|
Homegrown Compacts Promise Better Build QualityStory by Jeff Feldsher - October 18,2007 The push to release top-notch small/compact cars is finally hitting full swing in Detroit. Known for producing affordable, great bang for the buck SUV’s and trucks, US automakers are re-investing in a market dominated by Toyota and Honda for decades. Their attention is focused on improving build quality and vehicle refinement. Studies have shown consumers will no longer accept all the foibles normally associated with domestic compacts of the past. Interior squeaks, lackluster buzzing engines, the old steering wheel vibration at highway speed and enough plastic and vinyl to build an unlimited supply of 3-ring binders. All these must be tossed out in favour off rock-solid reliability, luxury-like cabins and smart styling. Another chief concern among buyers in this class is safety; now these small car domestics promise to deliver no fewer than 6 airbags as standard equipment, along side excellent crash test safety results.
Ford anticipates they have such a car with their all-new Focus scheduled for launch this winter. Since its introduction in 1999, the Focus has been able to win over many critics with its superb handling dynamics and peppy performance, although sales in North America have been less than staggering. “The new Focus, while vastly improved, looks like the tired old model, there’s a tremendous level of refinement in the new Focus, I just don't think the sheet metal does it justice. It doesn't look different enough from the predecessor to get people to see that it's different from the other car.” said Erich Merkle, vice president of auto industry forecasting for consulting company IRN Inc. in Grand Rapids.”
So it seems Ford maybe fighting an uphill battle for a little longer, however Ford chief executive Allan Mullally has a more optimistic view “We have been really focusing on dynamite, stylish, neat, comfortable, well-crafted smaller cars,” Mullally said. “With the fuel prices staying up and the changing tastes with global warming and energy security, then all of a sudden, I think we're going to start to come together. You're going to see all of the neatness of those smaller cars that are very fuel efficient” Mullally has also stated Ford is likely to produce other small cars as well, similar to Toyota which has funky its Scion brand.
Not be left behind, General Motors Corp. has several new models planned including the Saturn Astra, (almost identical to the hot selling Opel Astra in Europe) which will be unveiled early next year. The Astra is targeted towards a slightly more upscale buyer than your basic, no frills econo-car and will be available in 3 and 5 door configurations.
"People who go into a small car want expressive design and they want a level of refinement in the interior," said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager. "We've got to make sure that our small cars are delivering what they want. They don't want to compromise.
GM and Ford do not expect to topple the Japanese heavyweights overnight, (who together own over 30% of the compact car market) but they have taken steps to make sure the mistakes of the past are corrected, and have put significant pressure on all other competitors in the market place. "It's a segment that we've been out of, so we need to have really good products in it,” said Mulally. Even though the class leading Corolla has sold nearly 300,000 units in just the first three quarters of this year, Toyota is not resting on its laurels and promises a new and improved Corolla for next year.
Copyright Note: You can reprint this article if you place the following 2 links on the same page using this code:<a href="http://www.autopolitan.com">Automotive News</a>
<a href="http://www.carcasher.com">Used Cars</a> |
More Automotive News 2009 Nissan GT-R - November 5,2007
Fun Volvo? - October 27,2007
Struggling GM Still On Top - October 24,2007
Water Powered Rotary? - October 22,2007
Silver is Golden - October 20,2007
2009 Audi A4 - October 16,2007
No More Texting for Teens While Behind the Wheel - October 14,2007
Hybrids Too Quiet - October 13,2007
Ferrari F430 Scuderia - October 10,2007
Small Pivo Has Big Heart - October 9,2007
| |
|
|
|
