Comments on: Avoidable Contact #13: When it comes to the options, some people have no standards. http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/ Covering the latest in Automotive News, Events, and Trends Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:19:56 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.3 By: YoYoVip » Avoidable Contact #13: When it comes to the options, some people have no standards. http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-79862 YoYoVip » Avoidable Contact #13: When it comes to the options, some people have no standards. Thu, 23 Oct 2008 21:53:36 +0000 http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-79862 [...] (more…) [...] […] (more…) […]

]]> By: David http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-78746 David Mon, 06 Oct 2008 01:34:24 +0000 http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-78746 Hi Jack, my name is David, you were my instructor today at the Track Daze event. I couldn't get the contact option to work at the top so I figured I would leave you a comment here. Thanks for all the help and directions. You said you wanted to email me something? If you can't see it let me know and I will post it on here. Thanks again! Hi Jack, my name is David, you were my instructor today at the Track Daze event. I couldn’t get the contact option to work at the top so I figured I would leave you a comment here. Thanks for all the help and directions. You said you wanted to email me something? If you can’t see it let me know and I will post it on here. Thanks again!

]]> By: Alex http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-78633 Alex Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:01:22 +0000 http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-78633 Forgot to mention - great reference to Vonnegut. I read HB in the 9th grade and became a lifelong Vonnegut fan. Your wide ranging references remind me more of the auto journalists of the distant past than the current crop - which is a compliment, btw. Forgot to mention - great reference to Vonnegut. I read HB in the 9th grade and became a lifelong Vonnegut fan. Your wide ranging references remind me more of the auto journalists of the distant past than the current crop - which is a compliment, btw.

]]> By: Alex http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-78629 Alex Fri, 03 Oct 2008 18:33:15 +0000 http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-78629 Porsche's willingness to customize is both overstated and declining. I refer specifically to the factor most like your shoes: Paint to Sample. Virtually since inception, Porsche has offered this option - you, the customer, tell us what color you want the car painted, and for an extra fee, we will accommodate that. Pretty simple. If you buy a new GT3, and tick off the "Paint to Sample" box, a glorious feast of color is available to you, right? Just like in the 70s? Wrong. You can have Viper Green or Signal Orange. 2 choices, but they will take the upcharge, thank you very much. Tangerine (darker and more "traditional" than Signal or now referred to as "RS Orange") anyone? No, not really. I've heard various explanations for this, including it is difficult to paint different materials (exterior body parts) and keep the quality high without testing the color. If this is the case, why offer "Paint to Sample" for the that model? You can't exactly say I want a GT3 with the RS flywheel - something the factory would have gladly supplied you with 35 years ago - heck, they sold cars without undercoating, without passenger seats, you could build it as you wanted it. Those days are gone, long gone. Yes, it's great that Porsche offers an extensive options list, but it would be better the "special wishes" days lived on. Also, 95% (my estimate) of the list divides you between the gut-wrenching choices of the decade - aluminum or carbon fiber. Some performance options exist - PCCBs being the most obvious - but most are geared at choosing the material that ensconces your hidden cup holder. [/rant off] Just discovered your blog - you are providing great auto journalism here. Thanks! Porsche’s willingness to customize is both overstated and declining. I refer specifically to the factor most like your shoes: Paint to Sample. Virtually since inception, Porsche has offered this option - you, the customer, tell us what color you want the car painted, and for an extra fee, we will accommodate that. Pretty simple. If you buy a new GT3, and tick off the “Paint to Sample” box, a glorious feast of color is available to you, right? Just like in the 70s? Wrong. You can have Viper Green or Signal Orange. 2 choices, but they will take the upcharge, thank you very much. Tangerine (darker and more “traditional” than Signal or now referred to as “RS Orange”) anyone? No, not really. I’ve heard various explanations for this, including it is difficult to paint different materials (exterior body parts) and keep the quality high without testing the color. If this is the case, why offer “Paint to Sample” for the that model? You can’t exactly say I want a GT3 with the RS flywheel - something the factory would have gladly supplied you with 35 years ago - heck, they sold cars without undercoating, without passenger seats, you could build it as you wanted it. Those days are gone, long gone. Yes, it’s great that Porsche offers an extensive options list, but it would be better the “special wishes” days lived on. Also, 95% (my estimate) of the list divides you between the gut-wrenching choices of the decade - aluminum or carbon fiber. Some performance options exist - PCCBs being the most obvious - but most are geared at choosing the material that ensconces your hidden cup holder. [/rant off]

Just discovered your blog - you are providing great auto journalism here. Thanks!

]]> By: Greg http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-76112 Greg Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:45:08 +0000 http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-76112 Why rely on manufacturers for options when there is a thriving aftermarket that can cater to the best (or worst) tastes? Did SuperFly have the dealership personalize his car? Why rely on manufacturers for options when there is a thriving aftermarket that can cater to the best (or worst) tastes? Did SuperFly have the dealership personalize his car?

]]> By: carl http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-72172 carl Thu, 26 Jun 2008 05:17:47 +0000 http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-72172 i hate porsche option pricing because i'm poor, not because i don't want those with the means to be able to customize thier cars ;) but seriously, i think american manuf's don't offer options because they're still trying to figure out what the hell happened in the last 30 years... they're still chasing down the Accord. GM is getting close(r), but that's about it. i don't think people would buy a customizeable malibu over a socialist accord just because it's customizeable. people buy the accord because it's a better car. until the US manuf's can nail down what a truly "competitive" product is and how to successfully produce it, they can't afford to devote the resources necessary to making it customizeable. it's a monumental task - nothing to sneeze at. not to mention the twist that mass production puts on it. porsche can get away with it because they don't need to kick five thousand 911's out the door each day. i hate porsche option pricing because i’m poor, not because i don’t want those with the means to be able to customize thier cars ;)

but seriously, i think american manuf’s don’t offer options because they’re still trying to figure out what the hell happened in the last 30 years… they’re still chasing down the Accord. GM is getting close(r), but that’s about it. i don’t think people would buy a customizeable malibu over a socialist accord just because it’s customizeable. people buy the accord because it’s a better car. until the US manuf’s can nail down what a truly “competitive” product is and how to successfully produce it, they can’t afford to devote the resources necessary to making it customizeable. it’s a monumental task - nothing to sneeze at. not to mention the twist that mass production puts on it. porsche can get away with it because they don’t need to kick five thousand 911’s out the door each day.

]]> By: Jack Baruth http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-71476 Jack Baruth Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:43:52 +0000 http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-71476 Sean - You and Jo are both making great points... I hope I didn't give too much of an impression that the two "groups" are necessarily interrelated. I think they are both examples of groups which, for whatever reason, wish to affect our choices - but their reasons are very different. And, as I mentioned, I'll reserve most of my venom for the second group. It's also pointed out above that the Europeans also follow a much more open home-market ordering philosophy. That's absolutely correct; I can still remember sobbing inside when I visited Dresden and saw all the cool options the Euros were allowed to have on their Phaetons. So the question becomes... if the Japanese have such an open order philosophy at home - and they do - and the Euros do as well - which is also the case, although not as much - why can't the American manufacturers treat THEIR domestic customers the same way? Thanks for reading, everybody! Sean -

You and Jo are both making great points… I hope I didn’t give too much of an impression that the two “groups” are necessarily interrelated. I think they are both examples of groups which, for whatever reason, wish to affect our choices - but their reasons are very different. And, as I mentioned, I’ll reserve most of my venom for the second group.

It’s also pointed out above that the Europeans also follow a much more open home-market ordering philosophy. That’s absolutely correct; I can still remember sobbing inside when I visited Dresden and saw all the cool options the Euros were allowed to have on their Phaetons. So the question becomes… if the Japanese have such an open order philosophy at home - and they do - and the Euros do as well - which is also the case, although not as much - why can’t the American manufacturers treat THEIR domestic customers the same way?

Thanks for reading, everybody!

]]> By: Sean http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-71474 Sean Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:13:16 +0000 http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-71474 Jo- I completely agree with you that everything impacts everyone else. The world is connected in a real way. I'm not saying that they are right by doing what they are doing nor do I necessarily agree with that they say; I merely want to point out an alternate point of view, and say that I don't feel as though the two arguments as directly connected as Jack makes them seem. The first is that they want to limit your freedom to have less of an impact on themselves. The second is that they want to limit your freedom because that is what they are so used to (and because they are cheap). Put those in 2 circles. The overlap is that the companies that allow you those choices also happen to be the companies which don't produce the "amazing mileage' cars. I agree completely with the second half of his article that we should have the ability to chose whatever options we want in our automobile. I just don't feel that the inclusion of the 'greenies' and their small economic cars deserves a spot in this argument. Jo-
I completely agree with you that everything impacts everyone else. The world is connected in a real way. I’m not saying that they are right by doing what they are doing nor do I necessarily agree with that they say; I merely want to point out an alternate point of view, and say that I don’t feel as though the two arguments as directly connected as Jack makes them seem. The first is that they want to limit your freedom to have less of an impact on themselves. The second is that they want to limit your freedom because that is what they are so used to (and because they are cheap). Put those in 2 circles. The overlap is that the companies that allow you those choices also happen to be the companies which don’t produce the “amazing mileage’ cars.
I agree completely with the second half of his article that we should have the ability to chose whatever options we want in our automobile. I just don’t feel that the inclusion of the ‘greenies’ and their small economic cars deserves a spot in this argument.

]]> By: Jo http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-71471 Jo Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:41:15 +0000 http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-71471 Response to Sean's post: the very essence of freedom includes a freedom to act and a freedom to choose for yourself. Your argument about "what if my choice of ___ causes global supplies of ___ to go down, making the price of ___ go up for everyone else" is on very shaky ground. Simply, EVERY choice that EVERYONE makes has some effect (however slight) on everyone else. My desire to have an iPod, my desire to order a pizza with anchovies, etc. will all have some effect on everyone else, their global supply, etc. To pick one topic (the car, the gas for the car, the type of shingles on a roof, etc.) is COMPLETELY arbitrary - and the selected "devil product" will always change with time and audience. The PeTA people will tell you how much energy is wasted farming meat, the Sierra Club will tell you all about ATV's ruining the desert landscape, and the Greenies will tell you all about the evils of the automobile. The issue isn't one of scarcity - to debate scarcity is ludicrous - the issue is one of freedom, and freedom to choose ... and, regardless of the product (cars, hats, shoes, etc.) limiting even one (1) person's freedom goes against many people's idea of what "Goodness" is. Response to Sean’s post: the very essence of freedom includes a freedom to act and a freedom to choose for yourself. Your argument about “what if my choice of ___ causes global supplies of ___ to go down, making the price of ___ go up for everyone else” is on very shaky ground. Simply, EVERY choice that EVERYONE makes has some effect (however slight) on everyone else. My desire to have an iPod, my desire to order a pizza with anchovies, etc. will all have some effect on everyone else, their global supply, etc. To pick one topic (the car, the gas for the car, the type of shingles on a roof, etc.) is COMPLETELY arbitrary - and the selected “devil product” will always change with time and audience. The PeTA people will tell you how much energy is wasted farming meat, the Sierra Club will tell you all about ATV’s ruining the desert landscape, and the Greenies will tell you all about the evils of the automobile. The issue isn’t one of scarcity - to debate scarcity is ludicrous - the issue is one of freedom, and freedom to choose … and, regardless of the product (cars, hats, shoes, etc.) limiting even one (1) person’s freedom goes against many people’s idea of what “Goodness” is.

]]> By: Jo http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-71469 Jo Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:33:14 +0000 http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-71469 I love it when Jack goes on a rant - especially when that totally justifies the idea of a unique, bespoke anything. I love it when Jack goes on a rant - especially when that totally justifies the idea of a unique, bespoke anything.

]]> By: Sean http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-71467 Sean Tue, 17 Jun 2008 13:53:49 +0000 http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-71467 Jack, I like your article, but can't help feeling like an english teacher in a slight issue I have with it. You have raised two arguments, and gone between the two without connection. The first is that those people who have the hybrids and high mpg cars want you to buy them also. I don't think that it follows with your second argument for conformity and limited choices, but you did point it out early on, 'issued the car they need.' Trying to relate this to your shoes: Suppose you do get your custom shoes, exactly how you want them; only your idea of awesome shoes is to have a quasi-military boot which laces all over the place. In fact, it laces so much that it requires 1 mile of shoe laces (so I go a bit overboard, bear with me). Due to your choice in shoes requiring more laces, that causes the global price of shoe laces to skyrocket and impact everyone else. Personally, I think that is the argument they are trying to make with their compact economical cars. It isn't that they want you to have as few options to choose from and not get your custom car, it is that they want your choices to not have as great an impact on them. The second group (which often contains members of the first group) whining over the available options in said catalog are just missing the point, and I think you nailed it. I should be able to get whatever I want, provided that I'm willing to pay for it. The combined groups problem (think Venn Diagram) is that where you need to go for that customization (Porche) is also where the non-economical (as compared to a Prius) lies. So while this customization is nice, it winds up altering the fuel market and then the 'socialists' as you put it. And there in lies the greater problem. The question is, if you could get a Versa created however you wanted it, would you? Jack, I like your article, but can’t help feeling like an english teacher in a slight issue I have with it. You have raised two arguments, and gone between the two without connection. The first is that those people who have the hybrids and high mpg cars want you to buy them also. I don’t think that it follows with your second argument for conformity and limited choices, but you did point it out early on, ‘issued the car they need.’ Trying to relate this to your shoes: Suppose you do get your custom shoes, exactly how you want them; only your idea of awesome shoes is to have a quasi-military boot which laces all over the place. In fact, it laces so much that it requires 1 mile of shoe laces (so I go a bit overboard, bear with me). Due to your choice in shoes requiring more laces, that causes the global price of shoe laces to skyrocket and impact everyone else.
Personally, I think that is the argument they are trying to make with their compact economical cars. It isn’t that they want you to have as few options to choose from and not get your custom car, it is that they want your choices to not have as great an impact on them. The second group (which often contains members of the first group) whining over the available options in said catalog are just missing the point, and I think you nailed it. I should be able to get whatever I want, provided that I’m willing to pay for it. The combined groups problem (think Venn Diagram) is that where you need to go for that customization (Porche) is also where the non-economical (as compared to a Prius) lies. So while this customization is nice, it winds up altering the fuel market and then the ’socialists’ as you put it. And there in lies the greater problem. The question is, if you could get a Versa created however you wanted it, would you?

]]> By: Champion http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-71434 Champion Tue, 17 Jun 2008 04:29:34 +0000 http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-71434 Jack, great article. As noted, combining the desire for individuality with the lessons of kaizen holds great promise, but I wonder if the dealerships and public can adapt and return to lean inventories and customized builds after years of DX/LX/EX (or std/GL/SE/GT) hegemony. Last year, my wife and I bought a new 3-series, and since no dealership nearby held what we wanted (no leather, no automatic, no iDrive, but dammit gimme the sport package) we special-ordered the exact car we wanted. The dealership personnel seemed confused, indeed downright <em>troubled</em> by our refusal to accept a "close-enough" car off the lot. The idea that the car I wanted was exactly that-- a singular combination of features-- did not compute. The young salesman was somewhat puzzled by my argument that a discount from MSRP on an ordered car made more sense than discounting off the lot since they <em>didn't</em> have to carry its cost on their books for long. Eventually understood well enough to serve as an adequate advocate with the dealership manager, and I was happy with the transaction price in the end. Nonetheless, my impression was that the dealership staff didn't think through floorplanning costs enough for them to become the have-it-your-way advocates needed for a lean, customized-build model to work -- and if they don't buy in to the idea, John Q. Public is going to continue to be talked into a lot of wrong-color cars with the wrong options at the wrong price. We fans of getting exactly the car we want may end up out in the cold if the makers and dealers decide the hit rate for customization isn't high enough despite the customization and personalization possibilities offered by modern computerization and inventory controls. Jack, great article. As noted, combining the desire for individuality with the lessons of kaizen holds great promise, but I wonder if the dealerships and public can adapt and return to lean inventories and customized builds after years of DX/LX/EX (or std/GL/SE/GT) hegemony.
Last year, my wife and I bought a new 3-series, and since no dealership nearby held what we wanted (no leather, no automatic, no iDrive, but dammit gimme the sport package) we special-ordered the exact car we wanted. The dealership personnel seemed confused, indeed downright troubled by our refusal to accept a “close-enough” car off the lot. The idea that the car I wanted was exactly that– a singular combination of features– did not compute. The young salesman was somewhat puzzled by my argument that a discount from MSRP on an ordered car made more sense than discounting off the lot since they didn’t have to carry its cost on their books for long. Eventually understood well enough to serve as an adequate advocate with the dealership manager, and I was happy with the transaction price in the end.
Nonetheless, my impression was that the dealership staff didn’t think through floorplanning costs enough for them to become the have-it-your-way advocates needed for a lean, customized-build model to work — and if they don’t buy in to the idea, John Q. Public is going to continue to be talked into a lot of wrong-color cars with the wrong options at the wrong price.
We fans of getting exactly the car we want may end up out in the cold if the makers and dealers decide the hit rate for customization isn’t high enough despite the customization and personalization possibilities offered by modern computerization and inventory controls.

]]> By: Fungus http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-71398 Fungus Mon, 16 Jun 2008 17:16:43 +0000 http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-71398 Great article! Though, I have some qualms about giving the consumer too much freedom to "customize". Let's take a snapshot of the general design scope of today and compare it to fifty years ago. Back then, design was usually left to professionals; even at the most basic level (like a painted sign in a rural area) tasks were done by someone who was trained in that craft. These days, because of technology -- production methods, computers, software -- pretty much anyone can play "designer". This sense of empowerment and DIY attitude is great, but it's also putting all sorts of design garbage out into the world. A <i>special</i> Special Edition Boxter might turn out great created by a MacNeil-wearing man such as yourself, but imagine a super special edition pimped out by the guy down the street rocking Sketchers. I think I'd rather take a thoughtfully designed Honda available only in white or black than the newest Totally Customizable Scion with 50 different options for wheel covers. Great article! Though, I have some qualms about giving the consumer too much freedom to “customize”. Let’s take a snapshot of the general design scope of today and compare it to fifty years ago. Back then, design was usually left to professionals; even at the most basic level (like a painted sign in a rural area) tasks were done by someone who was trained in that craft.

These days, because of technology — production methods, computers, software — pretty much anyone can play “designer”. This sense of empowerment and DIY attitude is great, but it’s also putting all sorts of design garbage out into the world.

A special Special Edition Boxter might turn out great created by a MacNeil-wearing man such as yourself, but imagine a super special edition pimped out by the guy down the street rocking Sketchers.

I think I’d rather take a thoughtfully designed Honda available only in white or black than the newest Totally Customizable Scion with 50 different options for wheel covers.

]]> By: Frank Lockout http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-71352 Frank Lockout Mon, 16 Jun 2008 03:50:28 +0000 http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-71352 what about Ruf? they still give you exactly what you want [are willing to pay for] good article, there are still a few old world craftsmen who will build you a shoe to fit your foot, but you have to establish the relationship or friendly partnership with them before they will deign to even look at you rfoot still and all, bespoke is bespoke, it's not for the masses, let them buy Chinese polyester at Sprawl-Mart and moan about the price of gas, if you want to have some style, you have to spend your money on fine articles to move life along ... hope you enjoy your shoes Jack, especially when you floor the slime green next vehicle past some DX with a tin can on the back! what about Ruf? they still give you exactly what you want [are willing to pay for]

good article, there are still a few old world craftsmen who will build you a shoe to fit your foot, but you have to establish the relationship or friendly partnership with them before they will deign to even look at you rfoot

still and all, bespoke is bespoke, it’s not for the masses, let them buy Chinese polyester at Sprawl-Mart and moan about the price of gas, if you want to have some style, you have to spend your money on fine articles to move life along … hope you enjoy your shoes Jack, especially when you floor the slime green next vehicle past some DX with a tin can on the back!

]]> By: Sco http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-71339 Sco Sun, 15 Jun 2008 22:33:51 +0000 http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-71339 At what cost that delicious option list, Porsche? Oh yeah... the Cayenne. I'm old school, function first. This from the herald of the death of fake luxury? You're pining for common European optioning, Jack. Heck, mere Volkswagen calls their program "Individual." Sorry, but after the shoe missive I detect a definite <i>feminine</i> quality this installment. Metro much? ;) ;) ;) At what cost that delicious option list, Porsche? Oh yeah… the Cayenne.

I’m old school, function first. This from the herald of the death of fake luxury? You’re pining for common European optioning, Jack. Heck, mere Volkswagen calls their program “Individual.”

Sorry, but after the shoe missive I detect a definite feminine quality this installment. Metro much? ;) ;) ;)

]]> By: Jack Baruth http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-71258 Jack Baruth Sat, 14 Jun 2008 04:42:25 +0000 http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-71258 Luke, that's very correct. It wasn't until Porsche explored the ramifications of TPS that they became truly profitable. As you pointed out, kaizen is just a tool - but at some point I have to gloss over the complications, because the column's long enough! Luke, that’s very correct. It wasn’t until Porsche explored the ramifications of TPS that they became truly profitable. As you pointed out, kaizen is just a tool - but at some point I have to gloss over the complications, because the column’s long enough!

]]> By: Luke http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-71253 Luke Sat, 14 Jun 2008 03:07:57 +0000 http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-71253 Nice, I'm looking forward to hearing more about your new, personalized addition. Kind of beating up on kaizen, JIT, and Lean Enterprise, though, aren't you? Ouch. Lean Enterprise and kaizen are a way of looking at solving problems and getting better every day, not a tool for becoming generic. Porsche has proven that one can be very lean, yet build very unique, very customizable vehicles. We should thank Lean for that, otherwise the Carrera may have gone the way of the Impala... Nice, I’m looking forward to hearing more about your new, personalized addition.

Kind of beating up on kaizen, JIT, and Lean Enterprise, though, aren’t you? Ouch. Lean Enterprise and kaizen are a way of looking at solving problems and getting better every day, not a tool for becoming generic.

Porsche has proven that one can be very lean, yet build very unique, very customizable vehicles. We should thank Lean for that, otherwise the Carrera may have gone the way of the Impala…

]]> By: InkMaster http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-71232 InkMaster Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:00:21 +0000 http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/12/avoidable-contact-13-when-it-comes-to-the-options-some-people-have-no-standards/#comment-71232 Wow, another great article :) You can't even imagine how much I love reading these. But yes, I definitely agree with what you said, except in my case rather then picking tacky colors everything should and will be pure will and I mean EVERYTHING :) Wow, another great article :) You can’t even imagine how much I love reading these.

But yes, I definitely agree with what you said, except in my case rather then picking tacky colors everything should and will be pure will and I mean EVERYTHING :)

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