Ford Product Development?

[mark_hensleysbcglobalnet]

Ford has synthesized Volvo and Mazda brands into their vehicles. For instance the Mazda3 has Volvo infrastructure (bones), Ford tunes the suspension and Mazda invested heavily in engine and power train.  These parts are shared throughout the three brands. The 2.3 litre motor is utilized in Ford Escape, the Mazda Tribute and the Volvo s40. The powertrains are derivatives based on applications.  So what has happened to the the Volvo heritage, Mazda heritage and the Ford heritage?  It seems like an inward breeding of the models has taken place, so I am wondering why I would pay a premium for any of the brands?  Please inform.

[rockon1442]

Fords are domestically made here. What I think they are doing is putting there things in the imported cars so they run like fords. From past experience, Ford products usually last 20,000 miles before you have to put a lot of money into them.

[ToddS]

It's the way of the world these days. Globalization! Ford also has a stake in Jaguar and their small sedan bears striking resemblance to the Ford Contour in my opinion. GM owns Vauxhall, Holden, Saab (and others) and the same melding of power trains and chassis is going on there as well. Usually the difference is in the amenities. Some may have heated leather seats and better quality plastics/interiors as well as better sound insulation then others and the vehicle price will reflect that. You also get varying degrees of component quality during manufacture, so Volvos may get the best engine castings (more uniform thicknesses, surface variations, machined surfaces more to spec, etc) where the lower quailty castings may go to Ford or Mazda.

[bpflyguy1990]

Purely a matter of mass market economics.  The days of manufacturer, dealer and owner pride have bit the dust.  If Ford could assemble cars with Chinese made engines etc. that's what they would do, no matter the name brand on the car.  

Farm, construction, golf course machines have all gone the same route. eg. John Deere, an American icon,Japanese and German made diesel engines, Toro golf course machines, French or Japanese engines etc. etc.

Money, Money, Money is why most mass market fools pay the premium for mass market junk.  The multi-nationals know you will because you believe their market ploys.

Rolex is really just another watch.  

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