I have to look. BTW tell that pully guy that the power steering pully is part of the pump, so it is not replacable. We would have to replace the whole pump.
I'm a relatively new owner myself--my 300M is about three months old. The answer to your question about exterior care is yes, you should apply a protective coating to your car, even though it's new. This will help the paint shed dust and grime, but most importantly, it will protect your paint from contaminants that will eventually destroy it over the years. I've been impressed by the photos of cars with Zaino, but I don't know that I've seen one in person. Personally, I use Griot's Garage Best of Show carnauba wax--applying a light coat with a damp terry cloth towel takes about 15 minutes. I apply it to all my vehicles every couple of months. It looks great and leaves no residue.
I do have some concern about the Zaino products, but I'll defer to anyone with more technical experience. The concern I have is this: I've always heard that paint sealants are bad for paint since they don't allow the paint to "breathe." This may be BS and it's possible that Zaino Bros. doesn't fully seal the paint, but the descriptions on their website make it appear as though it does. I have to concede that it appears a lot of people with lots invested in their paint jobs use Zaino, so I may be off-base in my concern. I'd like to hear from someone who works in the body/paint industry who may have an informed opinion on this.
For the interior, I use Lexol's spray-on conditioner for my leather seats. I have some rub-in stuff that I've used also, but it takes forever to get an even coat. Lexol has been around a long time and has an excellent reputation. I think any vinyl protectant will work for the vinyl surfaces in your 300M. One caution, though: I find that I get a fair amount of glare off my windshield--a low-gloss product helps minimize this problem.
Finally, I feel that getting your windows tinted will go a long way toward preserving your interior, particularly in a hot, sunny climate.
Go to the tire rack page and check out the Bridgestones S-03's. They are rated the hightest. They cost the same as the Michelins. Discount tire sells them for 30 dollars cheaper though. Check them out.
Discount Tire mounted my new Konig Tantrum wheels and Goodrich TA KDW tires last night. They look great (at least in my opinion). The tires feel really good, lowers profile and obviously stiffer sidewalls make for a slightly harsher ride but they are LOADS quieter than the Badyears I replaced. I wasn't able to get a real good feel as to cornering performance yet. It seemed that every time I was approaching a fast curve there was a slow car or truck in front of me! Bummer!!! The balancing was done on one of the Hunter computer matching machines and seems perfect so far.
I'll make a further report on the handling in a few days.
By the way, I received a coupon from Goodrich for a free G-Tech performance meter. It's available to all purchasers of 4 Goodrich high performance tires until August 31st. I'm sending my coupon off today.
I have the Michelin Pilot MXM4 ("V" speed rated)tires on my '01 M and am very happy with them at 17,500 miles. You didn't say how many months/miles you will keep your M, but check the treadwear on the XGT Z4 tires against the MXM4s which is 300. Many Z rated tires have a very low treadwear rating, and sometimes less tread depth. You also need to consider if an M&S designation is appropriate in your area. I personally feel that a one-grade increase in speed rating over OE tires is sufficient.
Russ, my 99 300M now has 67K miles, I'll probably keep it another 2 yrs from now or until 300N hemi is avail. :-)
The Pilot XGT Z4's are rated 300AA 95W ,the Pilot MXM4 tires are 300AA 95V. tread depth on both are 10/32"
According to Michelins website the difference between the two (XGT Z4 vs. MXM4 V rated)XGT Z4 advantages are: better performance handling and wet traction, street handling is same. With the tradeoff's being all season traction, tread life and comfort/aka quiet.
I'll take the plusses and live with the trade off between the two. but both models are excellent tires and the differences between them are like like the difference between gold and platinum. both are great. worlds better than the badyears i have now.
The S.O. took eMily to local gas station for erl change and tire rotation. While up on the lift, the technician pointed out 3 rust spots on the muffler. I was under the impression that the mufflers were stainless steel. She descibes a circlular shape that was white in nature-raised--similar to what you would see around a battery terminal (have 9600 miles on eMily...). Given the fact that eMily is only a little over a year old, whats the deal?
Oxidation is still possible. Especially if you get something acidic on the stainless. You might be able to polish it right off with some Neverdull from EagleOne.
The XGT Z4's are the better performace tire. For the price difference they would be better. They are M&S rated, but are directional, so only same side front to back rotations are done. The MXM's are good for stock tires, but the XGT's are better, & I heard are quieter then the stock Michelins. I have XGT's still on my stock 17's sitting in my garage.
Took the M in for the front end shimmy again. This is the fifth time for it. This time they are thinking about replacing the rack. Has anyone here had their rack replaced? (the one on their car!) If so. Did it help? In 18k miles I have had three sets of tires and two sets of rims. Balanced(with GSP 9700) and rotated 4 times not including when the new tires were installed. I think I am on my way to arbitration with Chrysler. I must really love my car to put up with this! It's so hard not to love the M.
300mlover, No Herrmdogg's is a silver 2001 300M. the two are errirly similar in some of the other features tho. hermm is using Lexani Krystal rims. This guy is using Lexani Iris rims. herrm's website links is below:
stainless steel stock mufflers...no way doc. no there just regular ol' rusty busty mufflers. they rust for sure. do you drive yours in the salt in winter? that killed mine. you can get a stainless steel muffler for around $100.
rogor thanks for the site. jason i remember you had another one tho, any luck finding it? there $269, rogor what kinda deal are ya lookin at? is there anyone else interested in these....
300mlover/Craig..thanks for the info on my muffler, and SORRY about locking you out last night!Many apologies from the doctor. I thought it was some yahoo from the LS board trying to raise a ruckess. Plus, I've a little on E D G E lately... NeverDull? I'm surprised Zaino doesn't make muffler wa...er muffler 'polish'! Av..I just ASSUMED that they were stainless, but since I'm Joisey, we do get the occasional snow storm and salt conditions. The S.O. ays its like a circle with a rust area in the center!
You are in luck. I have a 99 300M, and traded a 96 Aurora in on a 00 Eldorado ESC last year. I speak with authority. The M is sportier in appearance and handling. The Aurora was great til they "Buickized" it in 00. The Eldo was a clear choice over the overpriced, and dare I say, Opel made-Catera. Now, the Aurora with an 8 cyl [on premium only] got 26+ mpg on the highway running 70 mph and 20+ mpg around town. My 99 300M [on regular] with a 6 cyl gets 25 mpg on the highway and about 20 mpg around town. Now hold on--the 00 Eldo with an 8 cyl [on regular] gets between 30-32mpg on the highway and 23-24 mpg around town. The rides are also completely different. Can't touch the Caddy ride and the Aurora was pretty good too. The M even w/o PHP is a sporty ride with a tighter steering wheel feel. I hated the loose play on the Aurora and the Eldo is similar but slightly tighter. Speed off the line--hands down to the Eldo it has great low end torque; next comes the M, and the Aurora really goes when its has a bit of speed on--at the high end it jumps, otherwise you had to floor it to dust someone. I looked at a Catera when I bought the 96 Aurora and the Caddy/Olds dealer said I would not find that it had enuf oomph off the line and would probably be disappointed in that aspect of its performance. What turned me off was no arm rests because of the side air bag set up. [which later did not work well anyway, but I like someplace to put my arm] Price--an 01 M loaded with all the stuff is selling locally here [L-ville] for $26.3 to $26.6. I am sure that the Aurora 6 can be had around that range, but with the great gas mileage I would opt for an 8 any day. On the Eldo, looks like the 2001 or 2002 will be the last model year as Caddy goes to the $70K Evoq, so deals at least 20% off the sticker should be available. My wife loved the Aurora but won't even let me drive the Eldo. And the sound system is awesome too. Road noise on Michelin XWs is practically non-existent. I find it hard to keep the Eldo under 80 when she lets me take it in for service, but never had that problem with the Aurora or with my M. I'd test drive em all, but skip the Catera and try the Eldo, last year they were giving the dealers $5K incentives, and with sales down, who knows this year. For me, I like the M, if I can only get rid of the Badyears that are at 31K miles now. They are noisy and have a low speed wobble that others have listed on this forum. You can also go to the GM Buy Power site on the net and check for the exact model of car you want the dealer's best offer on before you go out to see them. You can view the sticker at your desk and compare it with what Edmunds says a fair price is, and what they are advertising it for in the papers. Good way to cut down on leg work and to arm yourself for negotiations.
lflowers--Why did you up to 8" rims? I thought the 245x45-17s would go on the stock 17x7" rims? Is this not the case?
Otto, Sorry about the news of the shutdown. I dont get DC. I go to my 5* dealer last week. salesman tells me he's got a 2002 300M and Concorde but, ssshhhh...(wink,wink), it's like a secret he has any. Also no update on Chrysler web site about 2002 models are available, info on features etc... Ok I understand they're still lots of 01's on the lot they need to move out. So how bout some real incentives??? Last week when I checked still only $1500 on a 01 300M PHP, ironically some of you may recall back in June I posted about Phases78 and I going to a nearby dealer and test driving a garnet/sandstone PHP made Sept 2000, still has chrome shifter. IT'S THE EXACT SAME CAR! I wrote down the VIN when we test drove it and now it's at my 5*. I saw it and double checked when i got home. 11 months after mfg date. Sorry Otto,:( YOU build us great cars!!! :-) Wish I could afford another one now.
for the last 15k miles i've been runnin nitto 555's....245/45/zr17 on my stock 17x7 rim. no problems what so ever. it rides excellent. took away the little front end shimmy i was getting with my stock tires. also the handling is improved, and the ride is better. you can feel it. it does not make the ride rougher, or if it does it is not noticeable at all. remember...mountain roads, if anyone should feel the difference it be us mountaineers'. wider is better (in some cases longer
hey thanks jason for looking and everything, appreciaTE it. i rememeber it was some garage place. anyway WHO ELSE IS INTERESTED IN THESE!!
there a very good safety feature. blind spots are a bad thing, and inevitablely one day you will be in someone's blind spot, and they will cut you off not even knowing, accident waiting to happen. i've had some close calls so i am geting this turn signal mirrors. unknowingly i cut someone off once and they braked hard and got slammed into a ditch. was it my fault? no, but i paid for it because i felt so bad. actually i just brought it too the shop and did it for free. lol. but still, if i had those mirrors, chances are it would of never happened. there was this expedition in front of me with the mirrors, i was in behind in left lane, he was in middle. i wasn't in his blind spot or anything, but it sure helped to see those signals. the suns blazing down over here on the east coast and you cant even see brake lights!!
I'm reading off the spec sheet on my new wheels.....17 x 8, 5 lugs on 114.3 mm circle, 40 mm offset. I hope that helps.
bigmike5...... I've been told several places that 7" rim width is too narrow for 245/45 tires.
Michelin's website says that 245/50's will fit, but I didn't think Michelin's were worth $1100+ bucks. With the price I got for my old wheels, I got 4 new Konig Tantrum 17 x 8 wheels and 4 Goodrich GForce TA KDW 245/45ZR-17 tires for about the same $1100. Next time I need tires, I can choose from a number of brands and stay in the $600-700 range, so my story (for my wife anyway) is that I'm saving money by buying new wheels! Hey, it works for me!!!
I'm reading off the spec sheet on my new wheels.....17 x 8, 5 lugs on 114.3 mm circle, 40 mm offset. I hope that helps.
bigmike5...... I've been told several places that 7" rim width is too narrow for 245/45 tires.
Michelin's website says that 245/50's will fit, but I didn't think Michelin's were worth $1100+ bucks. With the price I got for my old wheels, I got 4 new Konig Tantrum 17 x 8 wheels and 4 Goodrich GForce TA KDW 245/45ZR-17 tires for about the same $1100. Next time I need tires, I can choose from a number of brands and stay in the $600-700 range, so my story (for my wife anyway) is that I'm saving money by buying new wheels! Hey, it works for me!!!
I think this is it, but by the looks it's the same as the one posted before. This is the one I had, I guess it doesn't replace the whole mirror after all.
Sorry it took so long. I was on several planes yesterday and in meetings today. My cutout was performed by my installer. The trim is door edge guard trim applied with an adhesive. I like the look. Nice and even, and you don't have to cut the edges perfectly.
The tips are called Lexus tips by Ed Hanson, but I've never been able to find any Lexus with the tips or any reference to these anywhere for a Lexus car. The closest I can find is the oval caddy tips. They're not stainless, but they seem to be holding up ok so far. Ed Hanson will sell them to you for $15 each plus shipping, or $100 per side welded to custom staggered Y pipes.
Did you see where she lives? Cincinnati, Ohio. I know this chick. And yes it is a girl.
PHASES78 - Even though it's a bad pic, her billet grille is the one that I was telling you about. I know the guy that made it for her.
Her story is this ... she is a rich girl that has her mom and boyfriend pay for everything. Her boyfriend was hurt on the job (foot cut off) and he got tons of money for it. I'm sorry but I can't respect something like that. Don't get me wrong, it looks pretty good, but I can't respect it if someone doesn't work for it.
Those are aftermarket headrests by they way, they were custom made to house the TV's but it looks really cheesy. The aren't deep enough so the TV's stick out about a inch or so even when they are all the way down.
I'm not trying to hate or anything, I've seen the car inside and out and these are just some notes to anyone who would be considering buying it.
I do think it's worth what she is asking though.
AVALANCHE - I'm not sure of the stock rim offset but on my 20's it is a +45mm. FYI. And EMAIL me ASAP about the PROJECT please (herrmdogg@hotmail.com).
I'm pretty sure I can get us at least a 10% discount, maybe more. Hold off if you want to save a few bucks. The installation looks like an all day job to me. Whaddya think?
This was a stupid show that was on upn last night. The reason I mention it is because the main characters drive a tricked out LHS. It looks like it has 19 or 20" 5 star chrome wheels and a phat looking hood scoop. Anyone else see it it comes on at wed. at 8 central on upn here. check it out next week just to see the car then turn away quickly.
Which muffler is it? The transverse muffler or the first muffler behind the cats. These are stainless steel. The rear "muffler" or resonator is aluminized steel.
Thanks to all the above who replied and everyone for the info, tips, advice, opinions on tires you've been posting. This is one of the biggest reasons I enjoy this "300Mhood" thing we all do here and elsewhere. I decided to go ahead with the Michelin Pilot XGT Z4 225/55-17's they'll be in next monday. $826 for all 4 out the door, er. garage bay, price. Which works out to $20 per tire cheaper than 4 other dealers in town i got quotes from. thought about buying online but shipping and mounting & balancing costs ate up the differnce in savings vs. the price this guy gave me. this is my first signifcant (Costly) improvement i've made to my 99 300M. more to come ;-) dual exhausts are next on my wish list. thanks again, tnsc_300m
tnsc_300m., I agree. DC must give some deals if they really want to move these cars. They (DC) have nobody to blame but themselves on our slow sales. Why would anybody want to buy a 2002 when they are identical to a 98 or 99 LH car!! Put a 98 Intrepid and a 02 side by side and I dare you to find any changes(other than stickers and rims) We at the plant figured with the elimination of the third shift we would be able to keep things rolling, guess not. The real scary thing is we still have to build the 03 model before we switch over to the LX program for 2004. Who in there right mind is going to buy the last year of the LH and not wait for the rear wheel drive and V8. I'd sure wait.Oh well ,good thing we pay into a Unemployment fund ,because I think we will be using it quite a bit in the next couple of years.
Yeah, why they are waiting for 2004 is anyone's guess. I think one more year of the same car is a waste too. Given the finance problems, you would think they would build those now so as to generate a sales boom and dig out of the slump.
I would unload my 99 in a second for a RWD and manual version. This is what the M should have been anyway. I mean how do you build a V6 FWD car and celebrate heritage of cars of the past with big V8s anyway. Don't get me wrong, we have one of the best cars we can buy for reasonable money, but it could have been much better in 1999 and will be much better in a couple of years.
Do not loose hope. Almost all automakers are delaying some projects, even if they are not admiting it yet. Therefore- the competition will likely not be as tough for the next year or two. I have no doubt that there will be a downturn, but things have a way of turning around. As an ex-Chrysler UAW member (from back in the '70's), the best outlook seemed to be to view downturns as "unscheduled vacation" and plan accordingly.
Thanks for the info on the mods. I was busy yesterday at work and was unable to 'chat'. The muffler parts you used were not stainless right? Because I will need to use stainless since I live where there's snow/salt. One recommendation was Borla, which is what I originally wanted. However, I don't know what part to use since Borla only lists one for a single exhaust and not a dual.
Comments
http://www.kwmuth.com/Products/Kits/200-0040.htm
I do have some concern about the Zaino products, but I'll defer to anyone with more technical experience. The concern I have is this: I've always heard that paint sealants are bad for paint since they don't allow the paint to "breathe." This may be BS and it's possible that Zaino Bros. doesn't fully seal the paint, but the descriptions on their website make it appear as though it does. I have to concede that it appears a lot of people with lots invested in their paint jobs use Zaino, so I may be off-base in my concern. I'd like to hear from someone who works in the body/paint industry who may have an informed opinion on this.
For the interior, I use Lexol's spray-on conditioner for my leather seats. I have some rub-in stuff that I've used also, but it takes forever to get an even coat. Lexol has been around a long time and has an excellent reputation. I think any vinyl protectant will work for the vinyl surfaces in your 300M. One caution, though: I find that I get a fair amount of glare off my windshield--a low-gloss product helps minimize this problem.
Finally, I feel that getting your windows tinted will go a long way toward preserving your interior, particularly in a hot, sunny climate.
I'll make a further report on the handling in a few days.
By the way, I received a coupon from Goodrich for a free G-Tech performance meter. It's available to all purchasers of 4 Goodrich high performance tires until August 31st. I'm sending my coupon off today.
Lynn
You didn't say how many months/miles you will keep your M, but check the treadwear on the XGT Z4 tires against the MXM4s which is 300.
Many Z rated tires have a very low treadwear rating, and sometimes less tread depth.
You also need to consider if an M&S designation is appropriate in your area.
I personally feel that a one-grade increase in speed rating over OE tires is sufficient.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/ebayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=594125111&r=0&t=0
my 99 300M now has 67K miles, I'll probably keep it another 2 yrs from now or until 300N hemi is avail.
:-)
The Pilot XGT Z4's are rated 300AA 95W ,the Pilot MXM4 tires are 300AA 95V. tread depth on both are 10/32"
According to Michelins website the difference between the two (XGT Z4 vs. MXM4 V rated)XGT Z4 advantages are: better performance handling and wet traction, street handling is same. With the tradeoff's being all season traction, tread life and comfort/aka quiet.
I'll take the plusses and live with the trade off between the two. but both models are excellent tires and the differences between them are like like the difference between gold and platinum. both are great. worlds better than the badyears i have now.
tnsc_300m
No Herrmdogg's is a silver 2001 300M. the two are errirly similar in some of the other features tho.
hermm is using Lexani Krystal rims. This guy is using Lexani Iris rims.
herrm's website links is below:
http://members.cardomain.com/herrmdogg
tnsc_300m
did u take any pics?
there $269, rogor what kinda deal are ya lookin at? is there anyone else interested in these....
Av..I just ASSUMED that they were stainless, but since I'm Joisey, we do get the occasional snow storm and salt conditions. The S.O. ays its like a circle with a rust area in the center!
Thanks for the speedy replies!
Doc
lflowers--Why did you up to 8" rims? I thought the 245x45-17s would go on the stock 17x7" rims? Is this not the case?
I dont get DC. I go to my 5* dealer last week. salesman tells me he's got a 2002 300M and Concorde but, ssshhhh...(wink,wink), it's like a secret he has any. Also no update on Chrysler web site about 2002 models are available, info on features etc... Ok I understand they're still lots of 01's on the lot they need to move out.
So how bout some real incentives???
Last week when I checked still only $1500 on a 01 300M PHP, ironically some of you may recall back in June I posted about Phases78 and I going to a nearby dealer and test driving a garnet/sandstone PHP made Sept 2000, still has chrome shifter.
IT'S THE EXACT SAME CAR! I wrote down the VIN when we test drove it and now it's at my 5*. I saw it and double checked when i got home. 11 months after mfg date.
Sorry Otto,:(
YOU build us great cars!!! :-)
Wish I could afford another one now.
tnsc_300m
there a very good safety feature. blind spots are a bad thing, and inevitablely one day you will be in someone's blind spot, and they will cut you off not even knowing, accident waiting to happen. i've had some close calls so i am geting this turn signal mirrors. unknowingly i cut someone off once and they braked hard and got slammed into a ditch. was it my fault? no, but i paid for it because i felt so bad. actually i just brought it too the shop and did it for free. lol. but still, if i had those mirrors, chances are it would of never happened. there was this expedition in front of me with the mirrors, i was in behind in left lane, he was in middle. i wasn't in his blind spot or anything, but it sure helped to see those signals. the suns blazing down over here on the east coast and you cant even see brake lights!!
bigmike5...... I've been told several places that 7" rim width is too narrow for 245/45 tires.
Michelin's website says that 245/50's will fit, but I didn't think Michelin's were worth $1100+ bucks. With the price I got for my old wheels, I got 4 new Konig Tantrum 17 x 8 wheels and 4 Goodrich GForce TA KDW 245/45ZR-17 tires for about the same $1100. Next time I need tires, I can choose from a number of brands and stay in the $600-700 range, so my story (for my wife anyway) is that I'm saving money by buying new wheels! Hey, it works for me!!!
Konig Tantrum pic: http://www.discounttire.com/dtc/findWheelSizesByBrand.do?step=sizes&index=10
Lynn
bigmike5...... I've been told several places that 7" rim width is too narrow for 245/45 tires.
Michelin's website says that 245/50's will fit, but I didn't think Michelin's were worth $1100+ bucks. With the price I got for my old wheels, I got 4 new Konig Tantrum 17 x 8 wheels and 4 Goodrich GForce TA KDW 245/45ZR-17 tires for about the same $1100. Next time I need tires, I can choose from a number of brands and stay in the $600-700 range, so my story (for my wife anyway) is that I'm saving money by buying new wheels! Hey, it works for me!!!
Konig Tantrum pic: http://www.discounttire.com/dtc/findWheelSizesByBrand.do?step=sizes&index=10
Lynn
http://genxco.com/index.htm
The tips are called Lexus tips by Ed Hanson, but I've never been able to find any Lexus with the tips or any reference to these anywhere for a Lexus car. The closest I can find is the oval caddy tips. They're not stainless, but they seem to be holding up ok so far. Ed Hanson will sell them to you for $15 each plus shipping, or $100 per side welded to custom staggered Y pipes.
-M
PHASES78 - Even though it's a bad pic, her billet grille is the one that I was telling you about. I know the guy that made it for her.
Her story is this ... she is a rich girl that has her mom and boyfriend pay for everything. Her boyfriend was hurt on the job (foot cut off) and he got tons of money for it. I'm sorry but I can't respect something like that. Don't get me wrong, it looks pretty good, but I can't respect it if someone doesn't work for it.
Those are aftermarket headrests by they way, they were custom made to house the TV's but it looks really cheesy. The aren't deep enough so the TV's stick out about a inch or so even when they are all the way down.
I'm not trying to hate or anything, I've seen the car inside and out and these are just some notes to anyone who would be considering buying it.
I do think it's worth what she is asking though.
AVALANCHE - I'm not sure of the stock rim offset but on my 20's it is a +45mm. FYI. And EMAIL me ASAP about the PROJECT please (herrmdogg@hotmail.com).
http://memebers.cardomain.com/herrmdogg
HerrmDogg
They are a significant improvement, especially in wet weather...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=594097250
another M on ebay
Try ebay, but be prepared to pay $$$
DC hasn't made them since earlier this year (January?)
-m
I decided to go ahead with the Michelin Pilot XGT Z4 225/55-17's they'll be in next monday.
$826 for all 4 out the door, er. garage bay, price. Which works out to $20 per tire cheaper than 4 other dealers in town i got quotes from.
thought about buying online but shipping and mounting & balancing costs ate up the differnce in savings vs. the price this guy gave me.
this is my first signifcant (Costly) improvement i've made to my 99 300M. more to come ;-)
dual exhausts are next on my wish list.
thanks again, tnsc_300m
I would unload my 99 in a second for a RWD and manual version. This is what the M should have been anyway. I mean how do you build a V6 FWD car and celebrate heritage of cars of the past with big V8s anyway. Don't get me wrong, we have one of the best cars we can buy for reasonable money, but it could have been much better in 1999 and will be much better in a couple of years.
I'm waiting patiently, but it's so difficult.
http://www.kwmuth.com/
for 300M
http://www.kwmuth.com/Products/Kits/200-0040.htm
Installation Instructions
http://www.kwmuth.com/TechSupport/PDFs/21000190.pdf
Where to get one and get it installed in your area
http://www.kwmuth.com/TechSupport/PDFs/AssignedKeyInstallers.pdf
Do not loose hope. Almost all automakers are delaying some projects, even if they are not admiting it yet. Therefore- the competition will likely not be as tough for the next year or two. I have no doubt that there will be a downturn, but things have a way of turning around. As an ex-Chrysler UAW member (from back in the '70's), the best outlook seemed to be to view downturns as "unscheduled vacation" and plan accordingly.
Jon A