Chevrolet Sells 1 Vehicle In Japan For Every 400 Toyotas In America

[NNN0LHI]

http://autos.aol.com/article/japan-bias

Why Don't We Sell More Cars In Japan?

Posted: Oct, 24 2009

<snip>In August, only 192 Fords and 63 Chevrolets and were sold in Japan, roughly the same number as a year earlier, according to the Japanese Association of Automobile Importers. And over the last decade, things have actually gotten worse: The figures were 359 for Ford and 793 for Chevrolet in August 1999.

In 2008, Chevrolet exported exactly one vehicle to Japan for every 400 Toyotas exported to the U.S. Throw in the Japanese firm’s production at its U.S. transplants, and the ratio is even more lopsided: Chevrolet sold one vehicle in Japan for every 1,300 Toyotas sold in the U.S.

Ford sold about 2,500 vehicles in Korea last year, compared to nearly 330,000 Hyundai and Kia vehicles imported to the U.S.

Variations in consumer tastes alone can’t possibly account for differences of that magnitude, even though Asian consumers tend to buy smaller cars than Americans do, critics of U.S. trade policy say. Nor do differences in U.S. and Asian quality levels, when there are any.

While Korea and Japan no longer directly restrict U.S. imports, they do put up barriers to them, said Chris Vitale, president of a Michigan-based group, FairImage.org, which promotes open trade in the auto industry.

"For all intents and purposes, the Japanese market is closed to everyone," Vitale said. "No one gets a foothold."

Vitale and other U.S. critics of Japan and Korea point to "barriers to entry" -- obstacles that may be more effective than tariffs and quotas. They include inspections, complicated distribution systems and taxation. Ironically, U.S. imports to Japan have declined even as more formal, direct barriers like quotas have come down. snip

The audit process was brutal, he recalls. Inspectors would check off every defect, even if it were well within generally accepted tolerance, Whitehouse said.

"They gun-sighted everything with magnifying glasses and flashlights to see if it had to be repaired," he said. Then Ford teams would correct them, often at great expense. The expense drove up the price of the cars for Japanese consumers.

[LeftyMom]

1. Does Chevrolet sell many cars suitable for driving in Japan?

People there dig small, efficient cars that they can drive easily in heavy traffic and park easily in crowded cities. Even their minivans and other comparatively large cars get sized up for the US market. The only Chevys I can think of that would work for that are the Aveo (which is really a Daewoo, and full of fail as only a Korean car can be) and the Cobalt.

It's really no shock that a company that's not that great at small cars can't sell well in a small car dominated market where companies that have long set the standard for good small cars have home field advantage.

[Bonobo]

3. No. They sell 4. Compared with hundreds from Euro automakers.

No shortage of audis in Japan, let me tell you.

[DainBramaged]

29. I wonder why, could you explain that to us???

[divideandconquer]

9. The turbo diesel version of the Dodge Ram, for example, has found a home on farms in Finland, for ex

FIAT will bring Dodge Ram and Jeep to the world.

[LeftyMom]

10. What on earth does that have to do with Japan?

[divideandconquer]

13. Just shows some are too "smart" to read the article the OP used

[LeftyMom]

16. You're not even talking about the right car company, for that matter.

[divideandconquer]

57. The bottom of the article mentions Dodge Rams popularity in Finland

I guess you still haven't read it.

[divideandconquer]

58. The bottom of the article mentions Dodge Rams popularity in Finland

I guess you still haven't read it.

[Bonobo]

2. Well for one thing...

U.S. claims that the Japanese government unfairly limits American auto and auto parts imports are based on phony statistics that purport to define America's "correct" share of Japan's market. But U.S. automakers offer only four right-hand steering wheel models in Japan, compared to more than 100 from European manufacturers who have managed to crack that supposedly closed market.

[mainer]

38. Our steering wheels are on the wrong side for Japan -- Duh!

Only four US models are appropriate for the Japanese market?

You'd think US automakers would consider what the Japanese WANT before whining that they won't buy our products.

[divideandconquer]

59. They put the steering wheel on the other side to keep foreign products out

Same reason the Brits did it was to keep German, French and American cars out.

[rollingrock]

64. Uh, no

they put the steering wheel on the other side because they drive on the left side of the road. duh.

[divideandconquer]

75. and why do they drive on the other side of the road compared to rest of the world?

[rollingrock]

82. You have a very self-centered view of the world

I have no idea where you get your moronic assumptions from, but the custom of keeping to the left side of the road dates back to the middle ages, and Europe has been around much longer than the US. The custom was given official sanction in 1300 AD, when Pope Boniface VIII invented the modern science of traffic control by declaring that pilgrims headed to Rome should keep left.

[divideandconquer]

84. That's why continental Europe all drives on the right side of the road

[rollingrock]

85. We aren't talking about continental Europe

you said the English drive on the left in order to keep out American and German cars, which is clearly dumb because that tradition goes back hundreds of years. it has nothing to do with keeping out foreign cars.

[wickerwoman]

83. It's medieval custom.

If you're coming up on a stranger in the road, you want to keep your sword/lance arm near them. Since most people are right handed, it's custom to approach on the left.

People walk and pass each other on the left side too, and stand to the left on escalators.

The idea that this comes as part of a conspiracy to exclude American automakers is totally hilarious.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

99. Because they always have

even during horse and cart days.

They even stand on the left side of the escalator to let people in a hurry walk by.

By the way, Britain, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and others drive on the left.

Maybe it's an island thing.

[mainer]

103. Even St. Thomas (US Virgin Islands!!) drives on the left

It's an American territory -- and they drive on the left, because of tradition. One can hardly blame an AMERICAN island for trying to keep out AMERICAN cars.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

104. Maybe it is an island thing, then

because while the British Virgin Islands are obviously British, the U.S. Virgin Islands were originally a Danish colony.

[Spider Jerusalem]

113. Denmark switched over to right-hand traffic fairly early.

In 1793. Probably following on to the French doing the same; prior to the French revolution left-hand traffic was the norm in France. And Napoleon imposed right-hand traffic as a standard wherever his armies went. (Also, the Danish West Indies were largely populated by Britons and their descendants, not Danes.)

[Bonobo]

4. Really? Explain this article then. Seems foreign autos are generally liked. Except US.

http://www.autonews.com/article/20091104/ANA05/911049987/1117

In Japan, foreign brands lead in satisfaction

TOKYO -- Foreign brands are losing market share in Japan, but as a group they still outclass the far larger local automakers when it comes to customers' satisfaction with the service they receive at dealerships.

Import brands on average scored a satisfaction rating of 609 on a 1,000-point scale, beating the domestics' average score of 598, according to J.D. Power and Associates' most recent Japan Customer Service Index Study for Japan.

Lexus led the list with 780 points, easily outpacing BMW's runner-up score of 645. It was the third straight year that Lexus ranked No. 1 in the survey, J.D. Power said.

Next, in order, were Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo.

[NNN0LHI]

6. Then I'm sure they wouldn't mind us putting their cars through a similar audit process to enter here

Thats sounds like a good jobs program to start here. Federal import car auditors. I wouldn't mind having one of those jobs.

Don

[upi402]

15. I could do that!

Where's my milking stool and sleeping bag, this may take a while Mr Toyota...

...as the worm turns.

[DainBramaged]

30. It appears you are talking to a japan apologist, don't waste your keystrokes

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

47. "Japan apologist"? Is that supposed to be an insult? Is Japan evil? -nt

[DainBramaged]

49. You can take it any way you choose. When Americans apologize for japan

and insult American products as inferior, I take that as an insult, especially when they insult my industry.


Have a fine day.

[Odin2005]

92. the Japan Apologists are definitely out.

Screw them! You guys make good cars! :hi:

[TexasProgresive]

5. I've owned Japanese and American made vehicles

6 Japanese vehicles never went to the dealer for warranty work except for one when we had very high temps 115F and the weather stripping fell off.

Every American made vehicle I have owned has had faults right off the lot. The last Chevrolet truck I bought tried to strand me before I made the first payment and again for the same problem in a month.

Maybe if GM, Ford and Chrysler would hire the Japanese inspectors to check out their cars and trucks and for that matter our electronics there would be less trouble.

When I was a boy, Made in Japan, meant junk. But the Japanese manufacturers got together forming an independent group to inspect,approve or reject items on the basis of quality. And so Japanese cameras and electronics and cars were no longer thought of as junk.

[upi402]

17. Sadly, you're right

But they need to be Fair. It's not just vehicles that get the fine tooth comb there, I can tell you that much for certain.

[divideandconquer]

22. When you have a monopoly at home you can buy market share abroad

Japan is a trade predator against America's middle class.

[TexasProgresive]

28. My point is that they put their products through a rigorous

process of inspection before export. We don't have anything like that here. We just throw it together and say take it or leave it. I imagine that our cars and trucks can't pass the inspection that a Toyota or Nissan must to come here.

[DainBramaged]

39. Hmmm I guess you never heard of the class-action settlements with Toyota

over engine failures due to poorly engineered EGR systems that caused MASSIVE sludge and gelling problems. Let me point you to an article.

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/01/toyota_sludge_settlement.html

Toyotas covered by the Louisiana settlement include the:

• Camry 4 cylinder from 1997-2001,
• Camry 6 cylinder from 1997-2002,
• Camry Solara 4 cylinder from 1999-2001,
• Camry Solara 6 cylinder 1999-2002,
• Sienna 6 cylinder from 1998-2002,
• Avalon 6 cylinder from 1997-2002,
• Celica 4 cylinder from 1997-1999,
• Highlander 6 cylinder from 2001-2002,
• Lexus ES 300 from 1997-2002 and
• Lexus RX 300 from 1999-2002.

In 2002 Toyota admitted receiving 3,400 complaints about sludged engines and the automaker extended its vehicle warranty to eight years along with unlimited mileage to owners of 1997-2002 Toyota and Lexus vehicles equipped with 3.0-liter V-6 or 2.2-liter four-cylinder engines.

At Toyota dealerships, however, consumers have encountered repeated denials from service managers insisting that sludging occurs primarily when owners fail to change their oil frequently enough.


And then there is the pending FOUR AND A QUARTER MILLION CAR RECALL BECAUSE OF DANGEROUS GAS PEDAL AND COMPUTER DESIGN,

Toyota to fix 'very dangerous' gas pedal defects

The recall, which covers 4.26 million cars and trucks, is aimed at reducing the vehicles' risk of sudden accelerations, which have led to 19 deaths since the 2002 model year.
Moving to correct what federal regulators have termed a "very dangerous problem," Toyota Motor Corp. said it would modify and replace gas pedals on 4.26 million cars and trucks to reduce the vehicles' risk of accelerating out of control.

Toyota said the measures were designed to prevent floor mats from jamming the accelerator pedal open. As an additional precaution, the Japanese automaker said most of its cars would be modified so that the brake overrides the accelerator if both pedals are pressed at the same time.

The action follows widespread reports of runaway Toyota and Lexus vehicles, including an Aug. 28 crash near San Diego that killed a California Highway Patrol officer and three family members. Sudden acceleration incidents involving Toyota-made cars and trucks have claimed 19 lives since the 2002 model year, The Times has reported, which federal officials say is more than all other manufacturers combined.

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-toyota-recall26-2009nov26,0,3295310.story

not to mention the massive recall of Tacoma trucks because of premature frame rustout.

Beginning in March 2008, Toyota notified owners of 1995 to 2000 Tacoma's
that the rust warranty on the frame would be extended from 3 years,
36,000 miles to 15 years, unlimited mileage. If the vehicle cannot be
repaired, Toyota will repurchase it for 1.5 times the Kelly Blue Book
price. The number of vehicles covered by the warranty extension is
813,000 but Toyota alleges:

"The majority of vehicles nationwide will not experience this
condition; it should occur only in a limited number of vehicles operated
in areas with significant snow accumulation combined with extensive road
salt usage and visiting owner's vehicles from these areas."

While the Customer Support Program announcing the warranty extension and
buyback program would only cover currently registered vehicles or
vehicles which could not be registered due to the severity of the rust,
it left unanswered what would happen to owners who scrapped their
vehicles earlier due to frame rust.

Toyota owners with rust problems are urged to file a complaint on the
Center for Auto Safety's website at
http://www.autosafety.org/fileacomplaint.php.




What were you saying about japanese quality???


Rigorous my wrinkled old UAW ass ..... I guess you don't read much down there....

[iris27]

78. Right, that's why the new Camry my boss just bought at the end of October has given

her nothing but trouble ever since. First they had done something wrong with the finish, and the first time it rained, she had streaks of clear coat run and then re-harden into ridges all over the car. Then something was wrong with the alternator and it kept randomly deciding not to start. She has owned the car less than 6 weeks and it's been in the dealer's shop more than it's been in her driveway, and she's been on the phone with them at work constantly. Certainly more headaches than her 10-year-old Chevy Cavalier was giving her...but her husband had just gotten a better-paying job, so she'd wanted something newer and nicer...

[blue_onyx]

79. You must not watch/read the news alot..

because Toyota is certainly having some huge quality issues.

[HughMoran]

42. Yep, can't even sell a power supply there - they make it impossible

Every company I've worked for tried and failed to sell into Japan - they are simply protectionist right down to the engineers who won't qualify your product on a spec. that THEIR product can't meet. It's ingrained into their culture and their is not much we can do - the Japanese government would have to forbid protectionism and they won't do it.

[DainBramaged]

31. Yup, love you them japanese cars down there in Texas

:eyes:

[HughMoran]

41. This is completely irrelevant to what the article is pointing out

Besides, I've had just the opposite - Toyota & Subaru were junk, so I only buy American products.

The article points out that the bias goes far beyond expected purchasing bias & I can verify this after trying to sell other products there.

[Deja Q]

62. But QC is overpriced.

:sarcasm:

Still, I've had problems with foreign cars too.

[demosincebirth]

7. Thats a good reason to buy Japanese...yeeeaah!

Let put more auto workers out of work!

[divideandconquer]

8. Hyundai just pulled out of Japanese car market because it's rigged

Hyundai pulls out of Japanese market
11/30/2009, 4:59 PMBY ANDREW GANZ

Hyundai might be a hot brand in North America, but its weak sales in Japan have forced the company to officially begin plans to withdraw from the nearby Asian market.
--------------------------------
Import brands have long struggled in Japan thanks to high taxes and a climate that generally favors buying domestic brands. Hyundai has sold just 15,095 cars since entering the market in Japan.
---------------------------------
http://www.leftlanenews.com/hyundai-pulls-out-of-japanese-market.html

[Imajika]

11. American cars sucked for a long time...

It is going to take many years to rebuild a decent reputation.

I gave up on American brands a long time ago once I discovered Honda's and Toyota's didn't need to be in the shop nearly as often. Additionally, American cars have not been very stylish for decades and for some reason they just feel cheap (in my opinion).

I hear the Fusion is a really good car and it does sound like at least Ford is turning things around.

I still prefer Honda's though, they really feel bulletproof and over 10 years of owning them I think I had to go to the shop once for repairs. It was a power window motor on one of my Accords. That's it - 1 time for repairs only.

The Chevy's and Ford's I had when I was younger were constantly in the shop and I finally just gave up.

[divideandconquer]

12. Japanese cars sucked for a far longer time than American cars

The Japanese made the worlds worst cars for a long time. Nowdays, the Japanese are using government intervention and a protectionist market to turn their domestic car industry into a trade predator that harms America's middle class.

[DainBramaged]

32. Excuse me do you live in America? Have you driven a Ford or GM product lately?

Of course you haven't, why just because they sucked when you were a kid means they just suck worse now, how could we have not known that japan is superior to America, silly us.

[Imajika]

107. Yes, I do..

..and even STILL, everyone I know that has bought an American car has regretted it. While my Honda's never go to the shop, their cars require fairly regular repairs.

As I said, I hear the Fusion is good. I don't think it is as stylish as its foreign competitors, but I hear it is good.

And I wasn't a kid that long ago. I owned several America cars until I stopped buying them 10 years ago. The foreign cars just held up better and are much more reliable.

People stopped purchasing American cars because they were not built as well, not as good looking as their foreign competitors, and have earned a poor reputation.

When American car makers start selling a good product for awhile, people will start buying them again.

[Sen. Walter Sobchak]

14. And the Japanese have sold the US a grand total of 22 commercial airliners

Edit: Found better photo of the YS-11,

There would be no point in international trade if nations were to trade identical goods on a 1:1 basis.

[divideandconquer]

18. Don't worry, most planes will soon be built in China like everything else

Only Americans and Brits seem to get drunk on the free market Kool-Aid. The rest of the world laughing sells us more like a crooked bartender setting up a mugger. Lenin was right about selling rope.

[yodoobo]

19. That's a scary thought

And even more scary because it has a good chance of coming true. :(

[Sen. Walter Sobchak]

20. Chinese made airliners have been flying in the US since 1993

American Airlines has five MD-80's built in China by way of TWA, Delta will be obtaining two Chinese made MD-90's in the coming months.

[divideandconquer]

21. Let's see the Japanese compete for long with a the yen at 80 vs the dollar

Toyota's Biggest Fear Isn't Recalls, It Is A Stronger Yen

<http://www.autospies.com/news/Toyota-s-Biggest-Fear-Isn-t-Recalls-It-Is-A-Stronger-Yen-50209/>

[Sen. Walter Sobchak]

24. We have been here before,

Toyota's problem is brand suicide, a declining value proposition and first and foremost Hyundai and KIA.

Currency issues hit everybody just about equally as it diminishes the repatriated profits for the imports and slams the domestics who rely heavily on foreign components.

[upi402]

25. just wait...

this will change. but it will be China who crushes us. we are teacheing them how to fish for their tomorrow, so long as they buy a few more fish today.

[Sen. Walter Sobchak]

26. We didn't just teach them to fish, we sold them an entire assembly line

McDonnell Douglas sold the Chinese an entire DC-9 family assembly line to build the MD-80 and MD-90, when Boeing ended the Chinese "trunkliner" program after the merger to keep the peace with their unions in the US the Chinese just went on their merry way and basically developed their own DC-9 derivative the ARJ-21 on the same assembly line. The ARJ-21-900 is going to be a tremendous pain in the ass to Embraer and Bombardier and will probably achieve major US orders.

[TexasObserver]

23. Because protectionism by other countries works.

[flvegan]

27. Okay wait...

Some GM guy even states that they have no production facilities there (in Japan). Okay. So the Japanese would rather (maybe) have cars bought there that are produced there...yes?

Sounds a lot like DU on any given night.

[Shagbark Hickory]

33. There aren't as many suckers in Japan maybe?

Gas guzzling vehicles that are designed to fail prematurely (notice I didn't say not well made) are probably as popular in Japan as a garlic milkshake.

[NNN0LHI]

34. And when the only jobs left for our kids are guarding pipe lines in Iraq we really won

Haven't we?

Yep, its turned into fuck your fellow citizens. Its the American way.

God Bless America.

Don

[Shagbark Hickory]

35. Don't blame me. I didn't design the POS domestic cars I used to own prior to my last 2 toyotas.

I'm just everyday Joe Consumer that needs to get around and can't afford the $300 average monthly repair bill.

The import brands we buy now are made mostly in the USA anyway.

[DainBramaged]

36. Blah blah blah..........

horseshit.....

[Odin2005]

93. Another Domestic-Basher stuck in 1980.

:puke:

[tabasco]

56. You screech about America

but the only thing you care about is yourself.

[divideandconquer]

60. defacto anti union "progressives" are liberals of convenience

[Shagbark Hickory]

65. Care to back that insult up with something other than emotion?

It's a simple fact, I've had bad experiences with American cars so I don't buy them anymore.

The same thing happened with Bank of America when once upon a time they fucked me over. I changed to another bank.

You're free to do business with whom you chose in this country. If a company is going to run itself into the ground by designing their products to frequently require expensive repairs and become obsolete then it is their choice to exactly that. You really ought to direct your insults to the companies that sowed the seeds from which this complaint blossomed.

[DainBramaged]

37. You know as much about American cars as I know about brain surgery....

which is ZERO

[Shagbark Hickory]

43. Everything I learned about American cars was from talking to mechanics at the shop on regular basis.

It seems you have taken offense but don't appear to want to say why.

[DainBramaged]

45. Being a nearly 30 year UAW member, I take offense to people like yourself

who get information from "talking to mechanics" I was a certified auto technician WAY before being certified was required, I was a crew chief and engine builder on TWO championship professional drag racing teams in the 70's, and I am STILL in the auto industry.

And I have NEVER and WILL NEVER own a japanese piece of shit.

Now read my reply # 39 above and get an education on the bullshit the japanese foster on us .

[Obamanaut]

74. Search 'general motors automobile recall'

GM Recalls Millions of Vehicles 1997-2003

<link>
http://www.usrecallnews.com/2009/04/nhtsa-5068.html



also


<link>
http://www.usrecallnews.com/index.php?s=General+Motors


Chevy Cobalt and Saturn Ion Recalls
November 1, 2009
CHEVROLET ( 09V419000 )
November 1, 2009
PONTIAC ( 09V419000 )
November 1, 2009
2009-2010 Pontiac Vibes Recalled in Certain States
October 11, 2009
CHEVROLET ( 09V309000 )
August 1, 2009

GMC ( 09V309000 )
August 1, 2009
CHEVROLET ( 09V310000 )
August 1, 2009
GMC ( 09V310000 )
August 1, 2009
2008 Saturn Vue Recalls
June 27, 2009
GM Recals 35-Thousand 08-09 Pontiac G8s
May 23, 2009
GM Recalls Thousands of 2009 Escalade, Tahoe and Yukon SUVs
May 8, 2009
CADILLAC ( 09V154000 )
May 8, 2009
GMC ( 09V154000 )
May 8, 2009
CHEVROLET ( 09V155000 )
May 8, 2009
2009 Chevrolet Traverse Recalls: Brake Safety Violation
May 8, 2009
GM Recalls Millions of Vehicles 1997-2003
April 12, 2009
GM Recalls 2009 Hummer H3Ts: Proble with Fuel Tank Support
March 14, 2009

[DainBramaged]

76. Why not post actual comparative numbers instead of bothering my wrinkled old ass

Do some real work for a change instead of just following me around. You are starting to look silly. oh wait, starting is subjective here.


http://www.usrecallnews.com/index.php?s=toyota+recalls



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Written by E. Sizemore · Filed Under Auto Recalls | Leave a Comment




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Written by NHTSA · Filed Under NHTSA Press Releases | Leave a Comment

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Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
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Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR


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Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
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Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
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May 3, 2008
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
TOYOTA / HIGHLANDER 2008
TOYOTA / HIGHLANDER HYBRID 2008
Manufacturer : TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION Mfr’s Report Date : APR 18, 2008
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V181000


And you left out the frames rusting on the MILLIONS of trucks and the engine sludge problems.. NO COMPARISON, NONE.

[DainBramaged]

77. Top Ten Auto Recalls of 2007

Ford Motor Company, 3.6 million vehicles recalled due to speed control deactivation switch developing a short circuit, resulting in engine compartment fire, even if the car is parked and the ignition is office. This problem resulted in 65 crashes and/or fires.

Ford Motor Company, 1.2 million vehicles recalled due to the camshaft position sensor problems, resulting in stalled engines. 14 crashes and/ or fires reported.

Volkswagen, 790,000 vehicles recalled due to a brake light switch malfunction.

Nissan, 653,910 vehicles recalled due to an issue with the program in the engine computer causing the engine to stop running without warning while the vehicle is being driven at low speeds.

Chrysler Corporation, 576,418 vehicles recalled for a problem with the ignition-park shift interlock system, letting the driver move out of park or the key to be removed without being in park, which could result in the vehicle rolling away.

Toyota, 533,124 vehicles recalled for a problem with the front suspension lower ball joints which could cause a loss of steering control.

Ford Motor Company, 446,460 vehicles recalled for a problem with the antilock braking module connector. There were 120 reports of crashes and/or fires.

Nissan North America, 372,250 vehicles recalled. Fuel leak that could result in a fire.

Volkswagen, 340,000 vehicles recalled due to noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108: Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment that can inhibit proper headlamp aim adjustment, reducing road visibility.

Chrysler Corporation, 328,424 vehicles recalled due to a problem with the integrated circuit in the instrument cluster that controls the interior lighting. Could overheat and result in a fire on the instrument panel. 78 crashes and/or fires were reported.

http://www.usrecallnews.com/2008/05/top-ten-auto-recalls-of-2007.html


I don't see ANY GM cars or trucks in that list, but I see Nissan and Toyota.....

[Obamanaut]

81. Well gee, I guess your 'recall news' link trumps mine. Use a search

of any auto maker as in 'widget automobile recall' and it will be easy.

http://www.usrecallnews.com/index.php?s=General+Motors

[DainBramaged]

101. Like I said previously, you are just anti-American, period

[DaveinJapan]

124. Interesting list, but I fail to see why you think it puts Japan in a bad light.

Looks to me like the vast majority of cars in question were made in America, and fully 50% of the problems were caused by American car companies.

So, what's your point exactly?

[Lydia Leftcoast]

105. I'm not blaming the union workers, but I am blaming auto company management

for their bottom-line obsession and hypocrisy.

Lee Iaccoca was ranting against Japanese cars at the same time he was importing the Dodge Colt from Mitsubishi.

You guys just make the cars they tell you to make. They're at fault for running the company into the ground, not you. So don't take this so personally.

[Shagbark Hickory]

44. Everything I learned about American cars was from talking to mechanics at the shop on regular basis.

It seems you have taken offense but don't appear to want to say why.

[Major Hogwash]

46. Hahahahahahaha!!!!!!!

OMG! I fell out of my chair and hit my head, now I'm dead.

That fucking line killed me!!

[DainBramaged]

48. I sorry u ded

[divideandconquer]

63. Hyundai just pulled out of Japan!

What does it take for people to recognize Japan is closed market?

[HughMoran]

40. The Japanese market is a closed protectionist market

I've worked at companies in other industries that have tried to sell into Japan and they are treated the exact same way - the US product can never be good enough for them even though you know that their product can't meet the impossible expectations of those who would "block" you from selling into Japan.

Oh, and those who are comparing quality of American versus Japanese cars are COMPLETELY missing the point! :eyes:

[NuttyFluffers]

50. this is true. it is a closed market. another good check is video games and clothes.

now, i know no one in their sane mind is going to tell me or anyone that the Europeans (French and Italians) do not know how to make good brand name clothes. and yet these brand name clothes are 3, 4, 5 times the price they are in the USA or Western Europe. why? to develop Japanese ateliers, and save their industrial base for things like YYT zippers and other clothing components. it's straight up protectionism for their markets.

wanna talk about alcohols? rice? outside of some specialty Japanese whiskeys, most of their other wines and spirits can be easily blown out of the water by our distillers here. we can even stand toe to toe with most of their sake. where do you think some of the world's best quality rice comes from? where do you think most of Japan's expensive produce comes from?

if people were really reading this article they'd definitely figure out this has nothing to do with cars and their quality. it has everything to do with national protectionism.

[HughMoran]

68. "it has everything to do with national protectionism. "

Exactly.

It's also been a valuable lesson on why protectionism is bad as Japan set the record (or should have) for having the longest modern-day recession of the industrialized nations. This many not be true to the letter, but it says a lot about a country that has so many successful products.

[NNN0LHI]

70. Look what their unemployment rate looks like during this worldwide recession though

http://www.tradingeconomics.com/Economics/Unemployment-rate.aspx?symbol=JPY

Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
2009 4.10 4.40 4.80 5.00 5.20 5.40 5.70 5.50 5.30 5.10
2008 3.80 3.90 3.80 4.00 4.00 4.10 4.00 4.10 4.00 3.80 4.00 4.30
2007 4.00 4.00 4.00 3.90 3.80 3.70 3.60 3.80 4.00 4.00 3.80 3.70
2006 4.40 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.30 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.00 4.00 4.00

[HughMoran]

72. Yep, full employment at our expense

Those numbers onto themselves don't speak to their unethical trade practices & the stupidity of the United States in not doing anything about it "so long as we have cheap electronic gadgets". They also don't address the 15-20 year recession they had previously.

[NNN0LHI]

51. They don't want to address the real point of the unfair trade practices in the OP

They want us to believe that even though the Japanese people tend to love American movies, American music and just about anything else American, but on the issue of cars they wouldn't like to own a new Dodge Hemi Challenger, Ford Mustang GT or Chevy Camaro SS. No they wouldn't sell well there if their market was opened up. And I got a bridge to sell too. Most of us realize that these folks are spewing bullshit. They think we are all stupid.

Don

[DainBramaged]

52. Toyota and Honda haven't offered ANYTHING exciting

since the 90's, because they have used MARKETING to brainwash their customers that their cars are REALLY REALLY good on gas and reliable. Their gas mileage sucks, their reliability sucks, yet they are defended on DU as if they are gods. My lady friend owns a '97 Camry V6. She gets BARELY 20MPG combined and I keep it properly maintained along with a K&N filter and synthetic oil. Now the steering rack has sprung a leak. 121,000 miles. JUST put the THIRD set of brakes and second set of front rotors on it, and the control arm bushings at the rear are worn out and the control arm bangs when the suspension goes vertical over potholes. 121,000 miles. The LCD in the radio is about to go out, the hubcaps fell off long ago.


What great reliability. Hope the motor doesn't get all sludged up.

[NNN0LHI]

54. They won't get it until ...

... they find themselves competing with someone who's last job was working knee deep in water in some god damned rice paddy. When they realize that to compete they will be reqired to show up at work before their shift starts on their own time to do calisthenics to get limbered up for the days activities. Then it will hit them. Some people learn easy. Some it takes a real awakening before they see the light.

http://vitalspark.wordpress.com/2008/12/19/morning-calisthenics-in-japan/

Don

[PJPhreak]

98. Lets take at look at your post above....

1.My lady friend owns a '97 Camry V6. She gets BARELY 20MPG combined and I keep it properly maintained along with a K&N filter and synthetic oil.

Sounds like a leadfoot.

and this...

2.Now the steering rack has sprung a leak. 121,000 miles.

Combined with this...

3.JUST put the THIRD set of brakes and second set of front rotors on it, and the control arm bushings at the rear are worn out and the control arm bangs when the suspension goes vertical over potholes.


Third set of brakes? sounds like this kinda goes with No 1...Heavy Acceleration/Lot of High Speed Driving equals Low gas mileage....Also necessitates a heavy Braking foot (Three sets in 121 Thousand?)

The control arms going Vertical over potholes? Thems some big frickin Potholes!

I would ask and see if your Ladyfriend was this hard on her previous Autos.....Somethong tells me she has always had issues keeping a car running

[DainBramaged]

102. Do you live in NJ?

Analyze this.....

[PJPhreak]

111. No,I grew up in NY...

Sorry if I offended you,that was Not my intention.

I asked those questions with the frame of thought that I would use if you brought the car to my shop for repair...In other words it sounds more like a "Driving Style" issue than a "That car is Junk" issue.

My thought was that it sounds like your Ladyfriend may need a "Beefier" set of wheels than a Camery.

My Ladyfriend drove VW Bugs as a habit when I met her,Good Car if you like to tinker constantly,but for the wannabe Dale Earnhardt that she is they were constantly breaking on her...She has a driving style that more befits a '67 Chevy 3/4 ton with a L-78 and a Granny 4-Speed as opposed to the Panache it takes not to Grenade a 1641 D.P. VW engine in the first 1500 miles

Again my Apologies...the net is not always the best way to get ones point across.

[olegramps]

53. Our company's experience was the same. Impossible hurdles.

It takes years to get a product approved and it has been shown that they back engineered the very products that they stonewalled with slight modifications and brought them to market. The product has to go through an extensive safety inspection that can take two or three years. Then application for licensing can take another year, add on taxes, import fees and forget it. Setting up a manufacturing facility in Japan is a virtual impossibility. In the United States we don't only welcome them, we provide them with million dollar incentives that we deny our own companies.

I listened to President Obama yesterday about job creation. Firstly, what I would like to remind him is that the jobs haven't disappeared they were just outsourced at the expense of the American worker. The sewing machines, textiles, etc. are still being made and acquired. Its just that we don't make them anymore because the greedy politicans in Washington appeased their corporate handlers and did nothing to restrict this massive rip off. If you want fair trade then the answer is tariffs. Unfortunately, far too many Americans have been brain washed and have swallowed the corporate propaganda that they are harmful. The only harm they do is to restrict management from out-sourcing your job to maximize their profits.

[HughMoran]

71. "Impossible Hurdles" - anybody scanning this thread, please read the post above!

I have had nearly identical frustration in trying to do business with these protectionist ass holes.

We really are a nation of fools - Japan (& China too) are stealing our designs, destroying our labor market and we don't do ANYTHING about it. :mad:

[Midwestern Democrat]

67. Hell, they even restricted the import of US beef at one point - claiming

that somehow it was not digestable for smaller Japanese intestines. These guys are absolutely shameless and for some reason we've been letting them do this to us - with no retaliation - for the last 30+ years.

[HughMoran]

69. It's absolutely infuriating to those of us who've tried to do business with them

I know my experience was bad and check out olegramps post above - it perfectly describes the absolute bullshit they they put American companies through, only to find out that they "wanted all the prints, BOM etc" so they could steal your design!!.

I have no idea why we do business with them. China is no better and not only do they steal our designs, but they manipulate their currency, have no regard for patent laws & suppress their own people to boot! This is what we call a "most favored nation" for trading? We're fools.

[DainBramaged]

73. It's money that they loves, and it all goes back to career politicians

who do NOTHING for their constituents except allow jobs and technology to be outsourced to the lowest bidder.....

[Spider Jerusalem]

55. American automakers might sell more cars in Japan...

if they focused on exporting cars built for the European market by Ford and GM Europe. Japan is a relatively small, densely populated and highly urbanised island nation. The average American car is overly large, wasteful of fuel, and impractical in that environment. I live in Britain (another relatively small, densely populated and highly urbanised island nation) and American cars are not common here; one sees them occasionally, but GM and Ford Europe do considerably better with models that aren't sold in the US market (Vauxhall Corsa and Vectra, Ford Ka and Mondeo).

[treestar]

61. What of the population sizes?

The relative sizes of the populations and the percentages would be more relevant.

Problem 2: We can buy whatever cars we want. If we like Japanese cars or Japanese anything, we are free to buy it.

[Spider Jerusalem]

80. Japan has 131 million people.

Relative size of the population: approximately 42% that of the United States.

[divideandconquer]

88. China, Korea and Sweden changed to help their exports

[Obamanaut]

66. There have been some recalls of US made vehicles

I would imagine a search of other in the 'big three' would show some recalls there as well.


GM Recalls Millions of Vehicles 1997-2003

<link>
http://www.usrecallnews.com/2009/04/nhtsa-5068.html






<link>
http://www.usrecallnews.com/index.php?s=General+Motors


Chevy Cobalt and Saturn Ion Recalls
November 1, 2009
CHEVROLET ( 09V419000 )
November 1, 2009
PONTIAC ( 09V419000 )
November 1, 2009
2009-2010 Pontiac Vibes Recalled in Certain States
October 11, 2009
CHEVROLET ( 09V309000 )
August 1, 2009

GMC ( 09V309000 )
August 1, 2009
CHEVROLET ( 09V310000 )
August 1, 2009
GMC ( 09V310000 )
August 1, 2009
2008 Saturn Vue Recalls
June 27, 2009
GM Recals 35-Thousand 08-09 Pontiac G8s
May 23, 2009
GM Recalls Thousands of 2009 Escalade, Tahoe and Yukon SUVs
May 8, 2009
CADILLAC ( 09V154000 )
May 8, 2009
GMC ( 09V154000 )
May 8, 2009
CHEVROLET ( 09V155000 )
May 8, 2009
2009 Chevrolet Traverse Recalls: Brake Safety Violation
May 8, 2009
GM Recalls Millions of Vehicles 1997-2003
April 12, 2009
GM Recalls 2009 Hummer H3Ts: Proble with Fuel Tank Support
March 14, 2009

[Better Believe It]

86. What models do they make that are right-hand drive cars made for left-hand traffic in Japan?

Camaro just announced they won't make a right-hand drive version for sale in England, Japan, India and other left-hand traffic nations because it costs too much.

[Better Believe It]

87. So how many here would buy a "foreign" made car with the steering wheel on the right-side?

[Lydia Leftcoast]

100. All this nonsense about "Japan apologists"

This whining about closed Japanese markets gets old and is used as an excuse for U.S. manufacturers who don't do their market research.

Back in the 1980s, American businesses were complaining about requirements that all products sold in Japan bear Japanese-language labels. Imagine that! Labeling merchandise in the language of the country you're trying to sell it in!

During the late 1970s, shortly after I returned from Japan, Pillsbury flopped trying to sell cake mixes in Japan. They complained about "closed markets" and "protectionism," but the truth was that they hadn't bothered to learn anything about the Japanese way of life, most notably the fact that the Japanese think of cake as something you buy by the slice in a bakery and the fact that most Japanese houses don't have ovens.

When my grandmother sent me cookies for Christmas, my fellow students in Japan were awed that my grandmother knew how to make decorated cookies. I didn't have the heart to tell them that I had been making cookies since the age of eight.

Right, cake mixes are a sure seller in such a culture.

You might as well try to make a killing in America selling the big tied-together chopsticks that Japanese use for cooking.

A full-sized American car is simply impractical in Japan. In fact, they have some cars that are really tiny by our standards, so tiny that you expect to see the driver's feet running on the pavement Fred Flintstone style. Also, gas is about $5.00 a gallon. Even the average city truck is smaller. Add to this the fact that in many parts of Japan you don't really NEED a car because the public transit is superb.

I'm not a Japan apologist. I'm simply someone who has lived there and visited for periods of up to months twelve times since then. I actually know something about the country, as does Bonobo, who has also lived there.

America does NOT do everything better and does NOT have an inalienable right to sell anything it wants anywhere it wants.

In fact, if we were smart, we'd protect our own industries a bit more.

[Bonobo]

108. Righteous rant, Lydia.

Thanks.

[olegramps]

120. You may have lived there, but have you ever tried to introduce a product?

You fail to actually address any issue regarding safety inspection, licensing and back engineering of products that essentially close the market to foreign goods. This is not restricted to the United States, but includes European manufactures who I have conferred with who have had the same difficulties.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

131. There are plenty of American products available in Japan

Breakfast cereals are almost all American, for example.

Fast food has been successful because the companies researched Japanese tastes. KFC found out that Japanese people tend not to like mashed potatoes, so their chicken dinners contain French fries. McDonald's sometimes serves melon-flavored shakes. Pizza Hut serves corn pizza.

Coca Cola products are by far the most common soft drinks.

American movies dominate theater screens, and American pop music appears to have about a 50/50 share with Japanese pop music.

Bookshops are full of American best sellers translated into Japanese, so Japanese bookshops have far more American books than American bookstores have of all foreign books COMBINED.

You know, I wonder how much American manufacturers even tried to sell their products in Japan in the early days. My impression is that by the time Japan was on the radar of American business, it already had strong domestic contenders in every major product area.

But really, what exportable products does America manufacture anymore but food products and entertainment? Japan is not to blame for American companies outsourcing production to China.

[itsrobert]

89. GM has a 15 percent market share in the U.K.

For those who say GM doesn't make right hand drive cars.

http://www.gm.com/europe/gm-europe/uk/

The simple reason that GM doesn't sell a lot in Japan is the Japan market is rigged.

[Spider Jerusalem]

90. GM makes right-hand drive cars that are built at plants in the UK.

The ones that are sold here are mostly under the Vauxhall name (and some Chevrolets that aren't really Chevrolets but rebadged Hyundais, or something).

Added on edit: and the GM cars you see here in the UK, in addition to being right-hand drive, are smaller, more fuel-efficient and city-friendly than the typical American GM product.

[ddeclue]

109. They still wouldn't buy these UK GM's in Korea or Japan because it is unpatriotic

i.e. "unKorean" to do so.

Been there and seen it.

[Spider Jerusalem]

119. They wouldn't buy them because they aren't exported there, for a start

the larger point, that you seem to be wilfully missing, is that GM has 15% market share in the UK with vehicles suited to the UK market. What sort of vehicles are GM, Ford and Chrysler TRYING to export to Japan? Are they suited to the local market? Or are they the sort of oversized gas-guzzlers that sell well in America and nowhere else?

[ddeclue]

127. You are willfully ignoring MY point, someone who has worked in the industry and been there.

Ford actually has the number one selling vehicle in the world including "fuel economy" conscious Europe and it is NOT an issue of competitive fuel efficient vehicles but rather a matter of nationalistic prejudice in Asian countries. And England has plenty of gas guzzlers (land rovers and Jaguar come to mind) You are the one who is being willfully ignorant of the facts and basing your opinion of American made vehicles based on 30 year old prejudice rather than present day reality.

[Spider Jerusalem]

129. Britain. Not England.

England is not Britain. (I live in Britain; I don't live in England. That's kind of like assuming that California = America.)

Also, Land Rovers and Jaguars? Not common. Not rare, but hardly common. Most people drive something considerably smaller and more fuel efficient. Petrol is about $6.50 a gallon at present exchange rates, and diesel is slightly more than that; also, if you own a car here you have to pay what's known as road tax. For cars made before 2001, that's based on engine displacement; for cars made after 2001, it's based on carbon dioxide emissions. In neither case is buying a large and inefficient car cheap.

Also, I happen to BE American. I'm basing my opinion of American-made vehicles on first-hand experience and three decades of first-hand observation.

[Odin2005]

91. Goes to show that the Free-Traders are HYPOCRITES!

It's OK for China and Japan to have gawd-awful trade restrictions but when we do it it's the end of the world.

FUCK THEM!

[Better Believe It]

94. Do you have a car with a steering wheel on the right-side and if not, why not?

I don't support NAFTA and I'm not swallowing corporate propaganda about "forners" not buying American made cars because of trade restrictions.

1. "American made" cars sold in other nations are not made in the United States. The "Big Three" have spent and are still spending billions of dollars to build new plants in Latin America, Europe and Asia.

2. "American made" cars sold in other nations such as Japan that are made in the United States are far more expensive than those sold in the United States.

3. "American made" cars contain many parts made in cheap labor nations. They are merely assembled here.

4. Many "American made" cars sold in the United States are actually assembled in Mexico!

I've run out of time but I could have made another dozen or so more points regarding the myth of "American made" cars and terrible unfair trade practices by Japan, India, etc.,

[blue_onyx]

95. "Many "American made" cars sold in the United States are actually assembled in Mexico! "

Which ones?

[Better Believe It]

96. The Ford Fusion is assembled in Mexico

But, you did know that some of the "Big 3" cars sold here are actually assembled in Mexico .... right?

I will try to find more recent numbers but have to get to sleep now!

The percent shares of new-vehicle registrations in the United States for Big 3, transplants and imports in model year 1994, just before the AALA and in model year 1998, were:

Big 3

1994 1998

Assembled in U.S./Canada 71.0% 67.0%

Assembled in Mexico 1.8% 2.8%


http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/regrev/evaluate/809208.html

---------------------------------------------

December 12, 2008
CNN

"Looking at a Ford Fusion? It is assembled in Mexico. The Chrysler 300C is assembled in Canada, but its transmission is from Indiana; the brand's V-8 engine is made in Mexico. Engines in the Chevrolet Equinox sport utility vehicle are from China."

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/12/12/american.cars/index.html

[blue_onyx]

106. Yes, I am aware that the US automakers make vehicles in Mexico

I was asking to see if you knew because so many on DU are so uninformed and make false statements about the US automakers.


GM
Chevy Avalanche
Chevy Aveo
Chevy HHR
Cadillac Escalade EXT
Cadillac SRX

Out of GM's 33 models, 5 are made in Mexico (15.2%)


Ford
Fusion
Mercury Milan
Lincoln MKZ

Out of Ford's 24 models, 3 are made in Mexico (12.5%).


Chrysler
Dodge Journey
PT Cruiser

Out of Chrysler's 24 models, 2 are made in Mexico (8.3%)


I would disagree with your statement that "many" US vehicles are made in Mexico.

[DainBramaged]

110. We're dealing with deniers here, people who lack facts or even the ability

to use Google.


A waste of keystrokes.

[ddeclue]

97. Real reason is nationalism... Japanese consider it unpatriotic

as do Koreans to buy a car not made in their country.

Further compounding in Japan's case is that they drive on the wrong side of the road and have to have cars with the steering wheel on the wrong side as they have in the United Kingdom. American car mfg's have not really gotten into that market because it is such a small share of the market.

It's not that they don't like American styles, in fact in Korea they have a Jeep knock off called the Korando that is very popular there but you'll not see them driving the American version - because it's "unKorean" to do so.

http://www.jeepfan.com/readersjeeps/korando.htm

American cars are every bit as good and even better than Japanese and Korean cars in the same price range - including fuel efficiency. This thread just seems like another American car bashing thread to me.

P.S.: I've put in automotive wind tunnels for Hyundai in Korea and Ford in Dearborn and I spent 3 months in Korea back in 1998.

[Kablooie]

112. Umm ... no. You are wrong there. Have you lived in Japan? I have.

As was said before, American companies don't make models that are appropriate for Japan.
The steeringwheels are on the wrong side and many American cars can't maneuver in the narrow, convoluted streets in Japan.
Japanese cars often even have electric folding side mirrors because they have to park in such tight spaces.
American cars just don't fit in Japan so of course Japanese don't buy them.

And as for American cars being as good... nope ... you are just plain wrong there if you are judging cars by quality of construction.

[LaPera]

114. Why in the fuck would anyone want to buy a Chevy in Japan?

Especially since they have a Camry instead!!

[DainBramaged]

115. Why in the fuck would anyone want to buy a Toyota in America

Especially since they can have a Malibu instead?


:eyes:

[Kablooie]

117. Why did they stop making the Gremlin? Wonderful car!

[DainBramaged]

122. Being anti-union and anti-American car, why shouldn't you be on my ignore list?

[Kablooie]

126. I'm union myself and I am grateful for it. I wish American industry could get it's act together

But if they fall down on the job and someone else picks it up, even if they aren't on my team, I will acknowledge the fact.
If you don't do that, the problems have no chance of being addressed.

[Bill219]

125. My next door neighboor bought a Malibu last year...

ran great until one day they were sitting at a traffic light and he smelled smoke and saw smoke coming out of the air vents. Seems the electrical system caught on fire some how.

Only problem he ever had with the car

[DainBramaged]

116. "And as for American cars being as good... nope"

I beg to differ, but this is DU, japan is god here, why should I even disagree.......



:eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes: :eyes:

[Kablooie]

118. Of course, you shouldn't.

[ddeclue]

128. No I've lived in Korea as I said and I am actually RIGHT.

American mfg's in Europe make perfectly acceptable cars, they simply won't be bought by a nationalistic audience in Japan or Korea that refuse to but anything but their own domestic products.

[rucky]

121. Bottom line: How many American jobs does each company provide?

???

[Lydia Leftcoast]

132. The Japanese car manufacturers actually have a lot of plants in the US

although I don't know how that compares to the Detroit companies.

[tabasco]

123. 90% of the vehicles I saw in West Africa were Toyotas

Not due to trade laws.

They were the only vehicles that could survive.

[951-Riverside]

130. OMG! This is terrible! Sales of Chevy Suburbans are none existent in London

...This spells DOOM! for the car making industry. :sarcasm: