PhillyD

Brand Names: Important, But Not Key to Investment Decisions

You guys must be young ... very young. I am 49 and I remember in the 70's and early 80's how the Japenese brands were considered cheap and not well put together. However, through tremendous improvements and great marketing (R&T, MT, and C&D have been a HUGE part of their success) have now turned the tables.

Through better products (which they now make) and some better marketing (they still suck) the American Brands can once again be considered desirable.

Around the world, if you didn't know, American Car Companies are considered desirable. Ford is HUGE in Europe (of course they sell a better looking car their) and GM sells more Buicks in China than they do in the U.S. (yes that's true.) We in America think it's it's passe to drive American and fawn over the Japenese cars (I know this - I've owned 5 new Honda's and Acuras.) I've now bought American in the past 11 years and have NOT been dissappointed. They are every bit as good as the Japense versions.

Now in JD Power the American Cars have finished 4 out of the top 12 spots. The Japense have 4. The Germans 2 and the South Koreans 2. It sounds like, to me, we're building the better product. Now for the Brands to catch up! It will happen.