Which makes it all the more sad to realize that no city in the country has been harder hit by the recession than
Some say American car companies are struggling because of their focus on SUV’s. When gas prices started to rise, Americans began looking for smaller, compact cars, which are often foreign. Others say American companies missed the boat when it came to developing green cars with better emissions. We can no longer sell most American cars abroad, because we don’t meet the rest of the world’s fuel efficiency standards. Finally, some say American car companies just mis-managed their funds, giving corporate executives large bonuses, while ignoring their plants, technology and workers.
So my question to you this week is, “What do you think of American cars? Are they inferior to foreign ones? What do you think can be done to strengthen the American auto industry?” You must answer all questions to earn full credit. Answers are due no later than Wednesday, February 15th, 2012.
American cars are have been about being bigger and stronger. Look at the Corvette, while it may lack the luxuries of some foreign super cars it handles better, has better acceleration, and a higher top speed than most of the foreign super cars. The industry hasn't adapted with the times though and now is trying to play catch up with foreign automotive markets. They need to make owning an electric car easier to strengthen the allure of them. I would like to have one if i knew that there were going to be reliable charging stations in most ares so i could actually use it across the country. Oh and don't make hybrids and electric cars so ugly.
ReplyDeleteI strongly agree with everything you just said! I would love to run on electricity but it's terrifying knowing that I could run out of juice with no recharging station close by.
DeleteI have always enjoyed the idea of American cars, but I also agree that we are not keeping up with the technology. We spent too much time throwing in fancy high tech stuff into each vehicle when we could've concentrated on how the vehicle ran.
ReplyDeleteI have nothing against foreign cars. I think it's just based on personal preference. I like the large size of American cars, but I enjoy how cost efficient all the foreign cars are.
Overall, I wish there was a way to get the money to the auto industry in order to catch up with the foreign car industry. Thanks to the recession, we have seemed to lost that chance, at least for a long time until we are back to a normal economy.
In my opinion, cars, like clothing, are greatly influenced bu personality. That's why have so many different models in so many different colors. As individuals it is the difference that makes us buy one truck over another truck, it just seems like a better truck for me, or perhaps the minor differences between models are really important to you. As a country it is the difference between making compact cars and Hummers, what we as a whole prioritize. I say this because I think although American ideals were once trendy, they are far less trendy today, especially about economy and 'green living'.
ReplyDeleteOur cars are inferior so long as they cannot keep up with the ideas of the consumers, domestic and foreign. I think Bickett is right about the electric car, we need to push for electric, not just hybrid. To add to that, I think we may be able to get ahead in the market if we start to embody cleaner ideals in vehicles as well. Maybe we can emphasize size for the sake of carpooling, not just luxury, or maybe build-on bike racks.
From my perspective, the American Dream is to be bigger, better and stronger no matter what it takes. In the military this is essential, but in regard to almost everything else it's just not necessary (in my opinion). America developed muscle cars to get the exhilarating experience of raw power. To attain the result of the muscle car, a considerable amount of fuel to o2 ratio is used to intensify the internal combustion, overall demonstrating quite a bit of power and deadly exhaust. The horsepower wars have gone on for quite some time, stacking superchargers on top of prestige built 4 second quarter mile time motors in NHRA and other drag related events. While all these cars are very fast and stimulating, a problem does arise.
ReplyDeleteI believe the root problem is the mindset we have fabricated upon America. We have quite a bit of freedom and it is only human nature to push the boundaries. I'm not excited that I might have to drive an electric car in the near future, but I deem it as necessary. I was actually on my way to work today thinking about what electric cars might sound like in the future; the sight of the Chevy Volt had sparked the thought. I often wonder if they will add loudspeakers or vibrators in the car to reproduce the experience of a v8, inline 6, or even a v-12 Lamborghini engine if and when everything becomes electric powered. I do know, however, that an immense amount of natural gas was founded underneath US soil not too long ago. I believe car manufacturers will lean more towards this new type of fuel rather than completely converting everything into electric. Either way, an overall change must happen nationwide for much of anything to effectively take place. All the fueling stations will have to be converted into either charging stations or a new type of fueling system to coherently accomplish our green goal.
American Cars are very inferior vehicles in many ways. Sure they may be "Safe" compared to some other countries' vehicles, as well as being our country's own vehicles, but really when you think about it, our fuel efficiency standards are less than half of most other countries' vehicles.
ReplyDeleteNow the problem about this is not the fact that we don't have the technology, because that's not a fact at all. It's greed. Our vehicular companies refuse to up the fuel efficiency, even though it would really help the economy, environment, and almost everyone except the Oil Companies.
One thing that really infuriated me, is that vehicle companies have actually sued California for upping the standards for fuel efficiency within the next 11 years. As it said on the video we watched last week, they pretty much sued California for pressing for making our standards in 11 years equal to what China's standards are today. For being up to par with the rest of the world. Our vehicles can't sell world wide because they're so horrible in this field, and if they really want money, they need to upgrade the technology to full scale so that we can sell more world wide, and not just here. It would be a benefit for everyone. Except Oil companies, which I said earlier, but they have billions in dollars that they don't even need, and yet they press for more money.
So yes, American vehicles are very inferior, and automobile companies need to start working towards a better Standard. There's really no good reason not to.
I love my American made care. I also love my son's German made car. American cars have evolved with the individual. BIGGER! The bigger the better. Many people believe that if it's bigger than yours it must be better. But lets not forget that Americans are larger and with that, need larger places to get into. As I age, I also find it much easier to get in and out of higher vehicles. I don't bend as easy and pain free as I used to. I can get in and out of my Ford van easier than I can get out of my son's VW Jetta.
ReplyDeleteAmerica is building electric cars now to save the planet. While it sounds like a good idea, does not make it better for the planet. While the electric car can be made to run with much less pollutants than a gasoline powered car right now, it is not. the technology is there but not available. If you are using electricity to power your wonderful new electric car from fossil fuels, it actually causes more pollutants than a gas guzzling SUV. You just think you are saving the planet, because you have been told you are. What an inconvienent truth.
Hahah... I love all of your mistakes this week, you must have been in a hurry...
ReplyDeleteI don't know much about american cars. I never thought of purchasing one. I am european so I stick to my peeps. My parents like Hyundai. I like VW and Audi. I do believe that foreign cars are superior. I can't say that any chevy, ford, or any other american car has cought my eye, so even just visually, they don't speak my language.
I believe that if the american auto industry involved american designers and american engineers and had them more involved in designing something incredible, they could be superior. We have enough artists, engineers, and designers in this country with amazing thoughts that we could be surpassing other countries concerning car design.
I know that engineers in this country make cars and compete. I know that there is a lot of research and work being done to come up with alternate fuel. But I still believe that more could be done. Hopefully, this makes sense...
I think American car's don't meet up with the rest of the world. They cause more pollution and the look of American car's compared t those around the world are bulkier and bigger. I think they are inferior to foreign car's when it come's to environmental safety and look. But if I was to get in a bad car accident I think I would want an American car. It's made up of metal and stands up to a crash pretty well versus foreign car's with their fiberglass that crushes under pressure. I think we should take American car and make them more fuel efficient and better for the environment and try to size them down a bit to keep up with a more modern look.
ReplyDeleteI like American cars. I found them to be very reliable, but they don't meet the standards of the rest of the world. If other countries won't even sell American cars, I think that would be a red light that we might be doing something wrong. I think American car companies should work more towards more fuel efficient cars, or else find another fuel source to run cars on.
ReplyDelete--Rebekah Cage
I think that American car makers are kind of behind when it comes to some cars,I drive a Ford but I would buy a foreign car if I knew that it had better safety features.I think that American car makers dont give enoung incenitives when buying American cars.For example Audi has a 5 yr maintenance free plan...that is a sweet deal,no maintenance on the vehicle out my pocket for 5 yrs.Now I would definetly think about buying foreign for a deal like that.
ReplyDeleteI feel like American cars are getting better as far as ecologically with the hybrids and electrical cars. That being said, they are overpriced and include many unnecessary features that make them more expensive. I feel that cars in the US are very inferior to many other countries' cars. I'm not really certain on what can be done to improve the auto industry, but continuing to make strides in the area of lower emissions to a comparable level with other countries, we can begin exporting cars again and maybe salvage the industry in America.
ReplyDeleteDenise Halcomb
I don't think much of American cars, they are far inferior in design, fuel efficiency and overall durability. My father taught me ever since I was old enough to drive the vast differences in Foreign and American cars and we've never bought an American car and haven't had much maintenance problems that American car owners face. One thing American automakers can do is to focus on making their cars more durable, more fuel efficient because if not these Detroit automakers will fall into further financial troubles and difficulties.
ReplyDeleteI personally don't think I would buy an American car because of the fuel efficiency. I have a 2001 Honda Civic that has 150,000 miles on it and it still runs like a dream and I haven't had one single problem with it since I got it 6 years ago. Yes I believe they are inferior to foreign cars and don't seem to be keeping up with foreign cars by any means. Right now for American car companies to get stronger I believe they need to focus on fuel efficiency and cleaner emissions. If history is right and we as American invented the first car wouldn't you think we should be doing the best in that area? But were not and haven't been for a long time.
ReplyDeleteSo my question to you this week is, “What do you think of American cars? Are they inferior to foreign ones? What do you think can be done to strengthen the American auto industry?” You must answer all questions to earn full credit. Answers are due no later than Wednesday, February 15th, 2012.
ReplyDeleteFrankly judging from my car, Americans totally fail at energy efficiency. American cars are definitely inferior since my 1995 Cheverolet Blazer only gets 15 mpg. It's almost a clunker since the gas gauge doesn't read totally right. The main thing they need to do to strenghten our energy efficiency is stop making the energy efficient so costly and hard for the poor college students to buy. I would totally love to have one so I wouldn't have to go to the pump and whine to myself about the prices being so high.
Just because I'm an American doesn't mean that I'll pick an American brand. American made cars are gas guzzlers compared to the more fuel efficient cars that foreign brands offer. Also they're cheaply made now but are known for their roomier quality. Considering that I drive a 2001 Oldsmobile Alero, which drives like a dream and needs little gas. A car is a car to me.
ReplyDeleteOverall American and foreign cars has improved, their would be about fifty-fifty. Foreign cars are more fuel efficient and many foreign cars are going "Green" now, American cars are roomier and bigger.
Promotion of more energy efficient cars would help strengthen the American auto industry, especially during the times of high gas prices.
I believe that American cars makers are focused on making cars big and tough, or full of high tech. We aren't keeping up with the rest of the world. Yes I do believe that they are inferior, but I believe some American cars manufacturers are trying to make some sort of a change. My idea for change is that if America wants to play with the rest of the world then America has to follow the rest of the world and play by their rules. A lot of Americans believe that we're 'number one', and I believe car makers keep that in mind when selling American cars.
ReplyDeleteI and my entire family drive Hondas. Granted they are older cars but they still get great gas milege. I don't have anthing against american cars, we used to have 2 fords and a chevy. In fact some american made cars are some of my favorites. American cars are only inferior to forgein cars because they don't meet the same standards all other car company abide to. American car manufacturers need to start upgrading to the standards of other manufacturers. That why we can export more and have better cars.
ReplyDeletePersonally I think American cars could have the same quality and be just as fuel efficient if they had funneled the outrageous C.E.O. paychecks and money spent on fancy bells and whistles into the production process. I think it’s great that an American car can read my text messages to me, give me my geographical location, parallel park for me, and could probably wipe my rear for me too. But all that fancy crap means nothing if it costs and arm and a leg to fill up every week and starts to fall apart in 1000 miles. American cars are totally inferior to foreign cars and I think it will be at least another 10-15 years before we can even hold a candle to foreign cars, but only if they redirect their attention to production quality and fuel efficiency.
ReplyDeleteI personally own a foreign car, a Honda, and I swear by it. I was taught that if you treat a Honda right it will last you a lifetime. Also my family has a serous dislike or Fords. So I have a bias when it comes to American vs Foreign made cars. I do feel that American made are inferior because we don't meet the rest of the worlds fuel efficient standards. As for how to improve the industry if they continue to fall behind the rising standard they will be left there to die. Evolve.
ReplyDelete@Abby my ford focus is awesome.
ReplyDeleteThe problem with American cars is that they don't retain their value as well as foreign cars do. I purchased my Ford Focus used so initially it did have a few problems, but honestly it's been a fairly reliable car. My previous vehicle before that was a Jeep Cherokee and it, minus a few hiccups, was a very reliable vehicle.
The problem that American auto industry vehicles face compared to foreign market is the amount of publicity; Honda is know for economic cars that are reliable and have cheap replacement parts. They have commercials all the time for events and are publicized as premium econo cars. When ford and gm have cars that are comparable and just as reliable in my opinion.
GM did an excellent job in reinforcing the issue that buying cars from them support domestic growth. They utilized the image of Clint Eastwood; In a Gran Torino Esq style to portray Americans as hard working, and advancement driven people capable of driving ourselves out of a recession. The commercialism filled you with a rejuvenated patriotism and conveyed their goals very well.
Being born and semi-raced in Detroit I definitely can relate to you Stephanie. As far as what I think when it comes to American cars I don't think to much of them because I'm not really into cars when it comes to the technical aspects. I am into the body, the engine, and the interior. I do feel that it is strange that we are the land of the free and the land of opportunity but foreign countries can produce better, more fuel efficient cars. Yes I do agree that they are inferior to foreign cars mainly because of recent conversations about how Americans vehicles can not be shipped over sees because they don't meet foreign countries fuel efficiency standards. As for what we can do to strengthen the American auto industry, we need to start re-evaluting our standards and trying to adopt or even exceed other countries standards.
ReplyDeleteI have had much luck with my first car, my 95 Nissan Pathfinder since 2008. It still runs good and does not guzzle gas. I often time have felt like the car companies have marketed to us like, "buy a big, strong, American car." Especially when it comes to Fords, you usually think of their large clunky pickup trucks... that most likely guzzle gas. I would suggest that American car companies start considering more green and economical options so that we can be more accepted to exports our products to other countries.
ReplyDeletei dont think i have ever had an american car, and since i can remember my dad hasnt either; so im not sure what to think of american cars, especially because i dont know much about cars. I remember when in class we talked about what we learn through out families, for me it was buy a honda! My dad loves hondas, and ive had 2 of them, and i loved them. They seemed to last a very long time and they were very good on gas. So from the mindset that my dad set for me is that american cars tend to not lost very long and just cost a lot of money overall, i do think that american cars are inferior to foreign cars and i think that we should make american cars more gas efficient, longer lasting, and environmental friendly.
ReplyDelete