Ford and GM

If you've heard that Ford and General Motors might be merging - let me say that I doubt that it will happen. Both of them are in serious trouble and until they both bite the bullet and fix a whole ton of stuff, they shouldn't be merging or even thinking about merging. All we will get is one larger company with way more problems.

Now if the both of them were to invest in an independent company and license both Ford and GM parts to it, then things will get interesting. The Corvette and Northstar engines from GM are great. The concept of Ford packaging has always been impressive. With a new company, they don't have to have union issues (at least I don't think so) and they can have a fresh start.

See, GM engine and transmission, Ford platform and interior, things may be very interesting.

American Style

2002-2005 Ford Thunderbird
2001-2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
2005-2006 Ford Mustang
2003 - 2006 Chevrolet SSR
2006 - 2007 Chevrolet HHR
1997-2002 Plymouth Prowler
2006-2007 Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky

What do the above have in common? The list is not exhaustive but the main thing I like about them is that they all have some retro aspects to them but more importantly, they have what many call American Style - something uniquely from our culture and attitudes are reflected in those designs. Refinement may go to those like the Europeans but there is just something as American as Glenn Miller, Jazz, NFL football, NASCAR, Norman Rockwell, country music and Frank Lloyd Wright that just cannot be duplicated properly anywhere else.

These designs do not pretend to be something they are not. They do not advertise supreme performance. What they do say is a statement of national identity or culture which is simplicity itself and with all honesty.

In the age of teutonic looks and Lexus/Toyota dominance for the average family car, it is nice to know that not all things have been lost.