OT: Simpler Cars [ Michael + Gary... ]

[GM]

130 comments on this article, many it seems want "simpler" cars"

https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2022/01/21/hey-automakers-heres-how-to-get-around-the-chip-shortage-make-de-contented-cars-again

Hey, Automakers, Here's How to Get Around the Chip Shortage: Make De-Contented Cars Again

By David Conwill on Jan 21st, 2022

"Modern cars are more computer than machine, and the more
gadgets and gizmos they have, the more computerized elements
they require. Thus, when COVID-19 (and several other factors)
caused a massive shortage of semiconductor chips and
integrated circuits, it dragged down auto production just
as surely as a glass, steel, or rubber shortage would have
back in the vacuum-tube or transistor eras.

I’ve got a workaround, though, and it will surely make a lot
of Hemmings readers happy: Quit stuffing new cars with
so much unwanted technology. Leave off the touch screens
(BMW actually did), reintroduce wind-up windows and
manual door locks, and see what else we can get away
without. Back in the ’tube era, radio-delete plates were
nearly as common as actual radios—so let’s go back to
vehicles without “infotainment systems.”

Or how about HVAC? Arguably, there hasn’t been an
adequately decontented vehicle available since deleting t
he heater ceased to be an option sometime in the ’60s or ’70s.
At one time, a windshield, top, and side curtains for your
touring car or runabout were considered a luxury—now
if you can’t wear your basketball shorts to 7-11 in
mid-February, there’s something very wrong with your
car. For sure, those of us in New England need a heater
and defroster, but the SoCal market lived without for
decades; likewise, Southerners may need AC, but most
of us can just roll-down the aforementioned manual windows.

Am I dreaming? Absolutely. There’s no going back today—and
maybe that’s why so many of my neighbors seem to prefer
side-by-side ORVs instead of passenger cars. Making every
car more or less the same simplifies production and all
that “content” justifies a premium price. It takes nearly as
much money to build a cheap car as an expensive one, so
simple machines don’t have good profit margins. Luckily,
this wasn’t always the case, and the determined shopper
can still find a low-content machines easily enough.

Here are seven examples of low-content, high-quality vehicles
automakers used to build. Which one would you want?

1917-’25 Ford Model T
1937-’41 Ford Standard
1949-’77 Volkswagen Type 1 “Beetle”
1951-’54 Henry J
1957-’58 Studebaker Scotsman
1958-’60 Rambler America
1959-’70 Chevrolet Biscayne

This is hardly a comprehensive list. Just off the top of my head,
I'd have like to have gotten into the 1980-’83 Ford F-100, the
1977-'85 Chevrolet Impala, the Civilian Jeeps of 1946-’86, and
the 1946-’68 Dodge Power Wagon. All have that bare-bones,
no-nonsense vibe of good low-content transportation, easily
understood and repaired by its owner for potential endless
utility.

What kind of de-contented machine, new or old, would you like
to have in your garage?

COMMENTS:

Nelson Cypher:

Bravo! I find this to be a splendid idea. Being more of a minimalist
type of guy this feeds my mentality. My needs are heat and a
radio. I like rear defrost, speed control and timed wipers. But
in reality how many of us are there who would adapt to this
style of transport? Do you have a spouse and how would they
feel about that car?

David P:

Great article but I find myself in a different camp. I grew
up with stripped down cars. A Dodge sedan in battleship
grey and nothing else. Next was a 1957 Plymouth with the
fins but no other note worthy attribute. Then a 1962
Catalina which did have a terrific engine but again no
frills as my Dad called them. Now we lived in the Lower
Rio Grande Valley of Texas when I grew up and it was
HOT most of the year. No air conditioning wasn’t an
inconvenience, it was a curse and a torture. Those
days hold no nostalgic interest for me. I’m all grown
up now and drive a 2022 Genesis G90 with all the bells
and whistles ! Trust me this is better ! "

</>

[Thomas]

Screw aerodynamics and the little shit gps antenna on every car.
Me rampage would be...me, dykes and a walmart parking lot.

[Bryan Simmons]

On Sunday, January 23, 2022 at 5:36:24 PM UTC-6, GM wrote:
> 130 comments on this article, many it seems want "simpler" cars"
>
> https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2022/01/21/hey-automakers-heres-how-to-get-around-the-chip-shortage-make-de-contented-cars-again
>
> Hey, Automakers, Here's How to Get Around the Chip Shortage: Make De-Contented Cars Again
>
> By David Conwill on Jan 21st, 2022
>
> "Modern cars are more computer than machine, and the more
> gadgets and gizmos they have, the more computerized elements
> they require. Thus, when COVID-19 (and several other factors)
> caused a massive shortage of semiconductor chips and
> integrated circuits, it dragged down auto production just
> as surely as a glass, steel, or rubber shortage would have
> back in the vacuum-tube or transistor eras.
>

It is computer chips, but it might have been some other
component. Car makers assumed that Covid would cut
demand for cars. It was a mistake in predicting demand.

>
> I’ve got a workaround, though, and it will surely make a lot
> of Hemmings readers happy: Quit stuffing new cars with
> so much unwanted technology. Leave off the touch screens
> (BMW actually did), reintroduce wind-up windows and
> manual door locks, and see what else we can get away
> without. Back in the ’tube era, radio-delete plates were
> nearly as common as actual radios—so let’s go back to
> vehicles without “infotainment systems.”
>

Both our 2009 Toyota, and our 2017 Chevy have "wind-up
windows and manual door locks."

>
> Or how about HVAC? Arguably, there hasn’t been an
> adequately decontented vehicle available since deleting t
> he heater ceased to be an option sometime in the ’60s or ’70s.
> At one time, a windshield, top, and side curtains for your
> touring car or runabout were considered a luxury—now
> if you can’t wear your basketball shorts to 7-11 in
> mid-February, there’s something very wrong with your
> car. For sure, those of us in New England need a heater
> and defroster, but the SoCal market lived without for
> decades; likewise, Southerners may need AC, but most
> of us can just roll-down the aforementioned manual windows.
>

I think that folks who live in San Diego would like the option
of driving places where it gets cold w/o freezing their asses
off in their cars.

Hyundai doesn't offer the G90 in hybrid. If I were buying
a brand new car, this is what I'd seriously consider.
https://www.kbb.com/toyota/avalon-hybrid/
Maybe it would be worth bumping up to the Lexus 300h,
but only for potential resale value.

The Avalon hybrid is a practical touring car for an old
retired couple. The fact that Toyota still uses NiMH
batteries is a plus. By the time they crap out, there
will be replacement lithium batteries that pop right in.
I think there's little chance that I, or even my wife, will
outlive gasoline stations.

--Bryan

[John Kuthe]

On Sunday, January 23, 2022 at 7:47:48 PM UTC-6, bryang...@gmail.com wrote:
....

> The Avalon hybrid is a practical touring car for an old
> retired couple. The fact that Toyota still uses NiMH
> batteries is a plus. By the time they crap out, there
> will be replacement lithium batteries that pop right in.
> I think there's little chance that I, or even my wife, will
> outlive gasoline stations.
>
> --Bryan

I am doing my best to put them out of business! With my Nissan Leaf! INF-MPG for a reason are the plates!

ZERO gasoline used! No oil spots either. all sealed bearings.

John Kuthe...

[Bruce 4]

On Sun, 23 Jan 2022 16:27:14 -0800 (PST), Thomas <cano...@gmail.com>
wrote:

Uhm Yes. Vote Trump. Ghe Ghe Ghe :)))))))))))

[Bruce 7]

On Sun, 23 Jan 2022 18:24:29 -0800 (PST), John Kuthe <jwk...@bjc.org>
wrote:

Uhm, Ghe Ghe Ghe.

[Bruce 5]

On Sun, 23 Jan 2022 18:24:29 -0800 (PST), John Kuthe <jwk...@bjc.org>
wrote:

Uhm, Ghe Ghe Ghe.

[Bruce 4]

Uhm, Ghe Ghe Ghe.

[Ed Pawlowski]

On 1/23/2022 6:36 PM, GM wrote:
>
> 130 comments on this article, many it seems want "simpler" cars"
>
> https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2022/01/21/hey-automakers-heres-how-to-get-around-the-chip-shortage-make-de-contented-cars-again
>
> Hey, Automakers, Here's How to Get Around the Chip Shortage: Make De-Contented Cars Again
>
> By David Conwill on Jan 21st, 2022
>
> "Modern cars are more computer than machine, and the more
> gadgets and gizmos they have, the more computerized elements
> they require. Thus, when COVID-19 (and several other factors)
> caused a massive shortage of semiconductor chips and
> integrated circuits, it dragged down auto production just
> as surely as a glass, steel, or rubber shortage would have
> back in the vacuum-tube or transistor eras.
>
> I’ve got a workaround, though, and it will surely make a lot
> of Hemmings readers happy: Quit stuffing new cars with
> so much unwanted technology. Leave off the touch screens
> (BMW actually did), reintroduce wind-up windows and
> manual door locks, and see what else we can get away
> without. Back in the ’tube era, radio-delete plates were
> nearly as common as actual radios—so let’s go back to
> vehicles without “infotainment systems.”

Well he lost me midway. Windows and door locks have been electrified
for decades and don't use chips. If you want to rant on as an alleged
expert, be accurate.

[GM]

Yup, and automatic temperature control was introduced in the mid - 60's, positraction,
speed control, electronic fuel injection, and automatic headlight operation in the 50's...

--
GM

[itsjoan...@webtv.net]

On Sunday, January 23, 2022 at 8:24:32 PM UTC-6, jwk...@bjc.org wrote:
>
> I am doing my best to put them out of business! With my Nissan Leaf! INF-MPG for a reason are the plates!
>
> ZERO gasoline used! No oil spots either. all sealed bearings.
>
> John Kuthe...
>

I kept a 1995 Ford Explorer for 20 years and never once left an oil spot
anywhere I parked. Before that I had Cadillac Coupe de Ville that I kept
10 years and it left no oil spots either. Nor does the 2017 Lincoln leave
any oil drips.

[Bruce 4]

Ghe? Uhm, can you go into more detail? I don't get it

[Bruce 4]

[Bryan Simmons]

On Sunday, January 23, 2022 at 8:24:32 PM UTC-6, jwk...@bjc.org wrote:

You accomplish nothing. You are a waste of oxygen. Nissan
also made our Infiniti, and Toyota makes all electrics. You are
an unemployed loser. All of your degrees mean nothing when
you are a demented shitstain. You are not an electronic
engineer. You are not a computer scientist. You are not a nurse.
You are a parasite, a cockroach, a failure.
>
> John Kuthe...

--Bryan

[Bruce 5]

On Mon, 24 Jan 2022 01:13:40 -0800 (PST), Bryan Simmons
<bryang...@gmail.com> wrote:

>On Sunday, January 23, 2022 at 8:24:32 PM UTC-6, jwk...@bjc.org wrote:
>> On Sunday, January 23, 2022 at 7:47:48 PM UTC-6, bryang...@gmail.com wrote:
>> ....
>> > The Avalon hybrid is a practical touring car for an old
>> > retired couple. The fact that Toyota still uses NiMH
>> > batteries is a plus. By the time they crap out, there
>> > will be replacement lithium batteries that pop right in.
>> > I think there's little chance that I, or even my wife, will
>> > outlive gasoline stations.
>> >
>> > --Bryan
>> I am doing my best to put them out of business! With my Nissan Leaf! INF-MPG for a reason are the plates!
>>
>> ZERO gasoline used! No oil spots either. all sealed bearings.
>>
>You accomplish nothing. You are a waste of oxygen.

Were you looking into a mirror when you thought of that? Wasn't that
confronting? From anarchist punk singer (give or take a bit) to
warehouse drone...

[Bruce 5]

On Mon, 24 Jan 2022 20:34:17 +1100, Bruce 5 <Br...@invalid.invalid>
wrote:

We Dutch have a saying about forgers like yous, which is KILL YOURSELF
you frogging loser Ghe Ghe Ghe.

[Michael Trew]

On 1/23/2022 18:36, GM wrote:
>
> 130 comments on this article, many it seems want "simpler" cars"
>
> https://www.hemmings.com/stories/2022/01/21/hey-automakers-heres-how-to-get-around-the-chip-shortage-make-de-contented-cars-again
>

> I’ve got a workaround, though, and it will surely make a lot
> of Hemmings readers happy: Quit stuffing new cars with
> so much unwanted technology. Leave off the touch screens
> (BMW actually did), reintroduce wind-up windows and
> manual door locks, and see what else we can get away
> without.

I agree fully, and much of this sums up the reason why I seek out older
vehicles, aside from cost.

In fantasy land, if I were rich enough to make an automotive start-up, I
would market (at least one) bare bones simple car, with features to add
on -- as desired. Me, I'll keep cruising in the bare-bones stripped
down all manual model.

> Am I dreaming? Absolutely. There’s no going back today—and
> maybe that’s why so many of my neighbors seem to prefer
> side-by-side ORVs instead of passenger cars. Making every
> car more or less the same simplifies production and all
> that “content” justifies a premium price. It takes nearly as
> much money to build a cheap car as an expensive one, so
> simple machines don’t have good profit margins.

True, it's all about the bottom line now. No sense in offering a
cheaper stripped down model, if cost savings to the company are minimal.
The last new car that I liked was the Hyundai accent up to the 2011
model. It came with basically all manual options, down to no A/C and a
radio-delete plate. I think that was the last one in the US.

[Bryan Simmons]

I wasn't an "anarchist," and it wasn't a job. I don't work in a
warehouse but on a sales floor (and sometimes in my
stockroom).

--Bryan

[Bruce]

Uhm Yes. Ghe Ghe Ghe :)))))))))))

[Jeßus]

On Sun, 23 Jan 2022 18:24:29 -0800 (PST), John Kuthe <jwk...@bjc.org>
wrote:

You use 100% fossil fuels to destroy your tires and panels.
Stop lying and spreading disinformation. Fake news Kuthe...

[BRUCE]

Uhm, Ghe Ghe Ghe. This is my not frogger. Yes. Ghe Ghe Ghe
:)))))))))))

[Bryan Simmons]

On Sunday, January 23, 2022 at 8:24:32 PM UTC-6, jwk...@bjc.org wrote:
>

> INF-MPG for a reason are the plates!
>

Do you talk like Yoda at your pedo nurse job?
*Mommy, Nurse John talks like Yoda.*
>
> John Kuthe...

--Bryan

[Cory]

On Sun, 6 Feb 2022 05:25:37 -0800 (PST), Bryan Simmons
<bryang...@gmail.com> wrote:

>On Sunday, January 23, 2022 at 8:24:32 PM UTC-6, jwk...@bjc.org wrote:
>>
>> INF-MPG for a reason are the plates!
>>
>Do you talk like Yoda at your pedo nurse job?
>*Mommy, Nurse John talks like Yoda.*

I'm fed up with this.

[Cory]

We Dutch have a saying about froggers like yoos, which is KILL YOURSELF
you loser. no friends no real job no money no sex and no hope for the
future. Loser. Ghe Ghe Ghe.

[Jeff]

[Bryan Simmons]

*Fed up you are with this.*

--Bryan

[Marco]

Uhm Yes. Ghe Ghe Ghe :)))))))))))