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In response to NSX's post in the Miata thread, here's a piece on the 25th anniversary of Nihon's wunderklasse of '89.
[url="http://www.automobilemag.com/features/1402-five-japanese-cars-that-shocked-the-auto-industry-25-years-ago/"]5 Japanese Cars That Shocked The Auto Industry 25 Years Ago[/url]
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[quote=NSXType-R;1003627]Wow, I didn't know that Toyota would be the last manufacturer of cars produced in Australia. Pretty sad state of affairs then. I wonder what the Australian members think of this, as I'm not familiar with the economy of Australia.
Toyota to end Australia production [url="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-26114894"]BBC News - Toyota to end car production in Australia by 2017[/url][/quote]
Manufacturing anything in Aus to the scale required to make it worthwhile when compared to just shifting production to Thailand is just dead. Not without massive government subsidies, and really, what's the point? Why subsidise a dying segment? It sucks for the (really very) large amount of people put out of work, but it's the right thing in the long term/greater good. Australia needs to step up into RnD, Engineering and rapid prototyping if it wants to make an impact on the world manufacturing scene. Some niche manufacturing will remain, for sure, but large scale profit driven stuff just doesn't make sense. And that's not a bad thing.
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How many jobs could be potentially totally evaporated by ever increasing technology in the next 20-50 years with no new ones to replace them? There are not enough jobs for every human on earth desiring work currently. As computers become smarter and everything more autonomous, how many humans will simply have [I]nothing to do[/I]?
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Become a computer/robot technician.
Alternatively, check what trades are booming in your area (in Aus, any of them) and do that. You can't off-shore or computerise plumbing.
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People need to stop complaining about lack of work when they have useless major...
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This sounds like its going to be something else...
[url="http://www.pistonheads.com/news/default.asp?storyId=29402"]McLaren P1: Driven - PistonHeads[/url]
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[quote=pimento;1003654]Become a computer/robot technician.
Alternatively, check what trades are booming in your area (in Aus, any of them) and do that. You can't off-shore or computerise plumbing.[/quote]
[quote=RacingManiac;1003657]People need to stop complaining about lack of work when they have useless major...[/quote]
[URL="http://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21594298-effect-todays-technology-tomorrows-jobs-will-be-immenseand-no-country-ready"]I am referring to a problem more fundamental that what either of you are talking about[/URL].
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In the US, there are 2.7 applications per open positing, and I believe its 5-1 in Toronto.
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[quote=Kitdy;1003665]In the US, there are 2.7 applications per open positing, and I believe its 5-1 in Toronto.[/quote]
Thats not unusual in engineering at all. We interview at least 3-5 people per open engineering position where I work, and thats after more applications been weeded out. There are always more people applying than people working, but there are plenty of open positions at least in engineering. But that does not mean a company is not selective.
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[quote=f6fhellcat13;1003633]In response to NSX's post in the Miata thread, here's a piece on the 25th anniversary of Nihon's wunderklasse of '89.
[url="http://www.automobilemag.com/features/1402-five-japanese-cars-that-shocked-the-auto-industry-25-years-ago/"]5 Japanese Cars That Shocked The Auto Industry 25 Years Ago[/url][/quote]
Very nice. I don't quite agree with the Infiniti, but I do agree with everything else.
Infiniti doesn't even have a high end car anymore- whatever the M became (I guess the Q70?), it's more of a 5 series, not a 7 no?
On the other hand, at least it's not an Acura RLX.
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[quote=RacingManiac;1003671]Thats not unusual in engineering at all. We interview at least 3-5 people per open engineering position where I work, and thats after more applications been weeded out. There are always more people applying than people working, but there are plenty of open positions at least in engineering. But that does not mean a company is not selective.[/quote]
And none of that means that there are more jobs available than those that desire jobs.
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[quote=NSXType-R;1003627]Wow, I didn't know that Toyota would be the last manufacturer of cars produced in Australia. Pretty sad state of affairs then. I wonder what the Australian members think of this, as I'm not familiar with the economy of Australia.
Toyota to end Australia production [url="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-26114894"]BBC News - Toyota to end car production in Australia by 2017[/url][/quote]
The impact will be far beyond the workers from GM, Toyota and Ford. Lear International manufacture seats near Holden’s plant at Elizabeth and numerous companies supply everything from nuts and bolts to poly front and rear ends. Already an aluminum smelter has announced a closure of their factory. Clothing company Pacific Brands who already import much of their apparel have announced a restructure due to the downturn in work wear. Then the small businesses serving these companies with lunches, stationery etc. The flow on will be significant in a small economy like ours. Australia likes to lead the way in free trade but were are so insignificant that we are fooling and hurting ourselves.
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Is protectionism the answer though? Mandating by someway or another that vehicles must be made in Australia is similar to a very hidden tax on all Australian drivers.
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It's inevitable. Long term, it needed to happen. Sucks in the short term for all the supporting industry and people, but thems the breaks.
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[quote=pimento;1003776]It's inevitable. Long term, it needed to happen. Sucks in the short term for all the supporting industry and people, but thems the breaks.[/quote]
In the long run, we're all dead. ~ noted economist John Maynard Keynes
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Eurohippy buyers apparently scared off by not having a tractor's soundtrack and having to change gear too often. Tail happy handling blamed also. "Too fun", they say.
[url="http://www.autoblog.com/2014/02/21/toyota-gt86-scion-fr-s-sales-disappointing-worldwide/"]Toyota GT86, Scion FR-S sales disappointing worldwide? - Autoblog[/url]
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In other news, communism's spectre is haunting Europe.
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UCP homework: buy an GT-86.
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[quote=Ferrer;1003808]Eurohippy buyers apparently scared off by not having a tractor's soundtrack and having to change gear too often. Tail happy handling blamed also. "Too fun", they say.
[url="http://www.autoblog.com/2014/02/21/toyota-gt86-scion-fr-s-sales-disappointing-worldwide/"]Toyota GT86, Scion FR-S sales disappointing worldwide? - Autoblog[/url][/quote]
I think what you see with the GT86 is that the people who wanted one already have one, and the people who want a more powerful one are still waiting on that.
The GT86 came out in 2012. Sounds about right.
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[quote=Kitdy;1003809]In other news, communism's spectre is haunting Europe.[/quote]
The problem is that we do not have any money at all.
Sanderos and Fabias galore, you know.
[quote=pimento;1003811]UCP homework: buy an GT-86.[/quote]
This is a car that all petrolheads should buy, not matter if it takes a little economic effort.
Even if it's a little rubbish.
[quote=NSXType-R;1003818]I think what you see with the GT86 is that the people who wanted one already have one, and the people who want a more powerful one are still waiting on that.
The GT86 came out in 2012. Sounds about right.[/quote]
In Europe, since diesel engines dominate clearly, most people are used to mid-range torquetastic grunt. In the real world the Toyobaru is hardly faster than a mid range 150bhp Leon diesel (which costs about 7.000€ less).
Proper driving enthusiasts can overlook this (even enjoy the "difficulty") but unfortunately their volume can't make a business case. The [I]average car enthusiast[/I], however can't understand why the 22 grand Kia is leaving their thoroughbred sportscar for dead, and their are the ones making the business case...
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[quote=Ferrer;1003821]The problem is that we do not have any money at all.
Sanderos and Fabias galore, you know.
This is a car that all petrolheads should buy, not matter if it takes a little economic effort.
Even if it's a little rubbish.
In Europe, since diesel engines dominate clearly, most people are used to mid-range torquetastic grunt. In the real world the Toyobaru is hardly faster than a mid range 150bhp Leon diesel (which costs about 7.000€ less).
Proper driving enthusiasts can overlook this (even enjoy the "difficulty") but unfortunately their volume can't make a business case. The [I]average car enthusiast[/I], however can't understand why the 22 grand Kia is leaving their thoroughbred sportscar for dead, and their are the ones making the business case...[/quote]
Obviously the solution is to turn the engine sideways, remove the sparkplugs and put "DIESEL ONLY" stickers near the filler cap, make the interior out of paste, drive the front wheels, and rearrange the Toyota and Subaru badges to look like VW badges. Then you can tell all your friends you have a low-cost premium [i]driver's[/i] economical car!
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[quote=f6fhellcat13;1003822]Obviously the solution is to turn the engine sideways, remove the sparkplugs and put "DIESEL ONLY" stickers near the filler cap, make the interior out of paste, drive the front wheels, and rearrange the Toyota and Subaru badges to look like VW badges. Then you can tell all your friends you have a low-cost premium [i]driver's[/i] economical car![/quote]
Brilliant idea!
In other news, flying car mode closer than it seems.
[url="http://www.autoblog.com/2014/02/25/chevy-camaro-z28-flying-car-mode-video/"]Chevy details how it helps the Camaro Z/28 fly [w/video] - Autoblog[/url]
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[url="http://europe.autonews.com/article/20140303/ANE/140309997/alfa-unlikely-to-get-mazda-made-roadster-sources-say"]Alfa unlikely to get Mazda-made roadster, sources say [/url]
The Alfa Romeo Spider is dead. Long live to the Abarth Spider.
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Such sad and dumb news. Though hopefully he's just saying that because he wants Mazda to let him build some in a FIAT factory in Italy.
LET ME DREAM DAMMIT
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Such sad and dumb news. Though hopefully he's just saying that because he wants Mazda to let him build some in a FIAT factory in Italy.
LET ME DREAM DAMMIT
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[quote=Ferrer;1003921][url="http://europe.autonews.com/article/20140303/ANE/140309997/alfa-unlikely-to-get-mazda-made-roadster-sources-say"]Alfa unlikely to get Mazda-made roadster, sources say [/url]
The Alfa Romeo Spider is dead. Long live to the Abarth Spider.[/quote]
Just keep calm and carry on. There will be a MX-5 based Alfa Spider.
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What are the chances that the car was going to be significantly different from the Mazda anyway? Would it have been somewhat like the Toyobaru twins or would it have gotten new sheet metal?
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[quote=Revo;1003935]Just keep calm and carry on. There will be a MX-5 based Alfa Spider.[/quote]
Bear in mind it's Fiat we are talking about. Anything is actually possible. Including reviving Plymouth.
Probably.
[quote=NSXType-R;1003936]What are the chances that the car was going to be significantly different from the Mazda anyway? Would it have been somewhat like the Toyobaru twins or would it have gotten new sheet metal?[/quote]
In theory the Italian version will have its own styling as well as its own engines. Which ironically are all bound to be turbocharged.
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#RevivePlymouth
I always forget about Plymouth, though we had a Voyager aka Dodge Caravan.
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I find the irony excellent.
[url="http://www.carscoops.com/2014/03/bmw-xdrive-outsells-audis-quattro-in-uk.html"]BMW xDrive Outsells Audis Quattro in the UK - Carscoops[/url]
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[quote=Ferrer;1003829]Brilliant idea!
In other news, flying car mode closer than it seems.
[url="http://www.autoblog.com/2014/02/25/chevy-camaro-z28-flying-car-mode-video/"]Chevy details how it helps the Camaro Z/28 fly [w/video] - Autoblog[/url][/quote]
I find it a bit stupid to focus engineering in the Camaro when the Corvette is not that much more expensive and probably a better platform to get more performance out of.
[quote=Ferrer;1004011]I find the irony excellent.
[url="http://www.carscoops.com/2014/03/bmw-xdrive-outsells-audis-quattro-in-uk.html"]BMW xDrive Outsells Audis Quattro in the UK - Carscoops[/url][/quote]
I find this to be hilarious too.
[url="http://www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicles/x/x4/2014/showroom/index.html"]BMW X4: Start page[/url]
I fail to find a reason why anyone would want an X4.
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[quote=NSXType-R;1004015]I find it a bit stupid to focus engineering in the Camaro when the Corvette is not that much more expensive and probably a better platform to get more performance out of.[/quote]
A 75 grand Camaro is more profitable than a 75 grand Corvette?
[quote=NSXType-R;1004015]I find this to be hilarious too.
[url="http://www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicles/x/x4/2014/showroom/index.html"]BMW X4: Start page[/url]
I fail to find a reason why anyone would want an X4.[/quote]
Someone who can't afford an X6, probably.
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Quick question- will anyone want a Jaguar XK now that the F type is out?
What sort of a car was the XK anyway? Grand tourer?
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Jaguar has announced they will discontinue the XK this summer.
The car will eventually replaced, but it will be a different concept from the current XK.
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Jaguar delivers on command from NSX.
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Welcome everyone to the Cadillac Corvette and Cadillac Camaro.
[url="http://www.carscoops.com/2014/03/cadillac-announces-strategy-for-europe.html"]Cadillac Announces Strategy for Europe, will Offer , Plus Corvette and Camaro - Carscoops[/url]
PS. They will still fail, most probably.
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Oh, LOL.
[url="http://jalopnik.com/leaked-guide-for-audis-hipster-parties-is-64-pages-lon-1540448632"]Leaked Guide For Audis Hipster Parties Is 64 Pages Long, Ridiculous[/url]
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[quote=Kitdy;1004052]Jaguar delivers on command from NSX.[/quote]
Absolutely. :D
[quote=Ferrer;1004096]Welcome everyone to the Cadillac Corvette and Cadillac Camaro.
[url="http://www.carscoops.com/2014/03/cadillac-announces-strategy-for-europe.html"]Cadillac Announces Strategy for Europe, will Offer , Plus Corvette and Camaro - Carscoops[/url]
PS. They will still fail, most probably.[/quote]
So Chevy is so crappy they'll only sell the two interesting cars in the lineup? That's not surprising.
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[quote=NSXType-R;1004109]So Chevy is so crappy they'll only sell the two interesting cars in the lineup? That's not surprising.[/quote]
Apparently the idea is to give Chevy Europe's marketing money to Opel in order to sell less cars and win more money.
Or something.