Quote:
Originally Posted by tankdriver
I disagree that profit motive is a major driver of innovation.
It's understandable, as innovation costs money, and then production of said innovation costs more money, and American companies can't look past the next quarter.
Aklim doesn't want a station wagon, but one with a roof rack can do everything his SUV does with the possible exception of towing capacity.
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OK. So what is? Goodwill towards their fellow man? What makes you go to work? Your wanting to serve your fellow man? It is the payback. Not all payback is financial. Mostly it is.
Innovation costs money. Unfortunately, the same car that Ford, GM or Chrysler makes can be made for $2K less in a factory across the street that isn't union controlled. So, yes, under those circumstances, you are going to have to look at the next quarter and not try to figure out something that pays back in 10 years since you are not even sure you will make it past 2 quarters.
Think I bought an SUV because I like to sit high? I would have bought the 300 CE station wagon if it could tow. However, to have 2 vehicles instead of the 1 just doesn't cut it unless expenses could be equal. If the Ex costs the same to operate as the E300, I'd still be driving the E300. The E300 would have to cost significantly more to operate before I would drive the Ex unless I had to.