[MannoFr]

Have you ever looked at a car, or anything else for that matter, and wondered why in hell would the manufacturer choose to use such a terribly designed part, when so many better options are available?
Case in point, automotive stereos. Why do so many companies use these gigantic square shaped units smack in the middle of the dash? Even the cheapest after market units are a fraction of the size and do everything the factory installed ones do?
WHY DO THEY DO THAT?
Is there anything else you guys ever wondered? post your questions and if anyone knows the answer, lets see if we can give it.

[blogforlovxr]

Not sure if its on topic but why did GM let the Aztec make it to production. I mean didnt the focus groups throw up or something and how does a car go threw so many people before they figure its doomed

[MannoFr]

That's absolutely my point (even if that is an extreme example). Didn't someone stand up at some point in time and say "what are we doing".
Another example has to be the trigger door latches in 1980's and early 90's VW's. For some strange reason, they made the triggers (the part that carries the biggest load and most frequent use) out of plastic. Needless to say, The triggers broke with disturbing regularity (I had to replace mine 4 times).

[suingincentix]

That would be the "it seemed like a good idea at the time" defence.

[c-cialis]

Why did BMW put iDrive in their cars?

[gyjsdtuwr]

Why does Kia exist?

[BreeveKambmak]

Quote, originally posted by geary »Why does Kia exist?
they are makers of the finest and greatest sports car ever, the Kia Rio

[CruzIzabella]

Quote, originally posted by geary »Why does Kia exist?
why shouldn't they
they are doing great
posted record sales in 2004
backed up by hyundai
btw they also make the best sports car...oh naga you make me laugh...lol

[gusunsuth]

I don't know if this qualifies for this thread, but here goes.................
Why has every major car maker in the world agreed to set up shop in China under the "unique" regulations mandated by the Chinese government? You can't set up and run your own factory or organization on your own terms, such that you can protect all your expenssive research and technology, but you have to partner-up with a third-rate local car maker and thus give them access to everything you have spent so much time and money to develop.
Sure, it works great for the Chinese companies, they get first-rate factories and technology that they couldn't develop on their own, or it would take many decades to develop. But it seems short-sighted for the established car manufacturers like Toyota, VW, Ford, etc., since the short-term profits they'll be making have the consequence of setting up new competitors with world-class factories and other facilities, but with labor costs that are lower than almost anywhere else. So why do they do that?

[MannoFr]

Quote, originally posted by knicks125 »I read Hyundai is going to introduce its luxury division in the US soon, and Kia is going in the direction of attracting young buyers, Spectra5 was the first move
From what I hear, Talks of a Hyundai Luxury division are premature. IN all likely hood you will first seea move and accapetance of Hyunday as a purveyor of quality upper middle class vehicles to low level luxury, while kia does the same at the intro to midiemum level. Once people's negatie perceptions change, and resale values level to something resembling those of the more solid brands. then you might see HMC foraying into the Luxury market with a separate sales channel. From what I hear, that is still quite a few years away.

[Imagimifouxum]

Ok, getting back on topic:
Why does Ford US fail everytime to see the potential of the Aussie-made Ford Falcon - It sure is way better than it's American counterparts.

[MannoFr]

Quote, originally posted by geary »Why does Kia exist?
Beacuse it was a competing company to other korean domestic companies which grew to become second only to Hyundai in it's domestic market. Since being acquired by Hyundai, Hyundai has become the defacto ruler of the korean domestic market (with upwards of 70% marketshare), and by having an alternate brand, it allows hyundai to move it's brand upmarket, while retaining Kia in a more value oriented price point.
Quote, originally posted by Flagship GT »Why is it that Japanese car manufactures such as Toyota, Honda and Nissan make most of their cars in America(to be sold to Americans) and U.S auto manufactures like Forrrrrrrd and GM make most of their cars in America, and the Japanese still are able to make better cars than them.Even with the same American workers.
Different management, construction and business practices. It is said that Japanese companies have much better and cooperative relationships with suppliers (and unlike american ones they don't gouge them for costs); which tends to get them better supplier products in return. Also, Foreign automakers don't tend to be saddled with large scale union contracts that limit what they are able to do with ageing inneficient plants. It is interesting to note that the same american companies are able to produce top of the line products that compete succesfully with their japanese and european counterparts, when those products are built i plants outside of northa america. Increasingly that is also the case in north america as well.
Quote, originally posted by Superfresa »Why do most pickups still have leaf springs in the back?
Because most pick-up trucks are still used for work (even if it's occasional). Leaf springs and rigid rear axles are simple, reliable, very heavy duty, easy to maintain and repair, and most of all extremely durable and cheap to produce. All essential in designing work vehicles.

[BarBoss]

Quote, originally posted by syclone »This is one of my all time favorites, from John Phillips in the April, 2004 issue of Car and Driver.
http://www.caranddriver.com/ar...ber=1
Definitely a hilarious read some of the poor choices in modern car interiors if you have a few minutes.
That was very funny!! And very true...

[Roker]

Why is it that Japanese car manufactures such as Toyota, Honda and Nissan make most of their cars in America(to be sold to Americans) and U.S auto manufactures like Forrrrrrrd and GM make most of their cars in America, and the Japanese still are able to make better cars than them.Even with the same American workers.

[BarBoss]

Quote, originally posted by Santeno »
Because most pick-up trucks are still used for work (even if it's occasional). Leaf springs and rigid rear axles are simple, reliable, very heavy duty, easy to maintain and repair, and most of all extremely durable and cheap to produce. All essential in designing work vehicles.
Well yes - but no. I mean they sure are stiff and reliable and cheap, but Coils allow a lot more articulation, are more rugged (leafs usually get in the way and break more easily than coils). Coils are a lot more heavy duty for a pickup truck than leafs, and easier to maintain too. As for durability Coils are a LOT better than leafs, which tend to break if not easily, at least reasonably regularly. I think it all comes down to price, and not really caring for it...
Except of course the real work vehicles... Unimog, Defender, etc... THEY use coils, and carry three times more load and go a lot further off the tarmac

[CruzIzabella]

Quote, originally posted by SLR »Not sure if its on topic but why did GM let the Aztec make it to production. I mean didnt the focus groups throw up or something and how does a car go threw so many people before they figure its doomed
Along the same lines...why did they ever release the Baja, and every other one that failed miserably

[CruzIzabella]

Quote, originally posted by Santeno »
Beacuse it was a competing company to other korean domestic companies which grew to become second only to Hyundai in it's domestic market. Since being acquired by Hyundai, Hyundai has become the defacto ruler of the korean domestic market (with upwards of 70% marketshare), and by having an alternate brand, it allows hyundai to move it's brand upmarket, while retaining Kia in a more value oriented price point.
I read Hyundai is going to introduce its luxury division in the US soon, and Kia is going in the direction of attracting young buyers, Spectra5 was the first move

[DrCeshing]

its all about money if a company can find a cheaper alternative then they will use it even if for instance a car componant that may look rubbish, they will get more profit,
oh well if car manufacturers did not make these mistake then there would be no such thing as car spy shots

[BarBoss]

Why do most pickups still have leaf springs in the back?

[Beatris]

This is one of my all time favorites, from John Phillips in the April, 2004 issue of Car and Driver.
http://www.caranddriver.com/ar...ber=1
Definitely a hilarious read some of the poor choices in modern car interiors if you have a few minutes.