Are we all talked out already? There's more virus posting on this group than substantive issues of Chrysler automotives. There's only a couple of important issues anyways. And that doesn't include how to fix your beat up jalopy. If you want somebody to diagnose your car troubles by remote control, you need to call a radio talk show on Sunday morning. Like Car Talk is a good one. Those guys, Ray and Tom Magliozzi, are great airwave mechanics. No, the important issues transcend the individual and his car problems. They are the issues of great import. The ones that directly affect our industrial prowness and ability to compete on the international stage. The very future of this Country depends on whether or not correct decisions are made by the big three: Generous Motors (they did give away a lot of cars on Oprah), FORD, and D-M. And just what are the issues? Its not who can make the most clever cup holders. Its not the Corinthian leather upholstery. And its not even price! The issue is what kind of elegant design can American manufacturers come up with which will transcend all other criteria by which the public chooses their auto purchases. We can no longer design for price. Chinese workers earn 69 cents an hour. Its only a matter of time before the first Chinese car is shipped. They will kill us on price. And those cheap Chinese cars will be copies of a good Japanese car, right down to their excellent cup holders and leather. We have to design to appeal to those who are willing to pay more for U.S. marques. To appeal to those who view quality as design for reliability, durability and function rather than the trivial cosmetics which adorn cars today. An example is in order: How about an atomic powered clock which provides time accurate to 50 milliseconds anywhere in the contiguous 48 states? Another example: How about a built-in oil drip pan which catches leaks before they can spot your garage floor? Another: How about a swiveling driver's seat so you can face backward when necessary to address corrections to back seat drivers? Another: How about a windshield that pops out well before impact to prevent head injuries? Another: How about extra wheels all around so if a tire blows, you can keep driving until another blows out? These are just a few good ideas.
