European car makers in trouble

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Bryan330i

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So did anyone see CBS News last night? They were talking about cars last night and did not have much nice to say about European manufacturers. Basically, they were saying that they are the most unreliable and expensive and do not offer the relative performance of the past compared to others, mentioning American cars specifically.

I don’t agree entirely but the performance gap is closing for sure.

It will be interesting to see how BMW, Audi, and BM (those mentioned specifically) are going to REACT to changes in global competition.

Also, don’t know if any of you have heard the report on VW that just came out. It is not good news for the company as they missed the mark big time for sales. The last quarter performance was stated as “miserable.”

I think our society is less loyal and thus premium brand management requires a whole different global way of thinking that in the past. It will be interesting to see what happens in the next few years.
 
Bear6360

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Foreign auto makers can get 200 hp out of a 4 CYL engine. American cars take a 3.8 V6 or even a V8 to get 200. Whatever the performance gap is, I don't think the American makers are closing in at all.
 
Section_8

Section_8

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Bryan330i said:
So did anyone see CBS News last night? They were talking about cars last night and did not have much nice to say about European manufacturers. Basically, they were saying that they are the most unreliable and expensive and do not offer the relative performance of the past compared to others, mentioning American cars specifically.

I don’t agree entirely but the performance gap is closing for sure.
Click to expand...
Their sales have increased 13% in the past 3 years in North America. Thats more in the sedan market than any other car manufacturer.

I caught part of the same show, these dorks were trying to compare a 745i to some small ford or something (maybe it was the dodge srt, mazda 3, whatever), and trying to compare it on reliability... Well duh, yah a big V8 land cruiser will probaby require more shop time(vs a 4 banger), and will of COURSE cost more to repair.. You idiots!! I could whip up some of the parts in the dodge outta crap in my backyard if it really came down to it..

(Sorry, no direct crack on any american cars, I just couldn't believe they were trying to compare these obviously 2 different vehicles, the market for each are totally different..)

And they are more expensive cause we tax the hell outta them.. Go buy yours overseas, and have it shipped back. You could save a few thousand after all that. My next new car is gonna be a EU pickup for sure..

What's going on is that the other manufacturers are catching up to the marker that BMW set years ago. BMW is about to up the ante with their new fleet, which is more powerful, advanced, and all that fun stuff we've always liked about BMW's in the first place. Fun to drive!

S'ok, I have a bud at work that has a '96 E36 M3 all stock. I've seen his 8 year old car dust more than a few new 'contender' cars. It's pretty interesting to watch, actually saw him break a boxster down earlier this week while we were out doing lunch.. I trailed behind them both, wishing I'd had a damn camera to show him eating the poor pony.. [:D]
 
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epj3

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Oh you think US companies stand behind their products? Trust me, my parents and their fu*king $5000+ or NEEDLESS repairs, ie Intake gasket, head gasket, 2 wheel bearings, power sliding door, and AIR BAGS; will tell you that General motors does not stand behind their products even under warranty.

Oh yea, this is a 5 year old 60,000 mile van now. 90% of problems we paid for were within 3 years of purchase under warranty.

Woot, my 170,000 bmw has no bad gaskets.
 
Kirby

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Regarding Quality, according to an article I'm looking at right now in the local newspaper, Consumer Reports stated these statistics:

2002 Defects per 100 vehicles
US =21 European=21

2003 Defects per 100 vehicles
US=18 European=20

So actually, the Europeans IMPROVED, didn't get worse.

But the US Manufacturers IMPROVED MORE.

Interesting - perception vs. reality?
 
bmw046series

bmw046series

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The difference is that US car companies are restricted to tighter safety regulations, even though the foreign brands are as well, they have to build a model and then re-create it for the US Market, rather than focusing on one product, they have two markets to fulfill.
 
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CTBMW

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I would like to think long term value and quality, timeless styling.
Which would you rather own: A 20 year old German car, or a 20 year old American, or Japaneese car?
-Mel
P.S.
How many 20 year old American/ Japaneese cars do you see running around?
 
Bear6360

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CTBMW said:
I would like to think long term value and quality, timeless styling.
Which would you rather own: A 20 year old German car, or a 20 year old American, or Japaneese car?
-Mel
P.S.
How many 20 year old American/ Japaneese cars do you see running around?
Click to expand...
That fully depends where you live. I have friends who have a Roadrunner and a 1917 Apperson. American, no? They run.....and very well, I might add. This is a fruitless argument. I see more American cars from the 60's and 70's than any other car on the road....if all of you really must know.
I like European cars. I think they handle great and are reliable...but I haven't really had any American cars that were a problem. .....now Kia's are a different story altogether. [mad]
 
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