I don't think this is a bad thing.
- GM is “aggressively reviewing product issues and will not hesitate to conduct a recall if it is determined to be the right thing for customers. We have changed our safety review processes and added 35 investigators so we can move more quickly to address issues as they arise."
note:
- The only key models not among the list of 54 recalls this year are:
Chevrolet Equinox crossover; GMC Terrain, which shares the same basic crossover platform; and Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid.
Thoughts? Should we care? Probably, I guess.
I think they're just trying to put everything out there in the open, thinking it will show that they aren't sweeping things under the rug anymore. While that is admirable, to have 54 recalls in a year really tarnishes your company's image to the public. People hear a recall, and even if its for a light bulb in the door panel, they dont care.
Yep, they're paying for it. A couple billion in cash as well as the trust and loyalty of its entire customer base. That's why I'm saying it's a pretty even situation: They're getting what they deserve and they're doing what they are expected to do. Of course that's only now, rewind within months and you've got all the excuses and cover-ups, but at least now justice is served.
A lot of this is showing the fault in using: 1.) Interchangeable parts in varying models of vehicles 2.) using sole manufacturers (or perhaps 2-3 at most) for many parts 3.) using Just-in-time manufacturing, reducing the time for you to check the parts for flaws. It's a great strategy unless something goes wrong, because then it affects EVERYTHING. When everything operates as it should, it creates billions in sales.