Automaker Thoughts

I just filled out a survey for INC about automakers and thought I would post my response to their question about my thoughts on American Automakers.

The American market unfortunately built cars that need to be replaced far too quickly. They don't seem to understand that is wasteful. Volvo is a great example of long lasting dependable cars, and Volvo started marketing their dependability mission decades ago.

Unless the Automakers start building long lasting, dependable, hybrid, hemp fuel or electric powered cars (not Corn! how wasteful) that eliminate our reliance on foreign oil and high pollution, then I will continue to buy foreign. Heck, I would buy the Saturn Electric Car in a heartbeat if they brought it back to life. (Have you watched the movie Who Killed the Electric Car?)

I have owned American cars: a Ford, Pontiac, Chrysler. And foreign: three Volkswagens, a Saab, a BMW, and now I own a Toyota Prius which I enjoy very much. I obviously love cars and have owned many.

Another option for automakers may be a subscription pay car, like an internet subscription service or NetFlix or "Bag, Borrow or Steal". That way the car maker will continue to make money and the consumer will always have a working car. Kind of like a Lease but better since it would benefit the dealership and the automaker for a longer time.

That could encourage the American Automaker to make longer lasting, better cars. And they could make money for the long run, not just a one-time fee like they currently get for the car. Unless they're like Toyota and make money off financing, which I am sure they do.

Why not create a different business model? Any thoughts?