Let Nissan build Lexus at Smyrna
In your May 4 issue, I saw two articles that seemed to be a perfect match, just like the Legos my children play with.
The stories were 'Toyota looks to U.S. for Lexus output' and 'Nissan chief predicts more production cuts.'
One needs expansion; the other needs reduction.
So why not produce Lexus cars at Nissan's plant in Smyrna, Tenn.?
Is the idea so outrageous? I think it would benefit everyone, including suppliers and consumers.
My children look for a perfect Lego piece so they can create something interesting. Daimler-Benz and Chrysler Corp. found each other, too.
I am aware that Japan's keiretsu system would be a barrier. But while keiretsu does not benefit anyone, support of each other could bring tremendous benefits. Toyota was nice enough to share manufacturing processes with Chrysler. I wonder why I don't see friendly support among Japanese makers.
Lexus cars made at a Nissan plant would represent nothing but peace. And maybe the price could be peaceful, too, if manufactured in North America.
Am I daydreaming or suggesting improvement?
KIMI HOCKEL
Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
The writer works for a Japanese transplant parts supplier.
Dealer's message: Buick cares
I am responding to Matthew McKenzie's May 25 letter, 'Keep Oldsmobile, drop Buick.'
General Motors should keep ALL its divisions. If all were run as well as Buick, GM would be jubilant.
Buick's market share has increased during the past several months.
Buick's Customer Satisfaction Index is among the highest at GM. In a 1998 J.D. Power survey, Buick was second only to Lexus in CSI.
The average age of a Century buyer is down seven years, and the average age of a Regal buyer is down nine years.
General Manager Bob Coletta and General Sales Manager Larry Hice communicate constantly with their dealers.
Numerous Dealer Key Meetings throughout the United States help them know what's happening on the retail front. Bimonthly VHS Curbside Chats give them two-way feedback. The National Dealer Council has an excellent working relationship with Buick's super team.
The communication is there. Buick realizes it has awesome dealers who get the job done. Buick cares.
STEVE FRIEDMAN
Dealer
Mayfield Heights, Ohio
Buick dealer answers put-down
This is in response to Matthew McKenzie (Letters, May 25), who suggested that General Motors should drop Buick and keep Oldsmobile.
McKenzie obviously is not aware of the marketplace or the cars of which he writes.
I am both a Buick and an Oldsmobile dealer.
Sales indicate that Buicks are very much in demand. I am proud to be a Buick dealer. A large percentage of our Buick customers are repeat customers who are well satisfied with their automobiles.
I also believe that Oldsmobile is developing and selling some fantastic cars, but Buick is doing quite well, and I am happy to have it. Perhaps McKenzie should drive a new Regal GS before he tells me that Buick is going nowhere.
I would really rather have a Buick.
WALTER LEIPUNER
Dealer
Cherokee Buick-PontiacOldsmobile-GMC
Rogersville, Tenn.
