LETTERS

Automotive Industries,  Dec, 2000  

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Lovin' Lutz

Your October cover story was a great read. Bob Lutz is still one of the auto industry's greatest executives.

Jim Manning

Smyrna, Tenn.

via email

Regarding Bob Lutz's new Cunningham car, I hope the world needs another high-dollar supercar, but I don't believe many others agree with me.

Fred Glantz

Mansfield, Ohio

via email

The "Merger of Equals"

The Germans are lambasting the Chrysler Group management for poor profitability, when these same circumstances had been foreseen and planned for five years ago. Whose short sightedness is it, really, when all these plans and contingencies were out in the open during the due-diligence phase of the merger? How could they not expect to have some bad quarters when you're launching four new vehicles with one ground-up new plant and three that were extensively reworked?

Stuttgart should explain to the remaining U.S. shareholders why the plans to alleviate the crunch from this particular set of events (which had been foreseen by the previous Chrysler management) were scuttled.

Michael R. Damiani

Product Engineer

Ford Motor Co.

via email

Gore vs. Bush

Your "Gore vs. Bush" article that ran in the October issue was decidedly one-sided. There is a difference in philosophy between the two candidates and their views on the future of America. Every time a massive environmental solution is rammed down the throats of Americans, we balk. We can develop our own energy sources and be more self-sufficient for America in the future, depending on which candidate is chosen.

Americans are an adaptable people. But we like the option of choosing it for ourselves, not being ram-rodded.

Bill Horwatt

via email

BMW's New Mini

I can understand Ken Gross' conservative comments in the October issue pertaining to the new Mini coming to America. However, I disagree on his view that BMW should concentrate its efforts on building smaller, cheaper cars. In Europe, this works because Europeans are used to less-expensive-looking Benzes and BMWs. In the U.S., though, it is a tough sell. If a person gets into a cheaper BMW, they typically want the nameplate, but they want the amenities as well. The 318ti did not perform very well and it looks as though the future 3-Series hatch will be cheaper than the sedan 3-Series, but pricier than it predecessor. So, the Mini is a great idea because it will allow BMW to build a potential cult classic while getting people into a less expensive BMW.

Michael Stockton

Materials Engineer

via email

Ken Gross replies: I didn't say that BMW should concentrate its efforts on building smaller, cheaper cars. But I do think an entry-level BMW is a better proposition than having to educate buyers about the Mini. Remember, the 2002 put BMW on the map in the U.S.; I can't believe the modern-day equivalent isn't possible as an entry-level BMW.

Is Jeep Going "Soft-Road"?

I've been a "real Jeep" owner for 18 years -- CJ-5, CJ-7 and two Wranglers. Reading your report in the October issue of a recent Chrysler meeting, held to determine the future path for Wrangler, I have this opinion: Jeep is about function, not compromise. The Jeep's future should not be decided democratically by the masses in a meeting. It should be decided by real Jeep people, who actually own Wranglers.

Mark J. Hadden

Manufacturing Metallurgist

Delphi Automotive Products Rochester, N.Y.

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