Ford isnt doing so well..

[Phate]

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com...&wa=wsignin1.0

Crash and burn?

[RamAirThree]

I have to laugh because these auto maker idiots only have themselves to blame. Do you have any idea alone how much a CEO makes as a yearly intake even if the job he is doing is way less than adequate. Like GM pisses me off with that idiot Bob Lutz the Putz. Here is a guy who makes a yearly salary in the multi millions and that does not even include his profit sharing, bonuses and fringe benefits, yet the guy is a total screw up. They blame their losses on healthcare benefits for thier employees and thats BS. They actually spent less on healthcare then they spent or donations to racial organizations like La Razza, United Negro College fund and the NACCP. Now Ford is in the same boat but yet they also are donating millions on top of millions to organizations with thier own political view. What these auto manufacturers need to do is get out of politics and get back to building cars, then reform thier expenses on things like a salary for thier execs. I mean really at the payscale these guys are getting paid do you really think they need to strive to succeed especially when they are screwing up and its not effecting thier salary. Lets not forget, if they do get fired, then they get a hefty settlement. I mean really think about how many Mustangs, Explorers, Rangers, F-150's, Expeditions, Taurus', Focus', etc...... that are on the road and you tell me how they can be losing? Simple it all comes down to bad management and mis-appropriated fundage.
I mean no offense to the Chevy guys on here ok, but in all honesty, the f-body should have been the Firebird and not the Camaro. How can you have a flagship car like the Corvette and a much needed strong seller like the F-body both under the same emblem and not expect in house competition hurting profits on one vehicle or even both. Meanwhile Pontiac is hurting for a profit and desperately needs a winner model to replenish its profits. Seriously a plain Vette is 40k with 400 or 425 hp and the z06 is 70k with 505 hp. Now you have to put out a car that needs to compete with a 490hp -500hp Shelby Stang that sells for around 40k and even worse a 29k 425hp 5.7 Hemi Challenger that will also come with an optional 505hp 6.2 Hemi Challenger that will also sell for around 40k.......... So how can the Camaro compete and not effect sales of the Corvette or worse yet hurt its own sales because of the Corvette? Atleast as a Pontiac their would have been some lee way on the stress and a way now to remarket the two cars. I truely fear for the domestic auto industry as its apparent that the love of the business has been surpassed by greed within its own people.

[Phate]

I agree. But its saddening to see one of the big 3 doing so horribly, regardless if I am a chevy man or not.

[RamAirThree]

Originally Posted by Phate I agree. But its saddening to see one of the big 3 doing so horribly, regardless if I am a chevy man or not.

Oh no doubt, I mean how could you not being into cars. I think thats why I get so upset with this myself.

[SpecialK]

Originally Posted by RamAirThree I mean no offense to the Chevy guys on here ok, but in all honesty, the f-body should have been the Firebird and not the Camaro. How can you have a flagship car like the Corvette and a much needed strong seller like the F-body both under the same emblem and not expect in house competition hurting profits on one vehicle or even both. Meanwhile Pontiac is hurting for a profit and desperately needs a winner model to replenish its profits. Seriously a plain Vette is 40k with 400 or 425 hp and the z06 is 70k with 505 hp. Now you have to put out a car that needs to compete with a 490hp -500hp Shelby Stang that sells for around 40k and even worse a 29k 425hp 5.7 Hemi Challenger that will also come with an optional 505hp 6.2 Hemi Challenger that will also sell for around 40k.......... So how can the Camaro compete and not effect sales of the Corvette or worse yet hurt its own sales because of the Corvette? Atleast as a Pontiac their would have been some lee way on the stress and a way now to remarket the two cars. I truely fear for the domestic auto industry as its apparent that the love of the business has been surpassed by greed within its own people.

I'll agree with you on the misaproperation of funds, but as far as charity crap goes, that's tax deductible. And free PR. Hey guess what all mah brotha's? GM just remodeled the youth center. Now show them your appreciation and buy a fully loaded lade dawg. 10 grand to a youth center is a lot more cost conscious than a Add during a sporting event.

Quite simple, the GT500 is Fords Response to the Vette and Mopar's Viper. The Corvette has far superior handling and braking, it also weighs less, a lot less. On the order of over 300 lbs comparing the C5 to the late 4th gen. And then there's the appearance enhancement. Woudl you rather roll up in a Camaro/Firebird or a Vette? Ask 90% of the use and they'll say the Vette hands down. Now probably the worse thing GM has done though, is made the Saturn Sky. That thing is beautiful. I'd much rather own it over a Vette. Especially if they ever make a hard top. And for the price, you can get two of those for the price of a single base Vette.

Oh and as far as the chally is concerned... well it's got enough of a price difference between it and Mopars top... vehicle... *shudders* that it won't hurt the sales of it. 50K top price versus almost 100K. But yea if a person wants the FASTEST car they'll go for the top model Camaro when it comes out instead of the base vette. That's what's the difference between speed freaks and the general consumer. The firebird formula was a great example as was the Z-28. VS of course the T/A and the SS. which were just appearance packages, the Formy didn't' get shit for sales compaired to the SS or the T/A.