It has long been considered a known truth that the Traditional Imports build better cars than the Traditional Domestics. To the casual observer, it would seem that the TD’s care less about their end product than the TI’s do. Is that really the case?
Over at AOL Autos this week Christopher Neiger spent some time with an incognito quality engineer who has worked for the TI’s and the TD’s. So what does he think? Do the TD’s care less about their end product? He says both the domestic and import car companies took pride in making quality-built vehicles, but also says there was a difference between the two companies he worked for.
So what is the difference? Well, while our hero doesn’t come right out and say it, it’s the accountants. Really, what Jason does say is that the TD’s are all about getting as many units off the line as possible, meeting the quota. Time is money and getting vehicles off the line in a hurry saves time. The TI’s on the other hand take extra car to ensure that vehicles come off the line right the first time. They perform a string of quality tests on assembly parts before they hit the line, just to be sure they are right.
So how does all of this equate to a battle between the number crunchers and the quality team? As we’ve said all along, the quality of the TD’s products has little to do with the guys on the line or even the designers. It’s all about the mighty dollar and the TI’s accounting departments seem to grasp the concept that spending a little wisely up front, while the grubbers at the TD’s don’t.
OK…that’s enough industry views from me for the next 6 months or so. Be sure to read the article at AOL Autos.
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