OT: how far we've come?, 35 years of non-progress Options

[lapuwali]

Hybrids are the buzzword now, and people marvel at how the latest Civic hybrid gets 50mpg.

Autoweek had a short article on the early Civics, which got 55mpg with a carb. 1.2L, 50hp, 1500lbs. Sure, they were slow, but they were described as still being fun to drive. The way most people drive modern Civics, I doubt they'd notice if they suddenly only had 50hp.

(yes, I know emissions are much better, it's quieter, it crashes better, yada, yada...)

[Thorshammer]

I just reviewed this thread, and Rich T is right on with his statements, One of the reasons American auto manufacturers have gotten their assed kicked is pure arrogance.

Primarily this is from decisions made over forty years ago.

Some people might know the lifes work of Demming.

Total Quality Management, Drill down techniques, 6 sigma, Just in time. These are management and manufacturing techniques adopted by the Japanese from ..... an American, Demming.

He went to American auto manufacturers in the 1950's and presented his managment ideas. Response, your nuts, we make the best cars in the world.

So who did he sell his ideas to. Japan. I have worked for two Japanese companies now,and these management ideas are always used.

As for the Japanese government being involved in business, yes, they are. Sony was "requested" to assist Toshiba through some hard times (same thing happened between Kawasaki and Suzuki three years ago), as directed by the government. Oh and BTW, Sony had to send their top management to help them get back on their feet. Toshiba also produced most of the CD units for Sony. Why? Easy, the government knows that the collapse of a company will create a rift through subcontractors and this will affect their economy. Not to mention the limits on incoming foreign trade. Face it, in some segments they are kicking our asses. And we need to rethink how we manage business and develop new products.

Erik Madsen