Nissan/Renault Alliance: GM Outgoing, FMC Incoming

At least, it looks that way:

Carlos Ghosn's Renault SA and Nissan Motor Co. may start talks with Ford Motor Co. as prospects fade for a link with General Motors Corp., two people with knowledge of the discussions said.

Executives from the Renault-Nissan team and Ford have been in touch in the past month about exploring a possible link, according to the people, who asked not to be named because the proceedings are private. William Clay Ford Jr. initially called Ghosn in July to discuss a partnership if the GM-Ghosn talks led nowhere, three people familiar with the matter said last month.

Read "Ford, Ghosn May Talk as GM-Renault Fades, People Say" @ Bloomberg

Why does Nissan want any sort of alliance? Ford has more problems than it's worth to form some sort of alliance with.

Why is Nissan acting this desperate?

I don't remember about GM but Ford was the one that initally contacted Ghosn. Not vice-versa.

Christ, he looks evil in that picture...

Actually, I knew he looked like someone familiar...

Edited September 23, 200619 yr by Captainbooyah

The two U.S. carmakers are considering alliances after Detroit-based GM lost $10.6 billion last year and Ford lost $1.44 billion in the first half of this year as buyers switched to models from Toyota Motor Corp.

For those out there that think there isn't a media bias against American cars, read that!! When I read that, is sounds like GM and Ford lost money due to people 'switching' to toyota. That's horse-$h!.

For those out there that think there isn't a media bias against American cars, read that!!  When I read that, is sounds like GM and Ford lost money due to people 'switching' to toyota.  That's horse-$h!.

196901[/snapback]

Is it really? My neighbor, a LONG time Jeep Grand Cherokee buyer (3 in the 10 years I've been her neighbor), went to trade in her Jeep for a new one as she usually does and came home with a Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

Is it really? My neighbor, a LONG time Jeep Grand Cherokee buyer (3 in the 10 years I've been her neighbor), went to trade in her Jeep for a new one as she usually does and came home with a Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

197329[/snapback]

A. Jeep is owned by Chrysler.... and Jeep is one of it's most stable brands.

B. Once does not a pattern make.

C. Ford and GM lost money to legacy costs. GM had it's best year <in terms of units moved> in something like 20 years in 2005.

Is it really? My neighbor, a LONG time Jeep Grand Cherokee buyer (3 in the 10 years I've been her neighbor), went to trade in her Jeep for a new one as she usually does and came home with a Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

197329[/snapback]

And your point is....?

I don't remember about GM but Ford was the one that initally contacted Ghosn. Not vice-versa.

196846[/snapback]

Ford has new leadership since then. I doubt they would want to be part of the Nissan-Renault mess. the new head of Ford is the guy that turned Boeing around.

Ford has new leadership since then. I doubt they would want to be part of the Nissan-Renault mess. the new head of Ford is the guy that turned Boeing around.

199547[/snapback]

I haven't seen Mullaly rule it out.

And your point is....?

199436[/snapback]

Sorry, I didn't realize I had to spell it out word for word.

My point is that people ARE switching from American cars in general to Toyotas.

My point is that people ARE switching from American cars in general to Toyotas.

A sample size of one isn't all that meaningful. I know someone who traded in a Toyota Camry for a Kia, but that doesn't mean Korea is taking over the entire auto market. Yet.

Sorry, I didn't realize I had to spell it out word for word.

My point is that people ARE switching from American cars in general to Toyotas.

200135[/snapback]

People are switching from all brands. Most people don't stay loyal anymore. Do you think no one traded in a Toyota for an American car?

Sales figures over the last few years show that people are buying more imports (especially Toyota) and fewer domestics. I dont see what part of that is a media bias.