19th Dec 2005, 09:52

I think spending so much time and money on an old, and rather ordinary, import like the Dodge, is not particularly sensible. Why not SUPPORT your OWN nation`s cars, rather than turning your back on them? Americans do have some good cars, because their people are PROUD to support their country and its automotive industry. THAT`S how things get better- when people pull together constructively. Denigrating your own car industry is dumb and counter productive. It doesn`t encourage the production of better quality vehicles. If everyone adopted YOUR attitude, your once proud nation, would not even have a car industry! Surely, that`s nothing to be proud of. Is it?

19th Dec 2005, 22:28

I understand the point you`re making, and I do agree with you. Competition is certainly healthy, and must be encouraged. My point, however, was NOT based on just a notion of "patriotism" (misplaced or otherwise) as being the significant reason to buy a homegrown product. My point was that: a business (or any enterprise for that matter) CANNOT remain solvent or financially viable, if consumers simply turn their backs on it, and go elsewhere. By way of illustration, consider the situation in the U.S. If Americans stopped supporting their home industry- "through thick and thin"- the nation would be literally OVER RUN with foreign imports- such as Japanese and German brands- such as Toyota, V.W., B.M.W. etc.- which ARE far superior in quality and workmanship. This trend is happening already. Thank goodness, there are still a lot of 'proud' American car buyers out there, who are prepared to SUPPORT their own. Call it "misplaced" patriotism if you like- that`s your opinion. Personally, I`m proud of them. They don`t desert a sinking ship- and that`s how I, (and many others), think it should be! Otherwise, you can kiss goodbye to the tradition of having an American car industry- because it CAN`T compete, and over time, it will simply cease to exist! That`s the message I was sending to the reviewer in Russia. We can agree to disagree.

20th Dec 2005, 17:59

It's really pretty interesting to read this review of an American car in Russia. I wonder if Americans are spoiled. The reviewer just kind of takes it in stride that his car needed a couple of fairly large repairs and is still pretty satisfied with it, yet on this site Americans are screaming if they have to replace the brake pads on a car they bought used with 120,000 miles on it.

Despite the difficult social and political issues, competition is a good thing. American companies were goaded into improving fuel economy and build quality by the widespread appearance of Japanese and German cars in the 1980's. If a few Dodge's and Chevy's on the streets of Moscow induce the domestic manufacturers to produce a better product, doesn't everybody win? How long can you really artificially support an inefficient industry and protect them from having to compete and still get a decent product?

22nd Dec 2005, 08:50

So there`s never been any import quotas, tariffs or other taxes imposed on foreign imports? O.K. FREE Trade agreements exist with every other country in the world? O.K. Large domestic car manufacturers such as G.M., Ford and Chrysler don`t have, and never have had, any regular consultations and meetings with the Government of the day? O.K. Look, I`m now convinced. I`m selling my Camaro, and will look to buy a sporty B.M.W, (or perhaps a Nissan 350Z) - that way, I`ll have superior quality-as well as the 'status' of owning and driving a swish foreign import. I`ll also learn to appreciate, and admire, the concept of contributing to the economic wealth of foreign powers- such as Germany and Japan- AT THE EXPENSE of my own nation`s home grown industry. O.K. I`ll see what my friends think of this idea, and I`ll try to convince them to abandon their "misplaced" pride, (as you define it), get rid of their American autos, and jump into quality foreign imports. Not sure whether they will come to the party, though. Maybe, you`ll have to convince them too. Trouble is, there might be too many of them- like, maybe 100-200 million? Seriously though, it`s the people who protect, and take pride in their country (read in: Auto Industry), who ensure their country`s economic strength, and ultimately, it`s long-term prosperity. Funny, how Japan comes to mind. O.K.,looks like we`ll agree to disagree, yet again- but, after all, that`s what REAL democracy is all about.I`m sure we both agree on that.

22nd Dec 2005, 23:35

Since you`ve finally acknowledged that the likes of Toyota is "now poised to overtake G.M.", and since you express your 'concern' as in: "do I think this is a good thing? No, I do not..", my very simple question to you, is: What is YOUR solution to this state of affairs?

Do you have ANY thing constructive to offer? It`s easy to criticise, but I`m not sure whether you`re really interested in finding, let alone offering, any solutions. Theorising about the perceived 'evils' of protectionism; the 'benefits' of unrestricted competition; the standing of 'overpaid' auto workers (your definition) - is just a lot of grand-standing on your part. It does`nt come close to addressing the core issue here at all- which is: HOW best can a COUNTRY - ANY COUNTRY (not just Russia or the U.S.A.), SAFEGUARD and PRESERVE it`s automotive industry?

These industries, as well as all the affiliated automotive industries, employ tens of thousands of workers. What constructive plans do you have for them - when they are tossed out of their jobs? But then, you, quite sarcastically, refer to them as "overpaid". Oh, that`s nice. Hmmm. So what ARE you saying? U.S. auto workers are privileged? Their wages should be cut right back to resemble the wages of those in third world countries?!! So THEN we can compete? PLEASE!

However, what I AM pleased about, is your decision to close this thread. For your information, I wasn`t going to post another comment, but after reading your (not too subtle) bit of sarcasm.."I also know that you are going to post at least one more comment.. because you have to have the last word"- HOW on earth could I resist THAT?

By the way, lighten up a bit. To engage in a debate, is a healthy pastime. At least it stirs up the neurones - if nothing else! There`s nothing wrong with a bit of sarcasm - your comments certainly contained a liberal dose of it.

That`s O.K.- I don`t get easily offended. It`s just a shame you didn`t come up with anything really constructive.

Good Night and Good Luck!