Thadeus Thornton III's Comments

Ford Gaining on Honda, Toyota in Perceived Quality

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:43:04 -0500

Interesting comments, especially by fearful Toyota backers. As if their "perceptions" will bail Toyota out of it's failing quality and sales issues. The article is about FORD, folks, and how it is making inroads in sales and quality. Even GM, who has been so badly bashed, still has sold more vehicles in the USA than Toyota, Honda, and others, even through it's difficulties. See:

online.wsj.com/mdc/pub...

And Ford keeps creeping up on Toyota sales figures. This is not a perception. . . it is numbers. It continues to amaze me how people will back and support companies that contribute to the trade imbalance and weaken our long term economic health.

GM: What Its Progress Report Doesn't Say

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:36:13 -0400

Hello

Pocket Change Portfolio Update

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 13:07:05 -0400

Can't read SA because your computer isn't configured correctly? Go call your computer "help" line. When you get the Chinese, Pakastani, Mexican, etc "tech" online see how much help you get. Oh, I forgot, you don't like "highly paid" American workers or companies that really pay what they should instead of paying dividends to free loading "investors". Dividends belong to those producing them. . . a company's employees.

On Jul 31 05:56 PM consumeronstrike wrote:

> Tell me how to get that damned "dashboard display" or whatever you
> call it to move so I can read the whole article. Get rid of it,
> or tell me how to get rid of it. I hate it and haven't read SA in
> a month because of it.

GM: Cuts and Outsourcing

Fri, 15 May 2009 16:48:12 -0400

Well. . . I guess you got tha off your chest. Anything constructive to offer? A lot of innocent people are hurting over this. A gloating attitude help. And this is just the beginning. I guess folks like you like to see illegal immigrants and Chinese products here in the U.S. People like you have bought their kids into a bleak future. Yes there could have been more insight from the management at GM, Chrysler, etc. But it is far more complex than what you present in your bashing comment. Lighten up and try and support American Brands. You have no idea how much damage NAFTA and other unbalanced trade agreements affected hundreds of thousands of jobs in the last 20 years. Folks from Japan, China, Germany and more are laughing at attitudes such as yours.

'Surgical' Bankruptcy for Chrysler

Sat, 02 May 2009 11:47:30 -0400

Talk about not staying on point. You seem to talk arounf the points and still manage to do the same thing. . . bash honest hard working people by putting them in a box and labeling them as greedy workers preying off a company. Guess what, their are lazy, opportunistic, self servers in every walk of life , I would venture to say yours included. You right wing "Toyota Republicans" also seem to see things though fogged spectacles of the class prejudice you say you don't possess. If the economy continues to fail and this country continues to decline, it will be due your lack of any attempt at understanding.

------>no one said UAW is not working hard, the point (you lefters tend not to stay on point well) is everyone is working much harder since 2001, when NAFTA's effects were in full force (thank you Bill Clinton) . But the UAW is working for themselves( not the corporation who butters their bread) they could care less that they need to scale back just like everyone else. Sooner or later when the economy turns and we are leaner and adjusted to the transplants everyone will adjust and things will improve. No I am not bitter I am a team player and do not suffer from "Class Envy". I love rich people the richer the better because they actully make me richer. Ever get a job from a poor person? I applaude the next Bill Gates, Henry Ford and Thomas Edison they all made my life better. How dare the UAW feel entilted to the inventions and "Brain Power" that allowed these people to have jobs and improve their quality of life and it takes more than physical labor to make a company run

'Surgical' Bankruptcy for Chrysler

Fri, 01 May 2009 13:12:30 -0400

Some of the comments here reveal such a high degree of " intellectual ignorance". They are either very young and just accept the business school logic and media poppy cock about how a labor union such as the UAW and its members could have such a high degree of influence on a company's success and profitability. Their ignorance and malice is further revealed by name calling and deriding work ethics and education of people ( that they don't even know) doing the brunt of the work at an automaker. Most workers at an automotive plant merely took the job that was available to them where they happened to live. So that's reason to derided them? Many others have education well above the average including BA's and more. Some are also health care workers. law enforcers, farmers, business owners, that saw a better source of income and benefits than what their previous jobs would provide. Many still continue in a filed of endeavor after their work day is done at an auto plant. From what I've seem, most are and have been hard working, skillful, have education, talents, interests, and skills beyond what they do for an income. More than likely these complainers are envious of the wages and benefits because their corporate jobs and careers haven't panned out to be the personal gravy train that they thought.
To state it again. Check out productivity ( The Harbor report ) for all the Big 3 over the last 10 to 15 years. It rivals, meets, or bests the transplant competition. This is a measure, not just of number of vehicles produced, but hours per unit, labor and overhead costs, and overall throughput. You don't get productivity improvements with lazy workers. Job numbers decreased, line speeds and job tasks per unit have increased. The major reason for market decline in the Big 3 was some poor product choices and engineering, high compensation and bonuses for corporate management, wasteful and futile R&D efforts on questionable technologies, and not listening to it's customer base. Then along came the financial meltdown. These are the real mongrels. If you wish to be angry, direct it at the right causes. Not the people who followed production and design mandates by the automakers. Otherwise, point a finger at yourselves for the decline of your past or current employer while it's having difficulties in this bad economy.

'Surgical' Bankruptcy for Chrysler

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:48:50 -0400

*sigh* . . . . I continue to be amazed. Based on some peoples comments, they are never satisfied. Chrysler will now go through Bk, although I also agree not as fast as Uncle Sam would like it. As far as Pres. Obama and the UAW goes. . . gee whiz, Obama doesn't want this mess either. Let's not forget George W. made the first loans before he left office. And the UAW has had less clout, influence, and drag on either Chrysler or GM than the bashers like to blab. The labor costs ( even at the inflated cost plus legacy rates reported) were not a significant factor in this. Anywhere from 5 to 10% the cost of producing a vehicle. As a comparison: It cost Henry Ford 15% for the labor on his $695 Model T and he was happy with that. Remember, he built an entire manufacturing city, housed people, provided school for kids, and some medical care. If Henry Ford got rich on $695 Model T's at 15% labor cost, then new reduced costs for Chrysler and GM will certainly not be a factor in recovery. All of the Big 3 obtained year after year productivity gains for the last 15 years according the Ron Harbor reports. Many plants for Chrysler, GM, and Ford were/are more or just as efficient and cost effective as any at the transplant competition. GM still is outselling Toyota in vehicles in the US this year.

It's the great and greedy financial gurus of Wall Street that precipitated this whole mess. It was and is a huge systemic financial problem and any anger ought to be addressed to those mongrels. And what did they get? FREE bailout money, not L O A N S of significantly less amounts that were provided for Chrysler and GM.

Detroit Uses Aid to "Open-Up" Auto Lending: Not Necessarily Good for GM

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:43:33 -0400

Seems inconsistent to me also.

Toyota Motors: A Fantastic Short if We Soon Retest Market Lows

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:20:29 -0400

This is actually not accurate. Even now.
Mad Hog Hunter :
""General Motors (GM) has 6,500 dealers in the US and Toyota Motors has 2,000, but Toyota sells more cars than GM""

If you check last months sales, and even sales for the quarter, GM STILL sold more vehicles than Toyota or Honda. In fact, even Ford just sold only 1700 less than Toytota. Sorry Mad Hog Hunter. Facts:

www.autoobserver.com/2...

Detroit Uses Aid to "Open-Up" Auto Lending: Not Necessarily Good for GM

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:15:47 -0400

This is actually not accurate. Even now.

""General Motors (GM) has 6,500 dealers in the US and Toyota Motors has 2,000, but Toyota sells more cars than GM""

If you check last months sales, and even sales for the quarter, GM STILL sold more vehicles than Toyota or Honda. In fact, even Ford just sold only 1700 less than Toytota. Sorry Mad Hog Hunter. Facts:

www.autoobserver.com/2...

Detroit Uses Aid to "Open-Up" Auto Lending: Not Necessarily Good for GM

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:38:17 -0400

Wow. I'm not even touching this one. Except to say that GM is making drastic adjustments and should be applauded for that along with the JD Power rating that another poster mentioned.
Many car makers including Ford, Chrysler, an originally Toyota and Honda in early years sold cars at a "loss". So shouldn't that be mentioned? How much shall. we include or exclude? It does seem negative to keep hammering on GM when they are making efforts. This article just foments this kind of commenting so I guess I am not surprised.

Five Reasons to Say Yes to American Cars

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 17:48:59 -0400

A glimmer of hope. GM sold some 155,00 light vehicles in March which is up from February, but of course, down from last year. Up is... up isn't it? Also, GM sold almost 17% more vehicles than Toyota with Ford only about 1,700 units behind.
Here's hoping this crisis has helped GM, Chrysler and Ford to get leaner. The cars are very much on par with the competition, if people would just take a look, take a test drive, and see the value in the American BRAND cars.

Chrysler, GM Travails Could Be a Boon for Honda

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 17:43:15 -0400

Just for some perspective. .. according to the newly released March sales figures. GM sold almost 17% more light vehicles in March than Toyota. Even Ford was only about 1,700 units behind Toyota. GM sold some 155,00 vehicles in March, which is actually up from February. Well, up is up isn't it? A glimmer anyway.

Five Reasons to Say Yes to American Cars

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:38:50 -0400

He is. .. indeed, one and the same. LOL

I think these guys need to write a lot to stay employed too. Can't blame them. .. I guess. :D

Five Reasons to Say Yes to American Cars

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:10:49 -0400

I just hope GM rethinks what brands it might do away with. Saturn has the most unique and European designed and engineered vehicles in GM's stable. The Saturn Aura is a great buy, especially now. I test drove a Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. I bought an Aura after a friend recommended it, and it compared favorably to the fore mentioned at $2,200 to $4,500 less. It has European, styling, amenities, and handling. I'm getting 23 to 26mpg around town, and have gotten between 31 and 36 on the highway. The Astra is not too shabby, but due for a makeover as the Aura is. The "new" Aura will be like the new 2010 Buick La Crosse. It is based on the Opel Insignia, quite a nice car. Also, the Saturn Vue is actually made after a similar model GM has made in Belgium and sells in Europe.
I hope GM reconsiders and doesn't shoot itself in the foot as it has done so many times, unfortunately. I have always thought an average car savvy person would make better product choices than GM often did.

GM's Bankruptcy: Obama's Socialist Hat Trick

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 13:32:43 -0400

Th irate use of profanity, circular reasoning, and stretching what people actually write, does not lend credibility to any legitimate statements you may contribute.
As far as "socialism" goes. Some people keep bringing up Hitler. Hitler was a fascist who used a label of socialism to get people in Germany to buy into his policies. Hitler, being a fascist, ran things under a police state using the SS and fear and terror to control the populous. What is interesting to note is that we in the U.S. came closet to that (using the same fear and terror tactic) in the previous 8 years with "homeland security" and all it's often misapplied policies, some of which, still linger and are having lasting effects to out detriment.

GM's Bankruptcy: Obama's Socialist Hat Trick

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 09:12:25 -0400

Give it a rest please. The new guy "BO" has not accepted Chrysler's or GM's plan for restructuring, giving them a bit more time so you are down on that? And then let's interpret the whole thing as just a show and posturing with a real " secret agenda" in the background? It appears some people are never satisfied with what an administration tries to do in this mess. One has to wonder if we would even be in this mess if we hadn't had almost 8 years looking for WMD and unbridled profiteering in the oil industry. There is absolutely no doubt this weakened an already precarious situation while the auto industry was making inroads to wage and benefit reductions for actually the last 12-15 years.

Yes, there were better product decisions and more effective management choices that could have been made at both Chrysler and GM. Form happened to luck out getting some financing before the financial meltdown. A legacy business like GM or Chrysler doesn't turn on a dime. Things are much more complex than in a small business operation. But it actually seems that isn't the issue for some folks. Some people just will deride and tear down any movement towards progress that isn't apparent to them.

Millions of people's jobs, retirement, and family well being are at stake here. Is it all these people's fault that they went to work for GM or Chrysler or a supplier or support business? Some people put their lives into this industry. Maybe that's part of it. Some folks are fearful of their own business downturn or lack of profits in this unhealthy economy and turn their frustrations on GM, the unions, it's people, and the new administration.

What about people that have retired.? Not all retire at 50 years old like some like to report. Some have been retired for awhile and do not actually have a very large pension at all. And some retired a few years ago along with a decimated 401K that they built up on their own to augment a modest pension. So then, force GM and Chrysler to declare bankruptcy; and also force these people on a government pension and possibly out of their homes? These people and their spouses ( over 700,000 for GM) do not have the luxury of time to start over. They put their time, sweat, and youthful years into the opportunity that existed for them where ever they happened to live. If it was a job at GM or Chrysler should they now be penalized for that? If they have to go on government PBGC some people will then complain about that. All these negative comments reveal is jealousy, no compassion for fellow man, and a self centered point of view.

Ten Cars Detroit Should Copy

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 18:51:31 -0400

I think I refuse to contribute any comments.( other than this one)

All we are doing is justifying this kind of poor economic article and the writers who are biased, do little research, and write off the top of their collective heads. Or worse. .. out of the other end.

GM Needs to Be Leaner and Meaner if It Wants to Survive

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 09:46:12 -0400

I don't know. In 41 years of driving, I, my wife, and kids while they were home, owned Nissans, a few Toyotas, as well as a Dodge or two, a few Chryslers, one Subaru, one Isuzu, and numerous Chevys, a couple Oldsmobiles, and now a Saturn Aura. I've also driven/rented a Toyota Camry a few times, a Ford Taurus or two, and several GM trucks. I also remember 1979-1981 Honda Accords that had fenders rusting off in 18 to 24 months, and my Nissans had premature oil seal failure [a common problem for them]. So I can not say foreign cars were anymore reliable or durable then American brand cars. I know many times parts were more expensive. My 1990 Subaru rear breaks were an $800 repair, said the dealer.
On the other hand, I know of many people who have a Buick or Olds with the GM 3.8L engine that is still going strong after over 230,000 or even 300,000 miles. That with only a water pump, maybe an alternator, and the usual tires, shocks, and other routine maintenance.
Regarding " cars people want", I think Ford has an excellent car in the Focus and the Chevy Cobalt is very close. The Ford Fusion is also a great value, but not my style. I find my Saturn Aura [similar to Maibu} very European, upscale, and a value for the money. I believe that the perception of American brand cars has been unduly handicapped by some mismanagement and market choices of the Big 3, but even more so by automotive journalists hyping foreign car attributes and quality that wasn't necessarily there. That also appealed to the egos of certain demographic groups that perceived they had to drive a Lexus, BMW, Honda, Mercedes, VW, or Toyota to fit into their peer groups. It became "trendy" to do so. Madison Ave. advertising made the most of that too, I'm afraid.
As to actual quality, ride , styling and handling; I have driven both a recent Honda Accord {seats are not comfortable for more than an hour} and a Toyota Camry {transmission shifts lurch and not smooth, interior as mundane as any} . I find them pricey and not any better than some American brand counterparts, in my humble opinion.

Six Cars That Represent the Future of Driving

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 09:16:27 -0400

Chevrolet already has the Fuel Celled powered Equinox operating prototypes in actual use. GM has been developing fuel cell technology long before any other car maker.Funny how the author mentions a Honda concept vehicle, but somehow missed the Equinox.
www.chevrolet.com/fuel.../

GM Gets Some Good News, Chrysler - Not So Much

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:29:24 -0400

It is amazing that the same people who tout the positive ratings of the JD Power reports for a foreign brand car, will find a way to poke holes when a American BRAND car makess the grade. How do these people explain the ratings that Toyota or Lexus had in the past? Did they give JD Power large consulting fees also? This reasoning is circular and a bit moronic.
Besides that, GM and Ford has had vehicles in the top ten of JD Power for several years and it was ignored by this type of naysayer. Now when it's difficult to argue away a number on win position, they want to deride and down play that. Looks to me as though it's a pretty level playing field. I've owned both foreign make ( Toyota, Nissan, Renault, etc ) as well as GM and Chrysler vehicles over that past 35 years [ some 38 vehicles ]. I have found no significant difference in vehicle quality in buying a foreign brand except usually higher cost and parts bills if they did need some repairs.

Bank Stocks Rally: Sustainable or Bear Market Blip?

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 09:50:25 -0400

All I can say abut this is that anyone who has kept track of the commercial real estate property market much realize it is at as inflated or more inflated than the residential market. I know of two individuals who got out of the stock brokerage business in around 1999 when the market tanked, and promptly started dealing in commercial real estate property. The commissions there were obscene. Business rental property got bought and oversold so many times that owners kept raising rents to the point that some business owners moved out of buildings. It's nuts when a small hair salon owner like my wife goes to has to pay 50 - 55% of her monthly income as rent. So here's an example of the real estate business profiting with no thought or concern of how the big ticket sale of a building will affect another business owner. I'm not saying all real estate people are heartless and self centered. They just fell into the same path that the mortgage lenders did. Sell a lending product, sell a property, damn the torpedoes! More greed, more lack of ethics, all for one and all for me attitudes got us here.

Coca-Cola, J&J Remain Atop ‘Power Brands’ List; GM Biggest Loser

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 09:32:39 -0400

"Mister Jimmy":

Isn't that the truth! Most , if not all, of the writers here like to bash GM constantly. Either they drive foreign brand cars or have stock in those brands. I know one writer here, initials "M. L.", who insists he has no axe to grind with GM, but "only prefers a "certain " German made car " for his tastes.
It's interesting, GM and Buick in particular, has had cars in the top 10 of the J.D. Power ratings for at least the last 3 years. And it gets ignored or derided. Now GM has a Buick tied for #1, and these critics still want to bash or ignore. If the U.S economy continues to suffer and go under, it's elitist attitudes of people like this that are self defeating for this country and self fulfilling in their desire to see domestic auto companies fail.

The Latest Bad Idea: Government Sponsored Vouchers for Car Purchases

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 09:23:28 -0400

Germany has been doing the voucher deal on cars since last Fall. From what I read, it only applies to German made cars. Wake up U.S.A. If this goes through, support American BRAND and made cars. Some people will label this protectionist. What do you think other countries like Japan do?

The Latest Bad Idea: Government Sponsored Vouchers for Car Purchases

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 09:20:12 -0400

It's too early to tell much from this article.
----> "To be sure it's hard to perform a detailed analysis on this plan until it's finalized because so many things can change between the proposal stage, and the time the bill passes." <------

The Latest Bad Idea: Government Sponsored Vouchers for Car Purchases

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 09:17:48 -0400

Cars are selling up to 50% off? What brand, where,? Perhaps you are talking about the "buy get one free" thing. I've only see that involving left over 2008 unpopular models like the Chevy Uplander mini van and you get a free Cobalt. So you end up buting something you don't want at almost full price to get an higher mpg compact you might want. Where's the deal in that? I've not seen any specific deals for new, 2009 models 50% off. I'd like to know where, specifics. For 50% off I might be in the market. Otherwise this is just more "foof".

More Bad News for GM

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 11:31:02 -0400

Just an interesting note. It seems that GM has unseated Lexus as the #1 vehicle in the US for quality and reliability according to owners. Now, when GM vehicles are in the top 10 of JD Power vehicle studies, some people just disregard them. Now that Buick is #1 how are they going to ignore that? Where's the argument about "poor quality, dependability, American BRAND cars are sub standard"? I'm sure someone will nit pick.

www.reuters.com/articl...

GM has also recently indicated it did not need the $2 billion of it's government L O A N for the moth of March. Wages are not an issue, health insurance is a decreasing issue. With decreasing real wages and benefits, where will the incentive for any business be to pay a far days wages for a fair days work? Even $18 an hour for a family of 4 puts people in the "working poor" category in many areas of the country. How is a worker supposed to provide any measure of well being for his/her family, fund a 401K ( that gets robbed of any gains periodically), pay high health insurance co-pays all on $ 36K - $38K a year? And the BIG3 will be paying people less than that. In many areas of the country, rent alone would eat up a half of monthly income, unless people expect others to raise their families in squalor or the ghetto. We seem to be going backwards very, very fast. All due to the finance guru's greed, jealousy over decent wages and benefits, and misinformation or out right misrepresentation of auto workers compensation and work ethics.

AIG Bonus Outrage Only Grows Worse

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 08:20:14 -0400

I heard an aspect of the CDS process I can not verify. Perhaps someone can. I heard that when a CDS was configured, a "premium" was added to the actually cash liability of it of from 5 to 15% or more. In other words, there was front end money being made from the get go. If that's the case, then the CDS market had to be grossly inflated, and therefore more funds out there than was covered by any real property or collateral. Where was this money supposed to come from when paid off? If I were AIG, and the CDS was say $1 million, but the face value was $ 1. 15 million, who covered the excess?
Am I missing something here or is this magic math? Can anyone confirm that this is part of the problem?

More Bad News for GM

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 08:20:24 -0400

Just a thought. To me it sounds as though this "Cobra " person got refused a small business loan or something along the line and is now bitter about any large business getting help from CREATED financial failings not of their own dealing. You want an "intellectual " answer? People have been giving them, but you are too closed minded to hear it.
I also have to wonder a few other things. You seem to have an awful lot of time to post on this site and who knows where else. Who is doing all the work for you at the company? Do they know you spend so much time grinding the ax on GM for no benefit of theirs? Also, what happened to the other companies you started/worked for? Did the employees there get left in the lurch when the business failed and you just went out and got another small business loan on the governments (public) dole? And if you ever did accept a small business loan, how is that different from GM getting a L O A N to keep things running in a credit freeze situation? I am thinking by your fervor, you are really afraid or concerned about how this financial mess will affect your own business. If that's the case, GM has nothing to do with that.

Why AIG Wasn't Allowed to Fail

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 14:40:47 -0400

So how do I get to pass my default on my home and car loans off on someone else? I mean I can get PMI for my home, but that doesn't allow me to be reckless and stupid. Does anyone know of an insurer (besides AIG) who will give me a policy soon so that I can default and have my stuff for free. . . Oh, and maybe with a cash "bonus" too for being crafty enough to think of this?