Behind the Scenes @ Chrysler Dealers

[andtckrtoo]

I think it's interesting that Ford is not in the news like GM and Chrysler are. What are they doing right?
Karen

Actually a lot of their new cars are being marketed as being as reliable as a Honda or Toyota and from what I see and hear, they are not far off the mark. I think Ford was able to move more quickly than GMC or Chrysler - they saw the writing on the wall and made the changes needed to keep themselves afloat. They turned down any aid from the government, and seem to be doing well.

[papaver]

Well, in Europe when people buy eco friendly cars (like the smaller fords) the governments give them discounts on the car. So lately Ford sells well in Europe.

Brands like chrysler just don't sell in Europe. Why? Well we pay 7,6 dollars per gallon gasoline ...

[GLC1968]

I was just listening to a GM worker who was interviewed on NPR this morning. He said that he was sad that the factory that he'd worked in for the past 30-something years was closing and that he'd always imagined that his children would work there one day. He said that he partially blamed the executives but that he also blamed his friends and neighbors. He said it wasn't right that they'd be collecting a GM pension but buying non-GM cars like Toyotas and Hondas.

I was listening to this as I was sitting in my Toyota (after having been a Jeep buyer most of my life) and I had to laugh. If any American company could have offered me what I got when I bought my Matrix 5 years ago, I would have been happy to buy it. We are no prophets - but 5 years ago we traded in our gas-guzzling Jeep Unlimited for the Matrix and I'm so glad we did. 75K miles later, it's still running beautifully and I'm proud to recommend our dealer to anyone who asks because they provide amazing service and pricing. Who can say that about an american car company?

It's really too bad that it's come to this, but people seem to be so slow to change unless forced to. I'm sorry for all those people who are losing jobs and suffering, but this change is necessary. This economy is bloated. Things need to scale back and if that has to start with car companies, ultimately, it's probably a good thing even if it's going to be painful getting to that point.

[ilima]

75K miles later, it's still running beautifully

My current Honda has 80K miles and I feel like she's just getting broken in. I traded my last Honda after 140K problem-free miles (I even still had the original clutch) and I'm sure I could have gotten many, many more.

[Geonz]

I, too, have sympathy... but I also have sympathy for all the folks who've struggled in our society. Sold my car two years ago Saturday, tho' I did appreciate the rental that got me up the mountain to lil' brothers wedding Saturday.
Cockamamie consumerism ... don't know where it will go. I, too, have cut back ... tho' somehow I have not gotten a garden in, as I did last year. Fortuantely our farmer's market will have sprouted ones and it doesnt' hurt to support those local folks - perhaps creating our own micro-economies (oh, yes, I haven't been in a wal-mart in rather a while, either) and enjoying living slower ...