Michael Robinet
Michael Robinet
specific vehicles
When the new vehicles arrive, you don't want too many of the old ones on the lot. I see this as a specific case, not a wide-ranging trend.
benefit complete entity functions global vehicle
In this ultra-competitive global vehicle market, anything DaimlerChrysler as a complete entity can do to streamline administrative functions is going to be a benefit to their competitiveness.
butterfly emerging spread
I see it like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon. It'll take a while, but it'll spread its wings.
external gm marriage needed stability
It was a marriage made in heaven. GM needed low-cost development capabilities in Asia, and Daewoo needed stability and an external market.
critical fact mass reflective
I think it's reflective of the fact that they have a critical mass here.
doubt footprint players shifting
There's no doubt the footprint is shifting and the players are shifting.
commitment highlights
It's a big step. It highlights their commitment to the market.
bigger business buzz cars economies ford gained imports model plants profitable quickly react scale subtle successful word
The old business model was that bigger plants gained economies of scale -- the more cars you made, the more profitable you became. The new buzz word is flexibility. The successful manufacturers will be the ones that can react quickly and make subtle changes. ... That's something the imports have perfected, but Ford is really grappling with.
pile sitting toyota
Toyota is sitting on a pile of money.