allroadguy

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While you couldn't find a more patriotic person than me - I can't bring myself to buy American made cars. The one exception would be a truck. (It's about the only thing the U.S. auto industry has down to a science.) My bias began at an early age. My first car was an Audi Fox, then a VW Cabriolet, then a Saab 900S, 2 Volvo's (940 & 850), another Saab (9000), an Audi A6 and now own an allroad, a BMW 5 and Golf TDI.

I gave up on Saab when GM took over 50% of the company (now owns 100%). I betrayed Volvo when Ford took them over and now I fear I may be running out of car choices. The below article from CAR magazine speaks of changes at VW (parent of Audi) and the possibility of a FORD takeover... CAR has had additional articles about GM "eyeing" BMW as well. This concerns me because if you've read any European periodicals you'll find they're very direct with the fact that the U.S. Big 3 must BUY other European brands to compete in that market. (The exception is Daimler Benz who atually bought Chrysler). Simply put GM and Ford can't compete with the Germans, Swedes or the Japanese in the (passenger) car arena.

Even though Saab is still Saab and Volvo Volvo, I worry about future quality... Have you ever rented a car? Just open and close the door on a Grand Am or Taurus. I'm not sure which will break off first - the door handle on the inside or outside? It's not surprising you can get a fully loaded LS for under $32K - the build and material quality is not to Japanese standards let alone German luxury standards. BMW, Mercedes, Lexus (and now Audi) did not reach the level they have by pulling parts from the "Parts-R-Us" bin....

Anyway the below is a VERY edited article in the December issue of CAR magazine. I find CAR to be every bit as biased as U.S. car mags. However, their interpretation of the American auto industry is far more entertaining!

ARTICLE, December 2001:

"...When outgoing Chairman Ferdinand Piech (Grandson of the Porsche family) learned that FORD motor company was interested in buying a part of VW or even swallowing it whole, he began work on a new corporate structure for VW. Especially since new EU laws will make VW even more vulnerable in the future. However Piech's plan will not happen if new chief Bernd Pischetsrieder (BP) has his way.

Essentially Piech's plan would break VW into 3 groups, which would make a "hostile" take over of 3 satellite companies more difficult. In spite of the U.S. big three being on the slide, Piech felt Europe's largest automaker was ill protected against a hostile takeover. Part of Piech's plan was that the closely related Piech & Porsche families would give up the majority interest in Porsche for a 51% stake in a new luxury conglomerate made up of AUDI, Porsche, Bugati and Lamborghini....

BP's plan is less risky. First, VW commercial vehicle division would be split off. Then the automotive division would be divided into two. One group would contain VW, Skoda and Bentley. The other AUDI, Seat, Bugati and Lamborghini. BP intends to head the first "conservative" group and head up the supervisory board of the second "aggressive" group.

This approach will result in significant changes at VW. The fist with AUDI: Audi's slow moving A2 is at threat of being replaced altogether or pulled completely. If so, focus would be on expanding the A3 line..."

There is much more to the article where it talks mostly of VW. But just imagine VW being a part of Ford or BMW being a part of GM... While it may be strategic on the part of U.S. automakers, I for one find it desperate and hopeless on their part. I would have more respect for the U.S. auto industry if they would FOCUS and try to build quality passenger vehicles. Instead they themselves have given up and decided to BUY their way into the mid-luxury and luxury class.

Yes, perhaps I am "wound" a little too tight. But Ford/GM would lose me as a customer AGAIN (i.e. Saab and Volvo) by the purchase of VW & BMW. With all their auto-inbreeding I fear it would be the demise of European quality as we know it... I can't even fathom Ford sticking it's fingers into building a 911, A8 or Passat - I guess we'll see what the future holds...

I hope, at the very least, I have entertained those who have read this. My intent is not to offend anyone! (Or those who may be a member of the Pontiac Aztec fan club!) 8-)

Ernesto (ERT)

Imagine Ferrari today under Ford? You cant.

Ford and Enzo 'shook' on the deal, and needed to sign. Thankfully, Enzo backed away and decided to stay independent. That's when Ford got all pissed off, and committed to winning LeMans, and to defeat Ferrari at the 'premier race' of the time, Hence the Ford GT40, and the only true "master piece" from Ford in the last 80 years. Enzo, unphased goes "Fine you can have LeMans, we'll focus on Formula 1". How did Ford back into the game... they bought Jaguar.

ERT

Janek

A VW buyout would lose me as well

cyjack

Not that I like to see them struggle, but, thankfully, given their full plate of troubles at the moment, I doubt that Ford will be making any more acquisitions for the forseable future.

Actually, based on the hints that Mssr. Ford has been dropping of late, I think that there's a chance that Ford may unload one or more of their non-core brands in the near future.

April

However, Saab is still more special and Saab-like than Volvo ( if Volvo was ever special ).