"Ford Motor names Stephen Odell president, CEO of Volvo Car Corp.<br>Tuesday, September 02, 2008; Posted: 07:25 AM <p>from <A HREF="http://www.swedespeed.com/news/publish/Volvo_News/article_1316.html" TARGET="_blank">http://www.swedespeed.com/news....html</A><p>Ford Motor Co. Tuesday named Stephen Odell president and chief executive officer of its Volvo Car Corp. unit, effective Oct. 1. <br>Odell is currently Ford's chief operating officer. He succeeds Fredrik Arp, who is leaving the company"<p>did he jump or was he pushed.....<p>
Frederik Arp leaves volvo!!!!
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Volvo Press release<p>Was Frederik Arp only in charge for three years??<p>I know it was Hans Olsson before that. He fought well to ensure that volvo and Ford worked together up to a point in platform development. After that, volvo was free to design the top hat and further develop the platform to their own standards. He was good for volvo, ensuring volvo wasnt swamped.<p>Arp has been good but it would be nice to see someone with a long history at volvo now in charge - prevents dilution of volvo values.<p>Seems Ford is now committed to keeping volvo instead of selling off volvo and loosing R&D projects, ideas and skilled volvo personnel to a competitor or an investor who would develop volvo to the point of damaging Ford's markets. Again, officially, Volvo is working more "on a standalone basis".....retaining their freedom to develop products without too much interference from Ford??<p>This contradicts the autocar report of Ford being even more involved in Volvo<p>ford seems to be getting more involved in product planning and strategy. That's good as you need a more bold approach getting volvo into new markets and out of their "comfort zone" of wagons and saloons only. Those models are here to stay though.<p>volvo more standalone... Ford trying to keep volvo for now, let current ideas from volvo (R&D) stay in the Ford stable until launched but then by volvo working more "standalone" they seem to be allowing for the possibility for volvo to be sold more easily in the future.<p>such a move would be the end of Ford. already, they are loosing out to the apparantly more premium VW group. Volvo is the missile they need with a premium character to take on VW and Audi (and others of course like Acura, Lexus etc) with Ford keeping its lower end of the market image. Try as they might, Ford has for too long been a cheap car and cannot really compete with VW.<p>Use volvo and the V30 to challenge the VW Golf...good move.<p>hopefully this means more new models from volvo and more daring approach to new markets and models. Once the recharge is launched, hopefully we'll see some more sporty models<p><br>Official release<p>Sep 02, 2008 ID:16810 <br> <p>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br> <br>Stephen Odell appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Volvo Car Corporation<p> <p>Ford Motor Company today announced the appointment of Stephen Odell as president and chief executive officer of Volvo Car Corporation, replacing Fredrik Arp, who has decided to leave the company.<p> <p>Effective Oct. 1, Odell, 53, will be responsible for Volvo's global operations out of its headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden, and lead the company's drive toward sustained profitability through continued restructuring and the accelerated development of high-quality, fuel-efficient and safe vehicles in the premium end of the market. <p>Odell, who has played a key role in Ford of Europe's resurgence as its chief operating officer, will report to Lewis Booth, executive vice president of Ford Motor Company and chairman of Volvo Car Corporation, who will continue to oversee the strategic direction of Volvo. <p>"Stephen Odell brings to Volvo a wealth of experience of strong leadership in the automotive industry," said Alan Mulally, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company. "Given his strong track record at Ford, Jaguar and Mazda, the time is now right for Stephen to take up this new challenge at Volvo. I believe that Stephen is the right person - together with Lewis Booth and the Volvo Cars Management Team - to take Volvo forward and to return the business to sustainable profitability." <p>Booth thanked Fredrik Arp for his leadership of Volvo over the past three years, a period in which Volvo reduced costs and strengthened its product lineup despite a difficult business environment and challenges presented by adverse currency exchange rates and other external factors.<p><br>"Fredrik has steered the Volvo team through some difficult times since joining the company three years ago. His wide experience in business has been a strong asset in helping to develop and implement Volvo's plan to improve its business results." <p>"Fredrik has decided that now is the right time to hand over to a new president and CEO, Stephen Odell, who will lead the Volvo team through the next stage of its recovery." <p>Odell said he is excited to lead Volvo at an important time in the company's history.<p>"Volvo is one of the great iconic automotive brands," Odell said. "The very attributes that make Volvo distinctively Swedish - its heritage of safety, environmental concern and its Scandinavian design -- appeal to customers around the globe. Our strategy is to enhance the premium nature of Volvo by further strengthening these attributes. Volvo really is the auto brand for today's customers."<p> <p>"We have a restructuring plan in place that will help to deliver a more competitive business and that enables Volvo to continue to build upon its core strengths. Volvo will adopt a more stand-alone approach within Ford Motor Company, while still leveraging product development and purchasing synergies with other Ford operations." <p> <p>Before he was appointed chief operating officer of Ford of Europe in April 2008 responsible for product development, manufacturing, purchasing, and marketing, sales and service operations, Odell served as Ford of Europe's vice president of marketing, sales and service for nearly three years. <p> <p>Prior to that, he held several senior level positions at Mazda Motor Corporation from 2000 to 2005. From 1997 to 2000, Odell was vice president, marketing and sales, Jaguar North America. Stephen Odell joined Ford of Britain in 1980 as a graduate trainee. A native of London, he is married with two children.<p> <p>For more information Volvo Car Corporation, please contact: <p>SVP Volvo Car Corporation, Director Public Affairs Olle Axelson, + 46 31 59 26 00, [email protected]<p><br>or Maria Bohlin, Press spokesperson, Volvo Car Corporation + 46 31 59 65 25 [email protected]<p> <br>
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Re: (Shimon)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD><i>Quote, originally posted by <b>Shimon</b> »</i></TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">In a statement, Odell said, “Volvo will adopt a more stand-alone approach within Ford Motor Co., while still leveraging product development and purchasing synergies with other Ford operations.” </TD></TR></TABLE><p>So....that means they are not up for sale? <IMG NAME="icon" SRC="http://www.vwvortex.com/vwbb/tongue.gif" BORDER="0"><p><br>Yannis
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD><i>Quote, originally posted by <b>Shimon</b> »</i></TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">In a statement, Odell said, “Volvo will adopt a more stand-alone approach within Ford Motor Co., while still leveraging product development and purchasing synergies with other Ford operations.” </TD></TR></TABLE><p>So....that means they are not up for sale? <IMG NAME="icon" SRC="http://www.vwvortex.com/vwbb/tongue.gif" BORDER="0"><p><br>Yannis
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6,997 Posts
Re: (KeystoneVolvo)
Yeah right. We'll see.
Yeah right. We'll see.
Re: ([email protected])
"...Volvo will adopt a more stand-alone approach within Ford Motor Co..."<p>Lets say YOU are top boss at Ford and had put your blessing on all of the above statement.<p>If the sale of Volvo was no longer being considered why would you adopt such a "stand-alone" concept?<p>George Dill<p>
"...Volvo will adopt a more stand-alone approach within Ford Motor Co..."<p>Lets say YOU are top boss at Ford and had put your blessing on all of the above statement.<p>If the sale of Volvo was no longer being considered why would you adopt such a "stand-alone" concept?<p>George Dill<p>
Re: (gdill2)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD><i>Quote, originally posted by <b>gdill2</b> »</i></TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">"...Volvo will adopt a more stand-alone approach within Ford Motor Co..."<p>Lets say YOU are top boss at Ford and had put your blessing on all of the above statement.<p>If the sale of Volvo was no longer being considered why would you adopt such a "stand-alone" concept?<p>George Dill<p></TD></TR></TABLE><p>Simple. You want to sell a product that isn't percieved as a warmed over Ford.<br>
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD><i>Quote, originally posted by <b>gdill2</b> »</i></TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">"...Volvo will adopt a more stand-alone approach within Ford Motor Co..."<p>Lets say YOU are top boss at Ford and had put your blessing on all of the above statement.<p>If the sale of Volvo was no longer being considered why would you adopt such a "stand-alone" concept?<p>George Dill<p></TD></TR></TABLE><p>Simple. You want to sell a product that isn't percieved as a warmed over Ford.<br>
Re: (VolvoMax)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD><i>Quote, originally posted by <b>VolvoMax</b> »</i></TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"><p>Simple. You want to sell a product that isn't percieved as a warmed over Ford.<br></TD></TR></TABLE><p>Well put. Call me irrational, but if I start seeing too much Ford in Volvo, I'm withdrawing as a potential customer.<p>JK
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD><i>Quote, originally posted by <b>VolvoMax</b> »</i></TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"><p>Simple. You want to sell a product that isn't percieved as a warmed over Ford.<br></TD></TR></TABLE><p>Well put. Call me irrational, but if I start seeing too much Ford in Volvo, I'm withdrawing as a potential customer.<p>JK
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2,104 Posts
Re: Frederik Arp leaves volvo!!!! (JRL)
As I recall those were some of Jaguar's better years. The XK was introduced in '97, and the XJ a couple of years after that.<p>But these people (like Belec) are just place holders. The Glass House calls all the shots.
As I recall those were some of Jaguar's better years. The XK was introduced in '97, and the XJ a couple of years after that.<p>But these people (like Belec) are just place holders. The Glass House calls all the shots.
Re: (n64jok)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD><i>Quote, originally posted by <b>n64jok</b> »</i></TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"><p>Well put. Call me irrational, but if I start seeing too much Ford in Volvo, I'm withdrawing as a potential customer.<p>JK</TD></TR></TABLE><p>You and a lot of other people.<br>It is something to be concerned about.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD><i>Quote, originally posted by <b>n64jok</b> »</i></TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"><p>Well put. Call me irrational, but if I start seeing too much Ford in Volvo, I'm withdrawing as a potential customer.<p>JK</TD></TR></TABLE><p>You and a lot of other people.<br>It is something to be concerned about.
Re: Frederik Arp leaves volvo!!!! (Sausca)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD><i>Quote, originally posted by <b>Sausca</b> »</i></TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">As I recall those were some of Jaguar's better years. The XK was introduced in '97, and the XJ a couple of years after that.<p>But these people (like Belec) are just place holders. The Glass House calls all the shots.</TD></TR></TABLE><p>Yep.<br>I don't see this as a bad thing.<br>The problem w/ the Swedes is that they tend to be woefully conservative.<p>Ford of Europe is well run and has products people like and want.<br>Transferring a little of that expertise to Volvo would be a good thing.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD><i>Quote, originally posted by <b>Sausca</b> »</i></TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">As I recall those were some of Jaguar's better years. The XK was introduced in '97, and the XJ a couple of years after that.<p>But these people (like Belec) are just place holders. The Glass House calls all the shots.</TD></TR></TABLE><p>Yep.<br>I don't see this as a bad thing.<br>The problem w/ the Swedes is that they tend to be woefully conservative.<p>Ford of Europe is well run and has products people like and want.<br>Transferring a little of that expertise to Volvo would be a good thing.
"The problem w/ the Swedes is that they tend to be woefully conservative.<p>Ford of Europe is well run and has products people like and want.<br>Transferring a little of that expertise to Volvo would be a good thing."<p>I think that volvos conservatism when it comes to making new types of models hold them back to their detriment...I agree, volvo needs some pushing to get into new markets<p>sharing platform development with ford is also good so long as (and this now seems to be) ford them leaves volvo alone to engineer the car to volvo standards. I think they know that close association between ford and volvo isnt good for volvo's brand image<p>
Re: (n64jok)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD><i>Quote, originally posted by <b>n64jok</b> »</i></TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"><p>Well put. Call me irrational, but if I start seeing too much Ford in Volvo, I'm withdrawing as a potential customer.<p>JK</TD></TR></TABLE><br>oooo, I need to post pictures of all the multi-pin harness connectors and fuse modules in my and my wife's R's with the Ford logo emblazoned on them <IMG NAME="icon" SRC="http://www.vwvortex.com/vwbb/tongue.gif" BORDER="0"> <p>...the windshield washer pump also proudly displays a Ford parts tag.<p>...not that it's bad - my '03 XJR was the same way, and the bonus to it was many of the engine's elecrical components were interchangeable with those of a V8 Lincoln LS, whose parts were less expensive than the Jag-branded ones.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD><i>Quote, originally posted by <b>n64jok</b> »</i></TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"><p>Well put. Call me irrational, but if I start seeing too much Ford in Volvo, I'm withdrawing as a potential customer.<p>JK</TD></TR></TABLE><br>oooo, I need to post pictures of all the multi-pin harness connectors and fuse modules in my and my wife's R's with the Ford logo emblazoned on them <IMG NAME="icon" SRC="http://www.vwvortex.com/vwbb/tongue.gif" BORDER="0"> <p>...the windshield washer pump also proudly displays a Ford parts tag.<p>...not that it's bad - my '03 XJR was the same way, and the bonus to it was many of the engine's elecrical components were interchangeable with those of a V8 Lincoln LS, whose parts were less expensive than the Jag-branded ones.
new press release has some optimitic info...<p>check quote below from <p><A HREF="http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aDBakSaoWHd8&refer=home" TARGET="_blank">http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/...=home</A><p>"April Appointment <p>Ford, which has been shuffling management and operations to help foster closer cooperation among its regional units, promoted Odell to European operations chief in April. He had been vice president of marketing sales and service in the region for almost three years, and was previously head of marketing for Jaguar's North American operation."<p>volvo now has one of Fords marketing and sales guys heading up global operations...that is a good thing! volvo needs more aggressive and active marketing and advertising!<p>manufacturers use 1000s of suppliers but people get more 'excited' when they see a part with another manufacturer's name on.<p>what matters is, no matter who builds the parts, to what standard are they being made and are the defining qualities of the volvo brand being nutured and developed or hindered??<p>Ford recent and current big push for improved reliability and quality is now showing good results, beating toyota/lexus in the US and warranty costs falling etc. this quality drive is very good for volvo as they can "ride the wave" of advances at ford and share the same suppliers who are being requested to improve component quality. that is also a good thing for volvo<p>
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Re: (Shimon)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD><i>Quote, originally posted by <b>Shimon</b> »</i></TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">new press release has some optimitic info...<p>check quote below from <p><A HREF="http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aDBakSaoWHd8&refer=home" TARGET="_blank">http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/...=home</A><p>"April Appointment <p>Ford, which has been shuffling management and operations to help foster closer cooperation among its regional units, promoted Odell to European operations chief in April. He had been vice president of marketing sales and service in the region for almost three years, and was previously head of marketing for Jaguar's North American operation."<p><B><I> volvo now has one of Fords marketing and sales guys heading up global operations...that is a good thing! volvo needs more aggressive and active marketing and advertising!<p>manufacturers use 1000s of suppliers but people get more 'excited' when they see a part with another manufacturer's name on.<p>what matters is, no matter who builds the parts, to what standard are they being made and are the defining qualities of the volvo brand being neutured and developed or hindered??<p>Ford recent and current big push for improved reliability and quality is now showing good results, beating toyota/lexus in the US and warranty costs falling etc. this quality drive is very good for volvo as they can "ride the wave" of advances at ford and share the same suppliers who are being requested to improve component quality. that is also a good thing for volvo</B></I><p></TD></TR></TABLE> <p>I agree with what you're saying. I'm not a business man so I don't have all the answers, or maybe even any of them who am I to say. But I'd hope they are smart enough to be able to recognize what works and to keep doing it. I recently saw on Top Gear that the Ford Focus in the UK uses a Volvo engine and that has dramatically improved it's reliability. So there's evidence of what you're saying here. <p>The other thing I keep saying is that I see a lot of people say "if Ford gets too close to Volvo then I'm done with them", or words to that effect. And I know this sounds like blasphemy, but in the U.S. I really think that Ford needs to send the message that Volvo is part of the Ford family. Ford is a name people know and trust. I'm not talking about co-branding, but you say "A familiar face is now part of the family". Something like that. I don't know if any of you have noticed but there's a phrase being tossed around on places like Fox News and by people like Sean Hannity. That phrase is "Volvo driving elitist". You'd be surprised how many people actually buy into that kind of nonsense. My brother found out I bought a Volvo and he said "Those are for liberal, yuppie scum!". I just responded "well in my case it's just 'scum'". I'm not saying completely "Fordify" Volvo but you have to send the message that it's okay to buy one because we're part of the name you know and trust. <p>Another thing I think that has to be addressed is the brand's demographics. I don't know what it's like for you guys around the country, or world for that matter, but whenever I see someone pass me in a S60, S80, 850 or whatever, they all seem to have one very distinct character trait; they're OLD! I see a lot of people who I'm guessing are over the age of sixty driving Volvos. That's not a bad thing mind you. However those are people who will more than likely not be looking into buying a new car. Volvo needs to get young people excited about the brand. If you win over younger people and show them that this is a quality automobile then they'll more than likely buy another one. The brand has to get younger. And how do you do that? You need to have something that appeals to younger people. That's why you can't kill the sedans. Again, I think it's time Volvo introduces a new sports model. Something that gets your blood racing. And for goodness sakes show off the racing team. <BR><BR>
<i>Modified by CaptainHarlock at 7:58 PM 9-5-2008</i>
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD><i>Quote, originally posted by <b>Shimon</b> »</i></TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">new press release has some optimitic info...<p>check quote below from <p><A HREF="http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aDBakSaoWHd8&refer=home" TARGET="_blank">http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/...=home</A><p>"April Appointment <p>Ford, which has been shuffling management and operations to help foster closer cooperation among its regional units, promoted Odell to European operations chief in April. He had been vice president of marketing sales and service in the region for almost three years, and was previously head of marketing for Jaguar's North American operation."<p><B><I> volvo now has one of Fords marketing and sales guys heading up global operations...that is a good thing! volvo needs more aggressive and active marketing and advertising!<p>manufacturers use 1000s of suppliers but people get more 'excited' when they see a part with another manufacturer's name on.<p>what matters is, no matter who builds the parts, to what standard are they being made and are the defining qualities of the volvo brand being neutured and developed or hindered??<p>Ford recent and current big push for improved reliability and quality is now showing good results, beating toyota/lexus in the US and warranty costs falling etc. this quality drive is very good for volvo as they can "ride the wave" of advances at ford and share the same suppliers who are being requested to improve component quality. that is also a good thing for volvo</B></I><p></TD></TR></TABLE> <p>I agree with what you're saying. I'm not a business man so I don't have all the answers, or maybe even any of them who am I to say. But I'd hope they are smart enough to be able to recognize what works and to keep doing it. I recently saw on Top Gear that the Ford Focus in the UK uses a Volvo engine and that has dramatically improved it's reliability. So there's evidence of what you're saying here. <p>The other thing I keep saying is that I see a lot of people say "if Ford gets too close to Volvo then I'm done with them", or words to that effect. And I know this sounds like blasphemy, but in the U.S. I really think that Ford needs to send the message that Volvo is part of the Ford family. Ford is a name people know and trust. I'm not talking about co-branding, but you say "A familiar face is now part of the family". Something like that. I don't know if any of you have noticed but there's a phrase being tossed around on places like Fox News and by people like Sean Hannity. That phrase is "Volvo driving elitist". You'd be surprised how many people actually buy into that kind of nonsense. My brother found out I bought a Volvo and he said "Those are for liberal, yuppie scum!". I just responded "well in my case it's just 'scum'". I'm not saying completely "Fordify" Volvo but you have to send the message that it's okay to buy one because we're part of the name you know and trust. <p>Another thing I think that has to be addressed is the brand's demographics. I don't know what it's like for you guys around the country, or world for that matter, but whenever I see someone pass me in a S60, S80, 850 or whatever, they all seem to have one very distinct character trait; they're OLD! I see a lot of people who I'm guessing are over the age of sixty driving Volvos. That's not a bad thing mind you. However those are people who will more than likely not be looking into buying a new car. Volvo needs to get young people excited about the brand. If you win over younger people and show them that this is a quality automobile then they'll more than likely buy another one. The brand has to get younger. And how do you do that? You need to have something that appeals to younger people. That's why you can't kill the sedans. Again, I think it's time Volvo introduces a new sports model. Something that gets your blood racing. And for goodness sakes show off the racing team. <BR><BR>
<i>Modified by CaptainHarlock at 7:58 PM 9-5-2008</i>
Re: (CaptainHarlock)
Autocar criticizes Volvo cars of being just Fords labeled as Volvos...and that Volvos are sometimes worse than Fords...Ford has taken advantage of Volvo engineering spreading to all its core european cars(Focus,Mondeo),making Volvo premium price useless.That has passed through the dealeships too.In the past Volvo had indpendent dealers...now they are next to every Ford dealer....that scrutinizes Volvo...I hope mr Odell may hear our concerns...when all the press system say that Volvo are Fords with different design and a bit better build quality and nothing more,then Volvo simply can't compete with Audi or BMW.I have been told more and more often that Volvos are worse than VWs!Even though VW reliabilty records are falling as stocks recently!<br>Hopefully the new chairman will take care of those marketing problems as well as with Volvo's product strategy.When Focus best engine is the same as Volvo S40,then to people's eyes there is no difference!There shouldn't be a 100hp 1.6 Volvo S40 at the Volvo lineup and there is because Volvo is one of the most polluting manufacturers in the world!Volvo!That invented the catalyst and "takes care of the environment" by using bioethanol engines that led us(among with other reasons) to a food crisis!Make sure you bring more effective,less consuming and environmentally friendly engines.Ford has taken advantage of Volvo and remained like that just because Ford does not have the money to spend on research as the americans buy Toyotas rather than Fords!!!
Autocar criticizes Volvo cars of being just Fords labeled as Volvos...and that Volvos are sometimes worse than Fords...Ford has taken advantage of Volvo engineering spreading to all its core european cars(Focus,Mondeo),making Volvo premium price useless.That has passed through the dealeships too.In the past Volvo had indpendent dealers...now they are next to every Ford dealer....that scrutinizes Volvo...I hope mr Odell may hear our concerns...when all the press system say that Volvo are Fords with different design and a bit better build quality and nothing more,then Volvo simply can't compete with Audi or BMW.I have been told more and more often that Volvos are worse than VWs!Even though VW reliabilty records are falling as stocks recently!<br>Hopefully the new chairman will take care of those marketing problems as well as with Volvo's product strategy.When Focus best engine is the same as Volvo S40,then to people's eyes there is no difference!There shouldn't be a 100hp 1.6 Volvo S40 at the Volvo lineup and there is because Volvo is one of the most polluting manufacturers in the world!Volvo!That invented the catalyst and "takes care of the environment" by using bioethanol engines that led us(among with other reasons) to a food crisis!Make sure you bring more effective,less consuming and environmentally friendly engines.Ford has taken advantage of Volvo and remained like that just because Ford does not have the money to spend on research as the americans buy Toyotas rather than Fords!!!
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Re: (tolis)
A friend of mine actually just bought a new Toyota Corolla. I can't deny that it's a really nice car. <p>Tolis, you hit on something that I think is very pertinent. Ford doesn't spend money on research. I don't think any of the three American auto makers spent a whole lot on R&D when it really counted back in the 70'a and 80's. The Europeans and the Japanese kept up the R&D and the Big 3 sat back and said "No, no, people want BIG inefficient cars. Nobody is going to buy a Japanese car or a German car, they lost the war". They got complacent and now companies like GM and Ford are trying to buy the technology that they should have been developing for the last decade and a half. Now it seems as though history has repeated itself. American cars got bigger and more inefficient and the Japanese and Europeans are eating Detroit alive once more. <p>I really don't think Americans these days make a distinction between Japanese and American cars. That's just me talking but I really believe that they don't think that buying a Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda or Mitsubishi is buying a "foreign" car. Correct me if I'm wrong here guys but that's the vibe I get.
A friend of mine actually just bought a new Toyota Corolla. I can't deny that it's a really nice car. <p>Tolis, you hit on something that I think is very pertinent. Ford doesn't spend money on research. I don't think any of the three American auto makers spent a whole lot on R&D when it really counted back in the 70'a and 80's. The Europeans and the Japanese kept up the R&D and the Big 3 sat back and said "No, no, people want BIG inefficient cars. Nobody is going to buy a Japanese car or a German car, they lost the war". They got complacent and now companies like GM and Ford are trying to buy the technology that they should have been developing for the last decade and a half. Now it seems as though history has repeated itself. American cars got bigger and more inefficient and the Japanese and Europeans are eating Detroit alive once more. <p>I really don't think Americans these days make a distinction between Japanese and American cars. That's just me talking but I really believe that they don't think that buying a Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda or Mitsubishi is buying a "foreign" car. Correct me if I'm wrong here guys but that's the vibe I get.
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