So let's say you are the new CEO of a car company of your chosing and what are 5 things you would do? I'll go with Ford here
1.Fix Lincoln or kill it. I'm not sure who they are trying to be a brand to compete with the likes of Lexus and BMW or against the likes of Acura and Buick? With a new Mustang platform I think it should be spread around to build new rwd cars. Maybe also bring over the aluminum body technology being used on the F150 to the entire brand.
2.Bring back the Ranger. I think there is still room for a truck like this here. Some are built in South Africa, which isn't subject to the Chicken Tax. The current engines used are a 2.5 I4 gas, 2.2 I4 diesel, and a 3.2 I5 diesel. For the US I would just bring over the base gas and the larger diesel. For the American market I would offer the 3.5 V6.
3.More diesels. You know I like diesel engines. I would like to see the European diesls brought over for the small cars but maybe also offer that I5 diesel in larger cars like the Explorer and the Taurus (pretty much an old Volvo platform so it should fit). I would also like to see a small V8 or larger V6 diesel for the full size trucks and SUVs. An engine like that may not be a bad idea to offer for the new Transit as well since it should be more powerful than the I5.
4.Rebirth of the GT part 3. Still to this day one of the best looking sports cars from the past decade. I would love to see another. In todays world I figure it would need a hybrid system.
5.Offer a car cheaper than the Fiesta. With the Versa, Spark, and Mirage out there they must be a market for something like this.
Quote from: Mustangfan2003 on May 02, 2014, 10:36:50 PM
So let's say you are the new CEO of a car company of your chosing and what are 5 things you would do? I'll go with Ford here
1.Fix Lincoln or kill it. I'm not sure who they are trying to be a brand to compete with the likes of Lexus and BMW or against the likes of Acura and Buick? With a new Mustang platform I think it should be spread around to build new rwd cars. Maybe also bring over the aluminum body technology being used on the F150 to the entire brand.
Can't argue
2.Bring back the Ranger. I think there is still room for a truck like this here. Some are built in South Africa, which isn't subject to the Chicken Tax. The current engines used are a 2.5 I4 gas, 2.2 I4 diesel, and a 3.2 I5 diesel. For the US I would just bring over the base gas and the larger diesel. For the American market I would offer the 3.5 V6.
I'm a skeptic, I just don't think this segment's really alive anymore.
3.More diesels. You know I like diesel engines. I would like to see the European diesls brought over for the small cars but maybe also offer that I5 diesel in larger cars like the Explorer and the Taurus (pretty much an old Volvo platform so it should fit). I would also like to see a small V8 or larger V6 diesel for the full size trucks and SUVs. An engine like that may not be a bad idea to offer for the new Transit as well since it should be more powerful than the I5.
Enthusiasts love diesels, but I also don't know if there's really a market for it. In theory, great, but in practice (in the US) ehhhh
4.Rebirth of the GT part 3. Still to this day one of the best looking sports cars from the past decade. I would love to see another. In todays world I figure it would need a hybrid system.
Cool, but would be more of a Piech-esque move
5.Offer a car cheaper than the Fiesta. With the Versa, Spark, and Mirage out there they must be a market for something like this.
Or decontent the Fiesta, move it downmarket. With a downmarket car and the Focus, the Fiesta would be effectively pointless.
It's too easy for me to say all the shit I'd like to do if I ran an automaker when I'm not the one looking at the bottom line (although I would switch up a few things at Honda). As much as it isn't "jalop" of me to say, I can't blame most automakers for doing what they do.
I would totally improve infotainment systems, though. How, I'm not sure. I think outsourcing infotainment to tech companies is a good move tbh.
I know diesel is always a tough sell considering the price of the fuel and the fact that most people are only willing to trust the Germans but I had to throw it in there but who knows maybe more interest with half ton diesels will grow if Ram and Nissan do well with it. I'll try to come up with some for other companies but I will tell you now that you mention Honda is I would love to see a new S2000 or maybe finally building the NSX.
Biggest thing I would fix with Honda is Acura, and I'd start with the RLX. While I don't like the ILX or the TLX so much, for some reason I see the TLX doing fine and I don't know how the ILX is doing. The MDX seems to be doing well, and as bland as the RDX is, seems like what the doctor ordered.
With Honda, again, I personally do not like most of their cars, but they seem to be doing fine. If Honda were my company, I would've never let the Civic see production, but clearly I'd have been wrong considering how well the Civic is doing (and not necessarily due to its own merits). I like the Accord a lot and wouldn't change it, I'd redo the Pilot (which is going to happen soon anyway). The CR-V is, again, what the doctor ordered. Same goes for the Fit.
Also, I liked the TSX a lot. RIP
1) Restyle the Panamera to look like its own car.
2) Restyle the Cayenne to look like its own car.
3) Restyle the Cayman/Boxster to look like its own car.
4) Kill the Macan or whatever that thing is/was/will be.
5) Re-engineer the 911 so it's actually a better/faster car than the Cayman could be.
And then I guess 6) would be to watch the company die a painful death. *sigh*
1) Add lightness and handling to the Challenger.
2) Recombine Ram with Dodge.
3) More Fiats.
4) More Alfas.
5) Rid Jeep of the cute utes/bring the cute utes to Dodge.
6) see above
Mazda
1. Fix the dealership problems. Mazda is well know to have sorry ass dealers in the US.
2. Bring back the B-Series pickup trucks. And no Ford shit this time. Make our own little trucks again. And make them small too because not everyone wants a huge American truck.
3. Bring back the Millennia. With the improvements Mazda has made to it's average cars they could make a very nice near luxury car again.
4. Make the ND Miata come in both convertible AND coupe forms this time.
5. Continue working on the Rotary engine to bring out a new RX-7 based off the ND Miata coupe to keep the production cost down.
Chrysler is one that has potential but really needs work. Not counting the Italians in this one
1.Jeep is the only brand that seems to have their shit together. I would still like to see a diesel Wrangler and a pickup for the brand again. I would take the 4 door Wrangler platform and make it into a single cab pickup so you have a bed big enough to use. Maybe also offer it in crew cab if it sells well.
2.The Charger, the past 2 generations were attractive cars but this one is pretty ugly. Time to go back to the drawing board.
3.Chrysler has a problem with compacts. The Dart is heavy and they need a smaller compact as well. Also, maybe a compact SUV for Dodge and Chrysler. Mostly for Chrysler though since they currently only have 3 cars in their lineup.
4.Get back into the convertible game. Chrysler once had the top selling convertible with the Le baron and Sebring but they were passed over by the Mustang about 10 years ago. A convertible Challenger seems logical. For Chrysler a 300 convertible might be interesting. It's been a while since America has built a full size production convertible. Maybe it's a niche that could work well.
5.A new small truck. Maybe create a new Rampage with that little Fiat pickup or call it the 50 if it's sold under the Ram brand. I think I would merge the trucks back into the Dodge brand but I don't think it's that big of a deal right now.
Lincoln
Step # 1: Fire all the designers at Lincoln for creating such boring, uncreative, soulless and generic designs that make a Camry look like a styling icon.
Step # 2: Free the designers of past Lincolns ('60s, '70s and '80s) from their miserable existence in nursing homes and force them to teach the younger generation about real car design. Lincoln needs retro design or at least some visual design characteristics from the past to stand out.
Step # 3: Offer more engine options (necessary in today's market) and more RWD platforms (a homage to past Lincolns).
Step # 4: Bring back historic Lincoln names and dump that nonsense MKZ, MKX, MKS, MK-bla-bla crap. I'm thinking...
Versailles: an economy-style Lincoln that competes with the Audi A4, BMW 3er, MB C-Class, Lexus IS etc.
Premiere: an Audi A6, BMW 5er and MB E-Class rival.
Cosmopolitan: a fun little compact RWD sports car along the lines of the BMW Z4 or Mercedes SLK.
Capri: a BMW 6er or Mercedes SL rival.
Continental: what a great name that would make for an SUV! Scratch "Navigator" or "Aviator" - CONTINENTAL, baby!
Mark: grand touring luxury coupes that compete with the Bentley Continental GT and Mercedes-Benz CL-Class.
Town Car: the flagship Lincoln, now available with a V12!
Zephyr: ultra luxury flagship - perhaps an armored or extended version of the Town Car.
Ford - are you reading this? :praise:
(http://s27.postimg.org/6xeps2fz7/101010.jpg)
That was probably Lincoln's worst period, stylstically.
Quote from: 2o6 on May 03, 2014, 01:37:39 PM
That was probably Lincoln's worst period, stylstically.
The most beautiful Lincolns IMO existed during the '60s, '70s and in the early '80s.
1.) Put engineers in charge.
2.) Fire all the assholes.
2.) Equity buyback (i.e., go private).
3.) Lobby AGAINST government intrusion, not for it.
4.) Max five years for a model cycle.
Engineering would make boring looking vehicles. A lot of commecially successful design comes from a strong Industrial Design department.
Honda
1. GDI engines for everything.
2. Specialize Honda and Acura by purpose, not by price. Hondas are youthful and agile, Acuras are comfortable and solid. Not every brand needs to benchmark BMW.
3. Realize the CRZ's halo potential, turn it into a CRX/i8 lovechild. Electric boost paired with a screamer like the S2k's engine, wow.
4. Outsource the MMI to phones somehow. Ditch the shitty Honda firmware.
5. Kick in VTEC, yo.
Quote from: cawimmer430 on May 03, 2014, 01:22:40 PM
Lincoln
Step # 1: Fire all the designers at Lincoln for creating such boring, uncreative, soulless and generic designs that make a Camry look like a styling icon.
Step # 2: Free the designers of past Lincolns ('60s, '70s and '80s) from their miserable existence in nursing homes and force them to teach the younger generation about real car design. Lincoln needs retro design or at least some visual design characteristics from the past to stand out.
Step # 3: Offer more engine options (necessary in today's market) and more RWD platforms (a homage to past Lincolns).
Step # 4: Bring back historic Lincoln names and dump that nonsense MKZ, MKX, MKS, MK-bla-bla crap. I'm thinking...
Versailles: an economy-style Lincoln that competes with the Audi A4, BMW 3er, MB C-Class, Lexus IS etc.
Premiere: an Audi A6, BMW 5er and MB E-Class rival.
Cosmopolitan: a fun little compact RWD sports car along the lines of the BMW Z4 or Mercedes SLK.
Capri: a BMW 6er or Mercedes SL rival.
Continental: what a great name that would make for an SUV! Scratch "Navigator" or "Aviator" - CONTINENTAL, baby!
Mark: grand touring luxury coupes that compete with the Bentley Continental GT and Mercedes-Benz CL-Class.
Town Car: the flagship Lincoln, now available with a V12!
Zephyr: ultra luxury flagship - perhaps an armored or extended version of the Town Car.
Agree...plus, bring back the T-Bird as a personal luxury car.
Get more involved in proper racing in North America.
Reintroduce the GT as a true hyper car.
Bring back Mercury.
Quote from: 2o6 on May 03, 2014, 01:37:39 PM
That was probably Lincoln's worst period, stylstically.
What period was better?
Now my ideas for GM
1.I like what Cadillac has done but the ELR is stupid. You pretty much just get a nicer looking Volt for $75k. It has no different in power, range, and you can only get it in a 2 door. Has classic GM blunder written all over it. I figure a majority of these cars will rot on the dealer lots until GM throws some heavy incentives on them. I would also love to see a new CTS coupe in the works. Not sure what engine they have in the works for a future CTS V but I figure it's the new Z06 engine. Would also like to see a V car for the new flagship sedan.
2.Like I said with Ford I'd like to see some diesels. I would like to see the baby Duramax brought back for the half ton pick ups and SUVs. Some 4 cylinder and 6 cylinder diesels for the cars and crossovers.
3.Fix the SS. First of all I think the name is a bit dumb since SS is commonly known for being a trim line. The Chevelle name would be kinda cool but the purist will get their panties in a wad since it's a sedan. A new car needs a new motor so I would bring over the new 6.2 being currently being used in the Vette along with the 7 speed manual and 8 speed auto to help cut out the gas guzzler tax. Offer the 3.6 as a base engine. Offer a high performance version with a supercharger.
4.Turbo Buick. I always thought the Grand National was a cool car and would love to see a return of such a car with the new turbo 3.6 used in the CTS. Has to be rwd though.
5.Selling a ute in America again? With Holden pulling out of Australian production I wonder if GM will still build a ute for them. If it's done in North America why not offer it for this market as well? The Chevy brand already has too many cars so I think it would work best as a GMC.
Quote from: 2o6 on May 03, 2014, 01:46:26 PM
Engineering would make boring looking vehicles. A lot of commecially successful design comes from a strong Industrial Design department.
Agree.
Quote from: 2o6 on May 03, 2014, 01:46:26 PM
Engineering would make boring looking vehicles. A lot of commecially successful design comes from a strong Industrial Design department.
I stated "in charge."
I think a new Lincoln coupe would be cool but I have my doubts on a new Thunderbird. Most people would seem to rather opt for a Mustang
Quote from: GoCougs on May 03, 2014, 02:13:32 PM
I stated "in charge."
And a strong performing product still comes from a strong industrial design team, for better or worse. Both need to be a give and take....
I mean, look at Apple.
Quote from: 2o6 on May 03, 2014, 02:17:21 PM
And a strong performing product still comes from a strong industrial design team, for better or worse. Both need to be a give and take....
I mean, look at Apple.
I stated "in charge." Artsy/design types are awful at being in charge, no offense. Apple isn't a good example, having been bully-led by a clinical lunatic, who would be a druggie bum if but for a singularly unique set of circumstances.
Oookay....
Quote from: Mustangfan2003 on May 03, 2014, 02:16:40 PM
I think a new Lincoln coupe would be cool but I have my doubts on a new Thunderbird. Most people would seem to rather opt for a Mustang
Thunderbird should be seen as a BMW competitor. Lincoln tried that with the LS but half-heartedly.
Quote from: FoMoJo on May 03, 2014, 02:31:25 PM
Thunderbird should be seen as a BMW competitor. Lincoln tried that with the LS but half-heartedly.
I liked the LS that I drove a few years back. I think 3 things doomed it. The backseat was small, it had reliability issues, and it was never kept up to date. I think if I was running Lincoln I would make 3 rwd cars. A coupe, a midsize like the CTS and 5 series, and a rwd full size car.
Quote from: Mustangfan2003 on May 03, 2014, 02:38:26 PM
I liked the LS that I drove a few years back. I think 3 things doomed it. The backseat was small, it had reliability issues, and it was never kept up to date. I think if I was running Lincoln I would make 3 rwd cars. A coupe, a midsize like the CTS and 5 series, and a rwd full size car.
The LS was a good car. I had thought often of getting one. However, it was not a good time for Ford and they needed to concern themselves more about the viability of the company.
1) Increase executive compensation with golden parachute clause
2) Buy prime beachfront land in Caribbean for new "assembly plant" (preferably country with no extradition laws)
3) Hire army of lobbyists to eliminate competition via Congressional lawmaking
4) Make mediocre vehicles for higher prices and fill company coffers with profit.
5) Cash out stock options, abscond with prime beachfront "assembly plant" property upon retirement.
6) Live like a king.
Sounds reasonable, no?
Thought about Mitsubishi and only one thing came to mind. Hope that another company buys you out and things get better.
Lincoln... make all the sedans "coupey hatchbacks" and go back to names instead of letters. No need for a RWD flagship nobody will buy, they have to make money and sell cars. They could gamble on a Mustang based Mark IX coupe, but they shouldn't stake the brand on it
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on May 04, 2014, 11:53:37 AM
Lincoln... make all the sedans "coupey hatchbacks" and go back to names instead of letters. No need for a RWD flagship nobody will buy, they have to make money and sell cars. They could gamble on a Mustang based Mark IX coupe, but they shouldn't stake the brand on it
4 door coupes? That would be cool.
And no awkward retro styling.
A good FWD/AWD platform like Audi would be good. Make modern classy cars that have good performance but aren't completely focused on that. Basically what Acura should be doing as well.
Quote from: hotrodalex on May 04, 2014, 01:21:38 PM
4 door coupes? That would be cool.
And no awkward retro styling.
A good FWD/AWD platform like Audi would be good. Make modern classy cars that have good performance but aren't completely focused on that. Basically what Acura should be doing as well.
Ford has some decent FWD/AWD platforms already. I think the MKZ could have been executed a lot better. I'm still struck by its looks on the rare occasion I see one on the street.
Quote from: hotrodalex on May 04, 2014, 01:21:38 PM
4 door coupes? That would be cool.
And no awkward retro styling.
A good FWD/AWD platform like Audi would be good. Make modern classy cars that have good performance but aren't completely focused on that. Basically what Acura should be doing as well.
So, like Buick. (Sort of)
Buick's strategy works, but they are low on style.
I think Buick is headed in a good direction just need to work out some kinks. Some of their models look good, some look a bit frumpy.
I was skeptical about a "cooler" Buick a few years ago, but their newer stuff isn't bad
Quote from: 12,000 RPM on May 04, 2014, 07:10:22 PM
Buick's strategy works, but they are low on style.
I think they're just right for their target clientele. Both China and the US have similar tastes in regards to a luxury car....too flashy and people won't buy it. Too bland, and people won't touch it either.
Quote from: hotrodalex on May 04, 2014, 08:30:36 PM
I think Buick is headed in a good direction just need to work out some kinks. Some of their models look good, some look a bit frumpy.
I think the frumpier models are old anyways, and are due for a replacement.
Toyota:
1) Kill the Scion brand & all its models except the GT86
2) Kill the Tacoma start selling the HiLux
3) Either kill the Avalon or bring back the slushomatic suspension preferred by its target audience
4) Put illuminated signs on the pedals of all models ("Brake" - the one on the left. "Accelerator" - the one on the right)
5) Fix the web site & have a proper build your own option that is not just a rename of "search local inventory"
Some good points on Toyota. I think the Scion brand is a bit pointless. Other car companies have built cars targeted to a youth audience without having to build a new brand. The Tacoma is too big and it isn't much more cheaper or efficient than a Tundra. As big as the Camry has gotten you don't really need the Avalon anymore.
I'll pick Volkswagen.
1. Bring the Bluesport Roadster to production. Base model with 1.4L turbodiesel and a GTI version with a 2.0T.
2. Slot a car under the Jetta. A new Polo or Lupo should fill that gap nicely, or possibly rebadge a SEAT or Skoda for the US market. They're just handing the market to everyone else if you want a small premium car. Fiat and Mini have this all to themselves, with Ford trying to edge in. Sell it in hatch, coupe, and sedan versions.
3. More AWD across the model ranges. Jetta and Passat are two key cars that should get AWD as it becomes more common in the market.
4. Touareg and Tiguan can remain unchanged. There's nothing wrong with them the way they are.
5. Redesign and beef up the Eos. Base it on the Golf 7, with an entry 1.8T, then 2.0T, and an R version with AWD and the boosted Golf R engine--why not compete with the Mustang convertible? No reason fun in the sun can't be in a good car as well. The base model should drive better than it currently does.
6. Bring the Scirocco as a small number halo car. Possibly R only, to get people into the showrooms. If that creates enough buzz, bring in the full model line (though doubt it will).
7. Further differentiate the CC as a sporty alternative to the Passat. The Passat and Jetta are breadwinners and should stay that way, but the CC can be funky and different.
Why do people think the Fiesta is premium? It's not, inside or out, or even reflected in price.
Quote from: 2o6 on May 05, 2014, 10:01:33 AM
Why do people think the Fiesta is premium? It's not, inside or out, or even reflected in price.
I said "edge in" because they sell a performance version.
BMW of course.
Frankly, if I look at it as a CEO I believe they are doing a very good job, so I cannot give in simply to my enthusiast desires.....
1. Watch closely i3 sales and if they trend well, have a plan to rush an i5 mid-size electric sedan to market to beat Tesla to the punch in that segment.
2. Make sure the MSport or equivalent version of every car in the lineup is the best driving car in it's segment.
3. Bring in a smaller MINI below the current hatch (something along the lines of the Rocketman concept they did). Kill the Paceman and the Coupe after their product cycles are done. Keep the hatch, Countryman, Roadster, Convertible, Clubman (the new 4 door) and the Rocketman.
4. Bring a flagship 9 series to bridge the gap between the 7 and Rolls-Royce as a BMW halo car.
5. Do an ///M version of the i8 losing the hybrid bits and installing a 400hp 4-pot to get a sub-3000 pound super car. With unique styling.
6. Surprise the world and buy Ferrari (without Fiat of course).
7. Lose at least 300 pounds from the next-fen 7&5 series.
Mostly, I'd keep doing what they're doing. They are making boatloads of money.