  Mashugruskie Member Username: Mashugruskie Post Number: 95 Registered: 09-2006 |
Just saw this on the news. WTF? | ||
Lilpup Member Username: Lilpup Post Number: 5490 Registered: 06-2004 |
yes, almost all in hybrid development (i.e. electrical types) http://chryslercareers.com/ | ||
Mashugruskie Member Username: Mashugruskie Post Number: 99 Registered: 09-2006 |
Thanks for that link, Lilpup! | ||
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan Post Number: 6382 Registered: 10-2003 |
That's actually very good to hear. In Japan, the government actually pays for a good deal of their auto companies R&D. I guess it just means that we have to work smarter. | ||
Gannon Member Username: Gannon Post Number: 14753 Registered: 12-2003 |
Yes, because platitudes will help us survive! The Chrysler contract-engineer I spoke with over the weekend wasn't too sure about his status, by the end of the year he expects to be searching. He's one of the smartest guys I know in that business, too. What do we suggest for him? | ||
East_detroit Member Username: East_detroit Post Number: 2218 Registered: 11-2003 |
To move to Japan where the government realizes the value of the auto industry and subsidizes it without calling them lazy or irrelevant. | ||
_sj_ Member Username: _sj_ Post Number: 2716 Registered: 12-2003 |
I don't think you want to compare the work ethic of Americans to other countries, you might be in for a shock. quote: I mean how does the Big Three do it without tax breaks for plants, lobbyists, $25 Billion in bailout cash, Federal Aid for mergers, etc. | ||
Sstashmoo Member Username: Sstashmoo Post Number: 2772 Registered: 02-2007 |
Quote: "I don't think you want to compare the work ethic of Americans to other countries, you might be in for a shock." How we work more days per year than any other civilized country on the planet? No "shock", I knew it all along. Quote: "Employees in the U.S. work the highest number of hours per year compared to the rest of the world – about 70 more hours per year than workers in Japan , and 350 hours more than in Europe . This discrepancy is largely due to longer work weeks and fewer weeks of vacation in the U.S. In addition, overtime and second jobs add to the regular work week." http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/workschedules/abstracts/dawson.htm 350 hours? That's like 9 weeks more. (Message edited by Sstashmoo on October 27, 2008) | ||
Lilpup Member Username: Lilpup Post Number: 5491 Registered: 06-2004 |
and on an hours per car basis the only autoworkers who are more efficient than Americans are the French | ||
Mikem Member Username: Mikem Post Number: 3717 Registered: 10-2003 |
"What do we suggest for him?" As has been advised here before, many times, he should have been continuously expanding his skill-set, especially as the price of gas rose and the financial outlook of the industry dimmed. Night school, online classes, certifications, M.B.A., networking, and so on. A friend of mine was let go from Chrysler in February. I told her the same thing but she always had excuses: not enough time, not enough money, couldn't afford more day care, never worked in any other field, not interested in any other field, etc. He might have no choice but to join her in the service industry until the economy turns around. | ||
Digitalvision Member Username: Digitalvision Post Number: 1416 Registered: 11-2003 |
It's all about the needs. All of the Big 3 are hiring in specific areas. Was talking to a recruiter who says they are worried because they no longer can find the talent with the right skillset or willingness to learn it in this area (I don't know how much of that is true or not). They're importing from New York and Boston and paying top-dollar. They're finding the best hybrid engineers in California, because the they can't find enough here that know anything or enough about it. You must constantly be improving your skill set through official or unofficial education. That is the way of the new economy, sucks, but it's not changing. If you are not constantly working to better yourself and keep up, you will be left behind. You MUST learn the new technologies in every field. Henry Ford's old adage is coming very true. "If you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right." Mikem, your friend thought she can't. And so the predicted result occurred. Sounds stupid, but the people I know making money and staying safely employed are the ones who think they can and are willing to put the personal development work in to grow. I know fifteen people who found new jobs making more money by at least ten percent in the last month. They all subscribe to the above. Those people don't get laid off as much. | ||
Lilpup Member Username: Lilpup Post Number: 5493 Registered: 06-2004 |
The hardest part is anticipating which way things are going to go. The auto industry has become increasingly electronic and software, less traditional mechanical. Mechanical engineers, aero engineers, and closely related fields, have seen pretty substantial demand downturns over the last 10-20 years paralleling the loss of manufacturing. | ||
_sj_ Member Username: _sj_ Post Number: 2718 Registered: 12-2003 |
quote: Until you see that SE Asia is around 2,200 hours per worker. Or that Norway produces more wealth per worker. You are not #1 all the time at everything, get over it and move on. quote: Makes a difference when your skills are in demand instead of having a skill 8-million others have. (Message edited by _sj_ on October 27, 2008) | ||
Lilpup Member Username: Lilpup Post Number: 5494 Registered: 06-2004 |
2,200 hours is not unheard of for US workers at all. That's a 42 hour work week, bump it up to 44 if you take 2 weeks vacation. In my last job I averaged more than that for years on end and my brother is doing so now in his corporate job. A big difference is I was hourly so I got paid for it while he's salary and, by law, is supposed to be paid for it. His employer says he can have comp time but he never gets to take it. | ||
Sstashmoo Member Username: Sstashmoo Post Number: 2774 Registered: 02-2007 |
Quote: "You are not #1 all the time at everything, get over it and move on." Ok we'll accept 99%. 100 where it matters.  | ||
Lilpup Member Username: Lilpup Post Number: 5495 Registered: 06-2004 |
Chrysler's probably going after the folks Tesla let go for these positions anyway. Not too many people already have the experience they're looking for in hybrid work. What's really disconcerting is that many majors, not just in auto, have basically shut down their college recruiting programs. Where can new grads find work anymore? | ||
_sj_ Member Username: _sj_ Post Number: 2719 Registered: 12-2003 |
quote: And there are workers that work more, the point being that 2,200 is the average for them. | ||
East_detroit Member Username: East_detroit Post Number: 2220 Registered: 11-2003 |
SJ, why do you hate Detroit? | ||
_sj_ Member Username: _sj_ Post Number: 2720 Registered: 12-2003 |
Why do you blindly love something leading you around like a pack of sheep. Regurgitating their slogans without a rational thought of your own. | ||
Lilpup Member Username: Lilpup Post Number: 5496 Registered: 06-2004 |
from this and previous posts I suspect SJ is connected with Toyota | ||
_sj_ Member Username: _sj_ Post Number: 2722 Registered: 12-2003 |
Well you have suspected wrong. Remember what they say about assuming and assumption. | ||
Johnlodge Member Username: Johnlodge Post Number: 8955 Registered: 10-2003 |
quote: True, a bit. But the extra money actually buys less. quote: quote: True, but their productivity is less. quote: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories /2007/09/03/business/main32287 35.shtml | ||
Professorscott Member Username: Professorscott Post Number: 1669 Registered: 12-2006 |
Don't forget that in all these other countries, every single one of them mentioned, a car company is not responsible for health care costs. But I guess saying that makes me a "socialist", so the hell with it. | ||
_sj_ Member Username: _sj_ Post Number: 2723 Registered: 12-2003 |
quote: That is true, however the government is not responsible for it either in many of those countries. | ||
Lilpup Member Username: Lilpup Post Number: 5497 Registered: 06-2004 |
maybe SJ is just a CCBatty sockpuppet - sure sounds like it | ||
East_detroit Member Username: East_detroit Post Number: 2221 Registered: 11-2003 |
Don't confuse a mix of optimism and pessimism as blind loyalty... unless all you are is pessimistic in which case anything else would probably seem to be blind loyalty. SJ either got fired by Detroit or works for someone who competes with Detroit.... or maybe he is just pessimistic all the time. For example, news that Ford is statistically tied with Toyota and Honda for quality is met by SJ with a negative or disparaging comment. News that Ford has more of the highest safety ratings than anyone else.... same thing. Seems like SJ either wants Detroit to fail or has given up him/herself. | ||
_sj_ Member Username: _sj_ Post Number: 2724 Registered: 12-2003 |
quote: I repeat, Well you have suspected wrong. Remember what they say about assuming and assumption. quote: Don't confuse Negativity with the truth. For example, Ford coming in at #17 in the quality rankings below Kia, is not what I consider a good thing. But keep on spinning and denying. Is Ford improving? Yes. Of the three is Ford rated the Highest? Yes. Are they on par with their rivals? No Denial is a bitch, but when you are a sunshine blower instead of a realist it is easy to get confused. quote: The best of a garbage, something to write home about and place on the refrigerator. quote: Oops. | ||
Johnlodge Member Username: Johnlodge Post Number: 8960 Registered: 10-2003 |
Which study are you referring to? In the 2008 JD Power study on initial quality, the ranking is as such: 1. Porsche 2. Infinity 3. Lexus 4. Mercedes 5. Toyota 6. Mercury 7. Honda 8. Ford 9. Jaguar 10. Audi 11. Cadillac 12. Chevrolet 13. Hyundai 14. Pontiac 15. Lincoln 16. Buick These are the 16 nameplates, in order, that ranked above the industry average. http://digiads.com.au/car-news /latest-MISC-news/J_D__Power_2 008_Manufacturer_Quality_Repor t_200806.html | ||
East_detroit Member Username: East_detroit Post Number: 2222 Registered: 11-2003 |
You seem to take glee in speaking negatively, so at least you have one bright spot for yourself. Ford #17 behind Kia? Guess again. Or maybe you like to pick the worst vehicle instead of the average? That seems par for the course for you. Here's some reading material for people who don't hate Detroit with a vengeance: http://www.usatoday.com/money/ autos/2007-06-06-ford-quality_ N.htm http://media.ford.com/article_ display.cfm?article_id=25882 http://www.freep.com/article/2 0081014/BUSINESS01/81014074/10 14/Business01 "The gap was small enough that Ford can say with 95% statistical certainty that its quality is essentially equal to those Japanese rivals." Keep arguing, SJ... maybe you can finally prove that Detroit sucks someday. | ||
Sstashmoo Member Username: Sstashmoo Post Number: 2778 Registered: 02-2007 |
I'll make a safe prediction: In a few years, buying any foreign car or good for that matter here in the US is going be much more expensive. About double what it is now. We'll repay the Chinese. | ||
_sj_ Member Username: _sj_ Post Number: 2725 Registered: 12-2003 |
Maybe you will learn how the real world works and how people without rose colored glasses see it. Infact you might want to start with reading your own links. A Ford payed study shows them at the top, you are joking right. quote: You are the one who started comparing brands not me. And it came from one of your own links. It was not me who posted this Ford is statistically tied with Toyota and Honda for quality Don't get mad because the truth hurts. While Ford can boast it is the best of the Big Three the truth is it is not TIED with anyone. Hell even your JD Powers and Assoc puts Ford and Kia statistically tied to use your poor words. Consumer reports as reported by one your links places Kia above Ford. You probably argue that Detroit is not violent and those rankings mean nothing either. Keep on apologizing, world knows the Big Three needs as many as those as possible. | ||
Lilpup Member Username: Lilpup Post Number: 5498 Registered: 06-2004 |
I'd say SJ's not an American or Canadian, either, unless from Quebec. | ||
Thames Member Username: Thames Post Number: 266 Registered: 02-2007 |
50 hours a week here. With travel; a 55 hour week, unless it's the week that I work Saturday too, then it's a 58/hr week, with travel 59. Every week of every month of every year. I'm tired. | ||
Sstashmoo Member Username: Sstashmoo Post Number: 2779 Registered: 02-2007 |
I'd say just a jealous onlooker. Why else would a person that obviously hates Detroit be here? Hates us because they know they'll never be us. We are "The Motor city" All the Asians can do is steal our technology and capitalize on our ingenuity through backroom trade deals. Must not be very rewarding. Don't worry, the laws will change, economics will dictate that. | ||
Johnlodge Member Username: Johnlodge Post Number: 8961 Registered: 10-2003 |
sj, you've contradicted the data cited and haven't provided any of your own that matches what you're saying. Where is the Consumer Report that shows Kia over Ford in quality? The 2008 JD Power survey I posted puts every GM and Ford nameplate ahead of KIA. The JD Power survey ED posted is a year outdated. But it does illustrate the improvement in one year by Ford and GM plates. I can understand not liking unbridled optimism, but some of your statements are completely incorrect. If you have other sources, post the link and quote the relevant citation so we can see it. Specifically: A recent quality study of nameplates in which Ford is #17 behind KIA as you have stated. The consumer reports link you say ED posted above that shows KIA above Ford. | ||
Johnlodge Member Username: Johnlodge Post Number: 8962 Registered: 10-2003 |
Correction: I said JD Power put every GM and Ford nameplate over KIA. In fact, Saturn is lower. | ||
East_detroit Member Username: East_detroit Post Number: 2226 Registered: 11-2003 |
What is this SJ person reading and in what language? I'll say it again. Ford is statistically tied with Toyota and Honda for quality. | ||
Ndavies Member Username: Ndavies Post Number: 3101 Registered: 10-2003 |
Chrysler shut down hiring for these positions yesterday. A friend was just hired for one of these positions and has a start date of Nov 3. He's going from a contract position to direct hire. He received his start date just before the announcement of the 25% salaried employee cuts of last week. He was told hiring for the other open positions were frozen yesterday. We were teasing him that he may have just made it in time to get a decent buy-out. He might also be the last person Chrysler ever hires. He's already looking for something else. Talk about turning what should be a great moment in your life into absolute crap. | ||
Danny Member Username: Danny Post Number: 7878 Registered: 02-2004 |
Chrysler Hiring Engineers? HAH! They laying off white and blue collar workers in the process. They might even lay-off older engineers,too. | ||
Jimaz Member Username: Jimaz Post Number: 6726 Registered: 12-2005 |
Chrysler Financial may ship IT work | ||
Ndavies Member Username: Ndavies Post Number: 3103 Registered: 10-2003 |
quote: This is just a continuation of the IT restructuring that was done on the auto side of Chrysler's business. | ||
Lilpup Member Username: Lilpup Post Number: 5530 Registered: 06-2004 |
From current reports it sounds like the merger is going to happen if the Feds will do some financing. That easily could be the reason for the hiring freeze, but since these recent positions were in hybrid work I doubt they're in jeopardy. | ||
Otter Member Username: Otter Post Number: 337 Registered: 12-2007 |
The above argument about whether Ford is really in X place in quality vs. Toyota or whomever seems to be misplaced, as it is based on a misunderstanding of what the survey results mean. There is no single quality metric that one can use to say that "A is better than B" JD Power alone has multiple metrics - there is the Initial Quality Survey, a longer-term customer satisfaction survey, and a couple of others whose general character I can't remember. I used to be more attuned to this in my previous job but don't have any of this stuff in front of me any more. Trumpeting someone's palcement over someone else ins, say, JDP's IQS has pretty limited value beyond that for PR and marketing purposes. It tells you something about what new owners think of their car in the first year, but nothing about what the long-term (say, 5 years) reliability of the car may be. Despite the many surveys and metrics out there, evaluating the quality of automaker A vs. automaker B is a rather subjective evaluation. Probably the best comprehensive ranking is Consumer Reports', and automakers tend to put more weight on a high ranking there than they do in any other survey, both because of the nature of CR's survey and the weight that their recommendation carries. |
