Subject: Oriental car design

[GLewis4457@domain.elided]

In a message dated 11/14/2002 2:11:58 AM Central Standard Time, 
owner-alfa-digest@domain.elided writes:

> Subject: Oriental car design
> 
> I laughed when I read the post about orientals being
> incapable of designing an original car.

Alot of this may have been more true 15-20 years ago.  Virtually all of the 
Japanese (don't know about Korean) manufacturers now have design studios in 
the US (mostly California) and, I think, in Europe.  I remember the 
discussion not long ago where the same people were ripping the Japanes design 
of the Miata...until someone knowledgeable (what a concept!) pointed out the 
Miata was designed in the US and not by Japanese.  I also believe that just 
because a similar shape or curve, or whatever is used does not mean it was 
copied or stolen from some European marque.  The designer may have just liked 
the way it looked.  I don't think any designer, like any artist, wants to be 
seen as merely a copy cat....even though it would please me greatly to be 
thought of as an Ansel Adams copy cat, I try very hard.

Another gripe, while I'm at it.  Just because the majority of car buyers in 
the US or anywhere else prefer to think of their cars as appliances and are 
not looking for its' soul does not make them stupid, uninformed, or 
delusional.  It only makes them different and that is OK.  I think it is 
really just sour grapes.  Soul is mostly in the mind of the driver.  The 
Japanese manufacturers provide solid, affordable, reliable vehicle throughout 
the economic range and it is OK for someone to want that in a vehicle.  
Comparing any car made today to any other car made even 10 years ago is 
comparing apples and oranges.  The worst car made today is better built than 
the best car built 10 years ago...it is called progress.  As materials, 
design, and manufacturing processes have progressed so have the overall 
quality of the cars.  We/you don't have to like them, but those who do like 
them and buy them do not need or seek our approval.

Jerry in Houston
--
to be removed from alfa, see /bin/digest-subs.cgi
or email "unsubscribe alfa" to majordomo@domain.elided