Quoting David Strickland (NHTSA administrator) from his Senate hearing in March, "Our investigation shows that Toyota had the same percentage of sudden-acceleration issues as all other manufacturers, they just have more cars out there." I will also point out that since 2000 Toyota has recalled 10 million cars to GM and Ford's 40 million. Ford has an ongoing problem with cars catching fire in garages, not running, no keys in the ignition, 16 million cars so far. My Camaro has had 2 recalls that I recall - one for the shitty paint/primer problem and one for the seat belt buckles. No car is perfect or perfectly safe, just keep it all in perspective.

 

as far as GM abd Toyota goes, does anybody remember the Land Cruiser froe the 70's the inline six cylinder used in them were almost identical to the Chevy 235 inline six

 

No. That kind of like saying an 'American' car equipped w/ Michelin tires must be a joint project between said American maker and say Renault. Denso is a major manufacturer of automotive components - aka they are an OEM to automotive manufacturers. You will find Denso parts in all Japanese cars and some American cars etc. In this era of increased globalization you'll likely find more and more parts from various OEMs around the world regardless of what country the nameplate on the grill of the car is associated with. I believe a number of American OEMs provide components to Toyota and other manufacturers US assembly lines.

Good question. My understanding is that GM makes a pretty good effort to maintain most if not all components used in the Y-Body from US sources. I wouldn't be surprised if other halo cars are similarly sourced?


Those are good examples. There's two variations here:
1) Simple re-branding: Matrix with Pontiac nameplate
2) Joint projects: Colorado/Canyon and Isuzu 370 etc...

Usually jointly developed projects are between companies with close and ongoing business ties (Chrysler/Mitsubishi) or ownership stakes (Ford/Mazda, Renault/Nissan...)

The former offers potential win-win on a shorter term basis and the later win-win potential on a longer term basis.

It's been going on since at least the early 1970s when GM needed a mini-truck and went to Isuzu to source the Luv.