Michael Robinet
Michael Robinet
best ensure future profitable stay
Readying for an even more competitive marketplace is in every company's best interest. Even today's profitable manufacturers have to look to the future to ensure that they stay profitable.
bigger business buzz cars economies ford gained imports model plants profitable quickly react scale subtle successful word
The old business model was that bigger plants gained economies of scale -- the more cars you made, the more profitable you became. The new buzz word is flexibility. The successful manufacturers will be the ones that can react quickly and make subtle changes. ... That's something the imports have perfected, but Ford is really grappling with.
doubt footprint players shifting
There's no doubt the footprint is shifting and the players are shifting.
believe car expect ford help investment mexico small
I don't believe that Mexico is part of the rationalization strategy. I would expect a significant investment there to help Ford with its small car strategy.
external gm marriage needed stability
It was a marriage made in heaven. GM needed low-cost development capabilities in Asia, and Daewoo needed stability and an external market.
commitment highlights
It's a big step. It highlights their commitment to the market.
specific vehicles
When the new vehicles arrive, you don't want too many of the old ones on the lot. I see this as a specific case, not a wide-ranging trend.
float fuel gm prices products quite top
I think the products for 2006 are quite strong. If we can keep fuel prices at $2 a gallon, I think GM will float to the top of the SUV and full-size pick-up market.
pile sitting toyota
Toyota is sitting on a pile of money.
butterfly emerging spread
I see it like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon. It'll take a while, but it'll spread its wings.
critical fact mass reflective
I think it's reflective of the fact that they have a critical mass here.
both cadillac crucial investment lack next pickup vehicles warning
The lack of an investment would be a warning sign. Both the full-size pickup and the next Cadillac CTS are crucial vehicles for GM.
benefit complete entity functions global vehicle
In this ultra-competitive global vehicle market, anything DaimlerChrysler as a complete entity can do to streamline administrative functions is going to be a benefit to their competitiveness.
car factory gains grand luxury parcel river tremendous
The CTS has made tremendous gains in a very competitive luxury car market, and the Lansing Grand River factory is part and parcel of getting the right quality.