyota's axle is and compare it to the f150 you will be shocked Ford should challenge toyota to a dual on towing I bet toyota wouldn't show up

[David Campbell]

Well, let me see if I can duplicate some of the thinking at FORDGM. Uh, oh this Lumina won't sell so why don't we change the look and call it Impala!!! Wow, that will fool the cows!!!! I didn't like the Impala or Monte Carlo the day they were introduced and don't like them today.
Oh, I haven't forgotten Ford. Kill the Thunderbird, makes sense. It may not be perfect, but ask around. It looks good. Good looks sell cars. Of course, the opinion of Ford is, we will try again to find the next Taurus or now the next Mustang.
Ford and GM seem to resist embracing common sense. Who is Bob Lutz?? Apparently he wasn't the one who made the right decisions at Chrysler? Hmmm. I can look at a new car and predict the sales volume. Why are the Impala and Monte Carlo not selling off the charts? They are cleverly disguised, renamed Luminas!! Looks, technology and now image! Taurus, the name should remain, what should occur is a stunning and advanced vehicle. I like the 500, as a matter of fact the look has grown on me. Oh, and I think it looks like a 500. There are hints of German and Japanese luxury sedans, but that is okay. I like the Freestyle also. Seriously... Why does the 03 up Expedition have to look so much like the 02 up Explorer?? Remember the Buick Somerset and then the Regal??? OK GM, lets make ugly, bigger and uglier!!!!
I will return with additional opinions and thoughts about my "uneducated and non=Blue Oval" but correct opinions at another time.
A note, I worked for a Ford subsidiary a few years ago. Ford began a company with an unrealistic business plan and the arrogance that they were going to show the "dummies" how to change an industry. After spending 1.5 years in Dearborn, I know why Ford is losing money. Ford sold the subsidiary in 2003, they wanted to focus on their core competencies!!!!
Okay...
Todays crappy part design list!!!
Ford 4.2 Engine in F150 pickups and Vans. One of the worst engines ever! Ranks right up there with a Renault or Peugeot!!! Why?
Ford 3.8 Engine in Windstar, Taurus-Sable...
GM 6.5 Turbo-Diesel. Who designed this?
Why can't Ford make an engine as good as the Nissan/Infiniti 3.5 V6???? Or better yet, why can't Ford buy that engine to put in a multitude of applications since they are incapable of such a feat???
Why can't GM turn the corner and design a modern engine period??
The Chrysler 2.7 V6 should be an embarrassment to Fiat, much less Daimler-Chrysler.

[buyacarforum.com]

Greatly appreciate everyone here to join the forum at http://www.buyacarforum.com, having you guys join would greatly improve the forum

[can use tools]

You self appointed auto pundits are crazy! Ford and GM merge? Fagidaboutit!
You guys must be experiencing acid flashbacks.
Duh? The writers at the magazines must be getting a kick out of this. At least that segment of the 3rd estate doesn't have to worry about blogs if this is the kind of work you do!
I can't explain it to you if you really think it is possible. Work out the mechanics of such a merger for yourself before you post nonsense like this.
Your blog goes to the bottom of the auto blogs menu for this.
One more strike and your out!

[BigFordFan-Joe]

I think that Ford and GM will definitely be around in 10 years and that all the hype recently is ridiculous. GM may need to trim some, that is true, they've painted themselves into a corner with all of their "badge engineering" and lost focus on some brand identity, but they have some interesting models coming out and will weather the storm. Ford is in better shape than GM and with the FiveHundred selling well and the Mustang being an image boost, will survive just fine until 2006 when a bunch of new models come to market such as the Fusion/Milan twins and the Zephyr from Lincoln.

Honda has their own problems as does Toyota, but the auto press does not harp on them. And while Chrysler is riding high on the Hemi wave, they've had their troubles in the past too.

Don't count them out, for as GM goes, so does our economy. Too many people in this country make a living from the auto industry and we could not recover if either of these companies went under.