Ford, GM explore joint engines

[Rocket 88]

Originally Posted by Ming

A GM (or Ford) enthusiast forum is sure to bring out the Calvins peeing on each others' emblems like it's still 1993 and Toyota was still coming up from behind, unnoticed by the two squabbling high school rivals, but I like this idea.

Bring on the joint projects.

Keep Detroit strong!

Yeah, I'm looking for one of those Calvin stickers right now... but its hard finding one of him peeing on Toyota. Did Toyota win a lawsuit or do they own all the decal companies too?

[windvale]

GM should totally colaberate with Ford on all technology. Sharing development and manufacturing cost on the Volt/E-Flex system will bring down the costs dramatically sooner than GM going it alone. If GM can bring the Volt to market for 35K instead of 40K due to a collaberation that would be awesome.

It's not 1968 anymore. It's not Ford vs. Chevy. It's Detroit vs. Asia, Europe, etc.

[appman85]

Normally I am pro GM and anti Ford but even I see this as a good deal. I would rather have both companies sharing and producing one excellent engine together than 2 decent engines on their own. Times are changing and its about survival vs Toyota and Honda now.

[Stéphane Dumas]

on Autoblog someone posted the following comment http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/04/f...ne-development

What about sharing common platforms as well? The next gen Malibu and Fusion could be built on the same platform saving both companies millions.

the idea of common platforms could work for specific vehicules where the market share is smaller (mid-size/full-size RWD)

For engines, maybe it could be some diesel engines as well.

[jzchev28]

im all for it, no more calvin peeing on fords for me

[KingElvis]

Originally Posted by BigAls87Z28

Someone tell me why GM should use ANYTHING that Ford has?
Mod motors vs Gen IV's? Winner: GM
Zetec vs Ecotec?? Winner: GM
Duratech vs HF V6? Winner: GM
Supercharged motors? Winner: GM
Plug in Hybrid: Winner: GM
Active Fuel Mangagement Winner: GM

What does Ford have that GM doesnt? If someone says Ecoboost, Im gunna pass out with laughter.

I was gonna say - what's in it for GM? Ford seems to lag about three years behind in terms of MPG and HP/liter.

The V8 line seems especially weak. They've got to use the three valve settup to get competitive HP with 2 valve Chevy engines.

That WOULD be funny to have a "Mustang vs. Camaro" or "F-150 vs. Silverado" contest with both 'competitors' having the same engine.

[dratnol]

Originally Posted by BigAls87Z28

Someone tell me why GM should use ANYTHING that Ford has?
Mod motors vs Gen IV's? Winner: GM
Zetec vs Ecotec?? Winner: GM
Duratech vs HF V6? Winner: GM
Supercharged motors? Winner: GM
Plug in Hybrid: Winner: GM
Active Fuel Mangagement Winner: GM

What does Ford have that GM doesnt? If someone says Ecoboost, Im gunna pass out with laughter.

People like you and that type of thinking will be responsible for the demise of the US auto industry.

As a mod you should at least try to be somewhat objective, not a blind fan boy.

[dratnol]

Originally Posted by Ming

A GM (or Ford) enthusiast forum is sure to bring out the Calvins peeing on each others' emblems like it's still 1993 and Toyota was still coming up from behind, unnoticed by the two squabbling high school rivals, but I like this idea.

Bring on the joint projects.

Keep Detroit strong!

Well said.

Maybe Ford and GM could look at a joint project for a competitive V8 for Lincoln and Cadillac.

[44 mpg by 2010]

If you look at the source article, it said that it took about 2 months of study, negotiations, and internal meetings to decide that they should "start negotiating" a cooperative agreement.

Do YOU think that Ford and GM can complete and sign such an agreement before 2009?

It appears to me that there is NO SENSE of URGENCY to help THEMSELVES ... OR ... the CONSUMER in SERIOUS NEED of "fuel frugal" machines.

That leads me to believe that unless something changes radically, no serious fuel conserving product will be available from Ford and/or GM for the US market before 2012!

If that is the case, then the question is how much more additional market share will be GIVEN to their competitors?

What will be Det3 total domestic sales in 2010?

What portion of those Det3 domestic sales will be BUILT WITHIN the US?

What happens if fuel prices continue to rise, as EXPECTED?

What will happen to residual resale value of the typical existing Det3 machines?

Can these two patients be resuscitated?

SADLY ... Hope is fading in the US market place ...

Keep in mind that this is an issue of individual economic and social choice ... NOT one of FORCED CAFE!

[HoosierRon]

Originally Posted by KingElvis

I was gonna say - what's in it for GM?

Cash.

[Rick_VT]

Originally Posted by BigAls87Z28

Someone tell me why GM should use ANYTHING that Ford has?
Mod motors vs Gen IV's? Winner: GM
Zetec vs Ecotec?? Winner: GM
Duratech vs HF V6? Winner: GM
Supercharged motors? Winner: GM
Plug in Hybrid: Winner: GM
Active Fuel Mangagement Winner: GM

What does Ford have that GM doesnt? If someone says Ecoboost, Im gunna pass out with laughter.

Well im not from America so ive never driven any car with those motors in them but theres no reason GM and Ford shouldnt combine in other areas to save money, surely between those to and maybe even Chrysler they could get together and form some kind of company to purchase stuff for their cars, between the 3 of them they should be able to find lots of things that can be bought as 1 to save money.

Maybe someone who works in the steel industry could answer this for me but if GM Ford and Chrysler all purchased their steel requirements in 1 big bulk deal how much could they potentially save the buying it seperately?

[Pinnacle]

Good stuff!
Help both companies

[asrapid]

Maybe in near future GM could together with ford continue working on ultra V8 engine. For cadillac and some top versions of future lincolns. And since GM TT V6 is on hold they could use help from ford.

[Chaz_23]

Are we in for another round of merger and acquisitions talks?

Just lump the Big 3 into one. GM provides truck and SUV designs and engines, Chysler car designs and transmissions, Ford...uh...the name. And the Jackal Ghosn as the boss of it all.

[tamatt27]

Originally Posted by windvale

GM should totally colaberate with Ford on all technology. Sharing development and manufacturing cost on the Volt/E-Flex system will bring down the costs dramatically sooner than GM going it alone. If GM can bring the Volt to market for 35K instead of 40K due to a collaberation that would be awesome.

It's not 1968 anymore. It's not Ford vs. Chevy. It's Detroit vs. Asia, Europe, etc.

I agree completely! Ford and GM teaming up would be the best thing for both the companies as well as the American automaker economy.