Referring to the Jan. 22 letter of Stephen Madeline, Midwest public affairs manager, Ford Motor Co., one can easily see why auto companies in this country are on the skids. Instead of truly learning how to compete with quality foreign products at a competitive price, they expend their efforts with advertising propaganda, whining spokesmen and begging for government protectionism.
I am one of those Americans who have refused to buy a Japanese vehicle because of ”social conscience.” By maintaining this policy, I have overspent and have never received value for my money.
My present vehicle was made by a ”quality truck plant”-a Ford Aerostar Minivan. If this vehicle represents quality, then Ford Motor Co. is in for much more market trouble. I have never had a vehicle that has had as many defects in manufacture and performance failures. Dealer response is negligible, and response from above is no more than double-talk.
It`s time for American automakers to clean house and give us a quality product at a reasonable price, not expensive whining and coverups by their overpaid spokesmen.
