Domestic Dilution.... The loss of the American Auto

It has been happening slowly over the years but not untill recently has it been so commanding.

GM uses Toyota labratories to develop its hybrid technology. It also uses them to build the Pontiac Vibe and Verve engine and chassis. Geo was a Toyota. Isuzu built GM's diesel engine. Saab builds the Colarado's engine. The Aveo is a Dawewoo. The Global Engine Aliance builds the Buick 3.8l. Ford shares the 6F trasmission.

Ford let Mazda build the Probe engine and Mazda uses various Ford chassis for their line up. Jaguar built the Lincoln LS and Thunderbird engine & chassis. Land Rover built Fords 4.5 diesel. International Harvester builds the current 6.4. Peugot and Fiat run a vairation of the Focus chassis. John Deere makes the Fusions seat foam. GM and Ford share the 6F transmsssion. Mazda builds the Edge and Volvo platform.

And Chrysler.... well everyones had a peice of them. From Mitsubishi to the ill fated Eagle. Mercedes Benz (300C, Crossfire, Pacifica). Freightliner (Dodge Sprinter, and the current diesel engines). Cummins Diesel. Volkswagen (uses the Caravan patform). Porche (modified VW/Chrysler platform) . Now currently owned by Canadian firm Cerberus.

These are only a few of the latest interbrand product exchange. With so much foregin influence on our "domestic" models what is left in the American made car?

Re: Domestic Dilution.... The loss of the American Auto

mercury mariner and ford escape have mazda transmissions.

Re: Domestic Dilution.... The loss of the American Auto

GM would be stupid not to get in on Toyota's Hybrid technology, which is good stuff and has been refined over several years. If they can get the mileage up on their monsters, they will continue to sell.

There is no such thing as a U.S. economy anymore. It's now a world economy. There was a time when businesses only had to compete with the guy down the street. Now that guy is on the other side of the world.

There are many U.S. Companies that compete quite well on the world market.

The sooner we start thinking in those terms, the better for all of us.