In manufacturing the 1971 and 1972 automobile, it would appear as if the automotive industry has taken one step beyond — beyond belief:
In the first five months of 1972, the industry recalled more cars than it sold. More recalls came later in the year. That should give you pause for thought; particularly if you’re thinking “new car” thoughts.
Engines twist loose, wheel-axle assemblies come off, flash fires occur in the air filters, bumpers crumble like creampuffs. All of this is due, we read, to “engineering decisions”; makes you wonder where these engineers received their degrees, doesn’t it?
Anyone who has ever owned a car expects a certain amount of annoyance; the usual squeaks and rattles, windows that stick, clocks that don’t work, etc. But, after 50 years of experience, wouldn’t you think they could get rid of the old “bugs”, instead of creating new, more dangerous ones?
Of course, the automobile industry doesn’t like to advertise its failures. They prefer to talk about how sexy, solid, simple and honest the new cars are. They advertise sleek styling, attractive design and roomy comfort. And then they name them — The Thunderbird, The Spitfire, The Matador, The Pinto. Names that conjure up mental images of unbridled speed and daring; daredevil drivers off on a fantastic adventure; knights in steel armour, barreling down the highways in search of who knows what?
If all the time, energy, and money that went into advertising and styling was channeled into the manufacture of a SAFE automobile that would be guaranteed to run for five years, without recall, we’d all be better off financially and physically: They could call it something drab like The Workhorse, The Surefire, or Old Reliable. After all, a name is a name: It’s performance that counts:
So, for all of you who enjoy driving, we wish you a seat belt that won’t give way under stress, undented fenders, and an axle that remains on your car.
May God bless and protect you, I don’t believe Detroit has any intention of doing it
Originally published in The Paper, December 1972.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1972_12.pdf, printed page(s) 2.
