General Motors Ford?

[bathurst77]

... please consider ...
In the early 60s Holden Australia made more cars per year then all of Japan. Now Toyota makes more cars per day then all of Australia does per year.

In Australia and USA in the "big 3" were Ford/GM/Chrysler. Top 3 selling companies. Now in both markets Toyota has taken number two from Ford, and is sniffing on GMs pole spot, Chrysler US staggers and is currently going a divorce from Daimler-benz.

For many years Ford USA has been "the F100" company. The f100 (and its Fxxx variants) were the number 1 selling vehicle Ford had, and were the backbone of its success. Now with "gas" prices tipped to hit US$4.00 per gallon, sales of the F series have finally stalled and Ford is suffering.

For many years now neither Ford nor GM have made a profit selling cars. Both companies have stated that they lose money on cars and make money thru finance. Ford Credit is fords most profitable division. Similarly for GM.

Both Ford and GM shares are now not much above "Junk Bond" status, and their credit ratings are very poor.

SO how long before Ford and GM decide the best way to fight Japan (especially Toyota) is to share R and D and models between the two of them?

Looking further down the track how long before the two struggling giants merge to become one company?

What would then happen to Holden and Ford Aust?
One company with two divisions? (similar to the many divisions of GM and Ford stateside?)
Would a future Falcon be a badge engineered Commodore?

Interesting comment in "Wheels" recently, where the head of Toyota in Japan said the car company that Toyota fears most is Hyundai.

Just a mornings naval gazing here.