Are the Chinese Bare Naked?

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:48:25 -0500

Last week I returned to the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) during the general public viewing days. I purposely went back to take another look at the Chinese vehicles. Their are more than 40 automobile companies in China today and only 2 where represented; Brilliance Auto and BYD Auto. In previous years their displays were featured in the main lobby and then in the basement and now they are on the main level due in part to the recent pullout by Nissan. Their displays were located in a sliver of a space between General Motors and Ford Motor. Brilliance And BYD displays were as cheap as they can get. May I sit in the car I asked? No, we are not allowed to do that. May I look under the hood? No, we are not permitted. Hmm, are you going to sell these cars in the United States? Yes. Are you going to distribute them through existing dealerships or create your own? "We weren't given any details", he replied. Gee, or should I say "Geely". Really makes you want to run out and get one!!

Everyone talks about how China is the next super power. They are determined. Intelligent. Hard working, and on and on and on. Some people believe China today is like England in the beginning of the 19th century and the United States in the beginning of the 20th. So, I don't get it. Why would a car company come to Detroit with inferior product in the midst of such beautiful cars from around the world? The Chinese have been bootlegging western technology, design and engineering for years. Maybe they should stand back, look to the right and then to the left, tuck their tail between their legs and get back to work.

Ok Daddy-o

Nardelli...........No Handlers!

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 09:53:11 -0500

This year’s North American International Auto Show was scaled down. Cars and carpet. Record cold and record snow. I have been going to Detroit Auto Show/NAIAS since 1987. The show had grown with spectacular displays. Jeeps smashing through plate glass, actors, models, musical performances. It was becoming a 3 ring circus. The show was getting away from the basics. People were coming for THE SHOW, booze and trinkets and not for the cars, the design, the engineering. The crowds have gone away. The core is left. Detroit is in the news. Money worries, labor cost, quality and the environment. Are we in trouble? I have a few observations.

Pontiac, GMC and Hummer are going away. Their displays were embarrassing. No new cars or platforms.

Chrysler is in such bad shape I doubt they could find a buyer. Maybe that is why Ralph needed a little more powder on his nose.

The Germans are coming with the diesels. I know their was a lot of talk about diesels before, but Mercedes, Audi and BMW displays were loaded with diesels.

Ford was abuzz. I went to the show Sunday, Monday and Tuesday and Ford had the most people, consistently. Fields was rolling his own suitcase, I guess he lost his handler too and Farley had strength in his voice. Business news stations set up camp at the entrance of the Ford display. Carroll Shelby introduced yet another Mustang on his 89th birthday and plans for one more. On his 90th.

Camilo Pardo the designer of the Ford GT 40 has been let go. It goes to show you the higher you climb the ladder in design the less you actually design.

J Mays and Peter Horbury unveiled a silly little green Lincoln. Jay and Peter were so proud handing out designer bottle water. No thank you.

One thing struck me was at the Fisker display. Their was a beautiful woman in black tights and white tee shirt with a California duster working the cars. Fisker had the standard models in evening gowns but this beautiful cleaning lady stole the show. When the light hit her in the right way,
her sexy thong was revealed. I wonder if the silver hair gent had anything to do with it. His fetish come true?

Volkswagen had a black bug. The M3 and Camero Black were the coolest.

Let’s talk Chinese next time.

Ok Daddy-o

GrassFireNote

Are the Chinese Bare Naked?

Nardelli...........No Handlers!