In another thread the discussion meandered to the topic of quality. Some of us thought that it wasn't so much a question of where the car was built but rather which company was building it. For example I suggested that a Honda built in America was of the same quality as one built in Japan. The quality was dependent on the engineering and management more than location.

Some of us thought that location did make a difference and that there is no question that a Honda built in Japan was of higher quality than one made in America. Given the choice, they would rather have the one built in Japan.

What do you think?

 

I think it's a little of both, actually. Some companies focus on quality (engineering, materials, manufacturing, etc.) while others focus primarily on cost or price points.

An example of this cost focus is a company that stuffs their cars full of options such as sunroof, power everything, leather, etc. but uses a lower quality of parts and materials to reach the given price point while another manufacturer would reach that price point by having fewer options but use higher quality materials and parts.

 

I've owned 5 Hondas. I think only my 1998 Odyssey van was built in the U.S. It is just as great as all the others yet I still think I would prefer Japan's if given the option. Kind of stupid since I have no reason for it.

 

Case in point for the quality of vehicles from the same company in different locations is Ford. I have had excellent results with the Fords in Europe that I've driven whereas the ones constructed in the US I find wanting where quality is concerned. It comes down to how they try to achieve the given price point in a given market.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by brantshali
Case in point for the quality of vehicles from the same company in different locations is Ford.

 

My family is from MOTOWN. I have many friends that worked (probably still do) at Ford, Chevy, Chrysler, and yes, AMC.
After seeing the work done on my ship by the Japanese Nationals in Japan. I can tell you that skill, attention to detail, speed, safety, ...... Far exceeded anything I saw in the Heartland. I learnt as much as I could from watching them.

Location, Location, Location.

 

It is simply a management issue.. when you have a talented team dedicated to a quality product you will turn one out, if the team has failures it is likely the product will. Corporations and national traditions will change, but product quality will come from the people that drive the initiative.

 

Chris

Generally I agree with what you are saying. I'm a little confused by you last sentence. If corporations and national traditions change who are the people driving the initiative. Are you refering to the managers or are you possibly refering to the consumers who are demanding quality and therefore driving the initiative?

Originally I thought you meant the managers, but if national traditions and corporations change, won't the attitude of management change with them?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by ralper

 

Could be true

I was in Japan in the early '80. Isn't that when "Made in USA" sucked in the USA? or is it that way still. or did we improve in the '90s?