http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060918/ap_on_bi_ge/gm_ford

*cry* What is the world coming to?!

 

that would be odd. although buying a new camaro with a 9" rear from the factory would be nice.

 

An alliance seems better in every way, to me.

That way you still have real American competition, but you also have the americans working together against the axis of evil, or what not

 

lmfao I agree, it might benefit both companies like the article says, because of the fuel economy, to ally against the "axis of evil" lol!

 

Yup I have to agree, it would be better to merger with Ford then to see both big US automakers go out of business.

 

Merger will never happan, and would be stupid to happen. But an alliance where GM and Ford do R&D together and share production of certain part would work for both. Ford and GM already have that FWD/AWD 6 speed automatic together.

 

Don't go over the deep end guys. This IS NOT a Ford GM merger that will produce Chevy Mustangs and Ford Camaros, so take the valium and calm down a little.


The point of intrest in all this is what Scott and other GM people call "the economies of scale".

Most everyone who has talked to any one from GM already knows this, but GM bases alot if not all of their decisions on volume. This includes purchases of raw materials and OEM parts from vendors.

These talks between GM and Ford centered around how they could combine their resources to make things cheaper for both (perhaps the only reason GM's board even considered Kekorian's Renault-Nissan merger proposal).

In theory, if GM and Ford combined their purchase power, they would be able to force better prices in steel, plastics, assemblies, etc.. As some of you know, steel prices have jacked themselves up recently, and Delphi is in a position to dictate to GM.

GM and Ford DEFINATELY would not be able to merge into a single company. This matter ended up in courts before many many years ago. So, again, those of you going into vapor lock or what I have started calling "Collective internet Heard Mentality Induced Panic" (CHMIP for short.... where one person comes up with a slightly absurd but innocent conclusion, and the heard follows with ever increasing panic and posts that eventially border on the illogical and the ridiculous), take a deep breath.

GM and Ford are wondering if they combine resources, what can they save, and if they are only talking raw materials and outsourcing, can they avoid anti-trust laws.

It's the same thing that's done in Japan, so get a grip guys.

 

I tend to agree with Guy on this. I don't think they would actually merge, but rather work together somehow. Five years ago, I would have shuttered at thought of such a thing. However the thought of either company going under, to me is just sickening! As is an alliance with nissan.........well I won't go any further, as I'm sure you know my thoughts on that, as well as my thoughts on the media cabal! It has been MO for quite some time, that the "axis of evil" ( or WMD, as I like to call em' ) have been actively attempting to bring down these 2 companies, it makes sence for them to join forces in some way. This has got to be a testament to my own growth, as I was THE Ford basher in the not so distant past. Now I see these 2 as a great national treasure (how the rest of the country, does not see them this way is beyond me), in serious jeopardy of being lost.