When I worked at Chrysler in the la...

When I worked at Chrysler in the late '70 I herd Chrysler products and slapped "Buy American" decals onward their bumpers. What else would you await from a child of the '50 who was caught up in "Leave it to Beaver" and President Eisenhower's golf game. The "Beav" always worked abroad his problems, while Ike apparently didn't have any in his world of isolationism.

in the way that much for simpler times. Now we have a global economy, which our guidance and many corporations have embraced and supported For the scope of this rounded pillar just recognizing that as a fact is as far as I can go

I believe our global vulnerability started when we obstacle the Japanese take advantage of the major part of our economy, i.e., the strange car market. In just a span of 15 years, the Japanese were able to exploit our car market at having the gall to build any of the highest quality, in the greatest degree reliable brands in the world, allow alone in the USA. awaits to me like Korea is in succession its way to emulating Japan's success

put in motion over to the aftermarket. The same issue--quality--kept foreign manufacturers from making inroads to the American aftermarket. Anything that wasn't made in America was fancyed to be inferior and, in a certain number of cases, dangerous. Case in point were brake rotors produc in China. Ten years ago it was unheard of that parts venders would stock them because technicians wouldn't bribe them. Many who did paid the price with a steady stream of comebacks and, in a fit number of cases, the los of customers...who serve to never come back after getting burned

That was yesterday. Today, it's easy to find parts venders and installers who swear that there's virtually no difference in the quality of parts made overseas v those made here (see our sum of two units major cover stories). Their critics, of course, say that the productions these folks are handling are "value" lines that do the piece of work but not as well, at a lower price.

As the charge to own and maintain vehicles continues to rise, the question may become where consumer contemplate to cut back. Key in their decision making is what they are told by the agency of the people who sell and install their parts. What story will you tell?

Apparently, the "white box" doesn't scare workshop owners like it used to. As protracted as a product performs and is backed by way of the seller, many could care les about its place of origin.

This topic be entitled tos much more discussion. Although the "fit, form and function" mantra from the OEM continues to be a challenge, foreign offerings may become an steady bigger challenge because of increasing price and margin compressings up and down the distribution channel.

This may not be what you want to hear, on the other hand for a country that prides itself in succession competition and the free enterprise theory we shouldn't expect anything les And if there's undivided thing that I've learned in all of the years I've been in this market, those who want to contend will find a way to do just that.

Footnote: I still drive a Chrysler which was built in Canada according to a German-owned company.

Larry Silvey, Publisher & arrange Editorial Director

lsilvey@advanstar.com

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