The US automaker bailout

As I write this i do not know whether this has went ahead or not. I've been away with work over the last couple of weeks so Haven't followed up on recent world and (effed up) economical news as much as I would have liked.

But one thing that has struck me was how everyone was quick to say stuff like :

"The American auto makers Are refusing to make Cars for the modern age, people want cars that are lighter, smaller, and more economical and reliable. Yet they have kept manufacturing heavy inneficient sedans, SUV's, and pickups that are awkward to drive and Consume fuel at a rate of gallons per mile."

Now this is not strictly true. The above certainly IS true when it comes to the American Arm of these conglomerates. And they are the sections that have been responsible for losing money hand over fist. But in the case of Ford. They have had a Very strong European arm, Ford Europe Produces Different cars for It's European market. And it also had a few other car manufacturers under it's arm. Volvo, Jaguar, Land/range rover, Even the sublime aston martin range. (lately the latter 3 had to be sold off due to the financial problems of the american arm)

I own a Late 90's Ford Couger and it has not put a foot wrong, it has had no major problem, is great fun to drive and very practical (an even though I am a bachelor in his late 20's), and i often get 40MPG over long distances.

Without personally waxing lyrical about Ford Europe's automotive output, Have a look for yourself read the reviews of models like the fiesta, Focus, and mondeos manufactured from the late 90's to the present day over here .

not only that, but The Very recent fiesta was very highly praised in a recent episode of BBC's Top gear in a very OTT recent road test: (up for as long as the BBC will allow)


also there has been great interest shown by american citizens in this car, especially the econetic diesel model that Jeremy speaks of which can do nearly 65 MPG.

Because of this it has come as no surprise that in the last few years that ford Europe has been making a profit compared to the american arm.

Quoting directly:

"North America automotive operations reported a pre-tax loss of $45m, compared with a loss of $613m a year ago. The improvement reflected cost reductions of $1.2bn, including lower structural and product costs. First quarter revenue was $17.1bn, down from $18.5bn a year ago.

South America operations posted a pre-tax profit of $257m, up from $113m a year ago. First quarter revenue increased to $1.8bn, up from $1.3bn a year ago.

Ford Europe pre-tax profits were $739m, up from $219m a year ago. Revenue was $10.2bn, an improvement from $8.6bn a year ago. "

/quote

In short I think if the Bods at the helm of Ford Europe took charge of the american section, then they wouldn't be in this mess. The only thing that some folk have an issue with is the lack of rear wheel drive output over here. =/ its nearly all exclusively front wheel drive.

Also I don't want to single out Just ford for praise here. The European arm of GM (vauxhall in the UK and OPEL on the mainland) have made a good car that I really enjoyed driving: The latest "Vauxhall astra coupe" Which I had the pleasure of driving during a long stint working in Germany. And the driving experience was on par (possibly even moreso) than My Cougar, and it gave similar mileage too, may get one of these when t's value drops below sub - £2000

anyone else have any thoughts?