Thoughts:

1. There is nothing inherently low-quality about mass production-m.p. is just a tool used in design.

2. Car makers want you to buy a new car as often as possible-think 'planned obselence' in terms of quality.

3. Car makers (in particular benz?) are barely coming to terms with the fact that microchips don't last long and were not designed with automotive use in mind.

4. Car makers (in their neverending quest to sell new models) are trying to change your perception of what a car should be. We now are expected to desire a car that doesn't allow the driver to shift, drive as fast as he deems safe, pulse their brakes, press the accelerator, roll the windows, flip the mirror, turn on the AC, the lights, the windshield wipers, or the fan. Sensors tell us how to parallel park, and if the "car" thinks we are too close to those infront of us. We no longer have to know where we are going before we leave-the car will tell us. Drivers are so disconnected from the act of driving that within the next few years that when you try to avoid an accident by pressing the brake, you won't be pressing the brake at all...nervous?

All knowledge about mechanics, basic lubrication, upkeep, what a famous man called 'Care,' has been replaced by a little light on the dash that says 'check engine.' What part of it, dumbass? It doesn't matter, because you'll just buy another one if its something serious.

In their quest to sell cars, manufacturers have destroyed the experience of owning a car. The break-down in terms of quality is just a side effect of the seperation between man and experience. If you put more crap in between the two...something will always go wrong.

5. What happened to Robert Pirsig, anyhow?

cheers,
dan r.