Kaizen on pause

Honda and Toyota are being forced to modify decades of kaizen/just-in-time manufacturing and are stockpiling materials. It seems as though their suppliers – who sell to the entire automotive industry in the US, not just Detroit – are having problems due to Detroit's financial/inventory problems. 

After I posted that entry, I wondered how today's fiscal difficulties would change the way goods are produced. I am still ruminating on it. It's just strange to see the unraveling of decades of progress in the span of twelve to eighteen months. 

Hat tip [Autoblog]

Sweet Volvo

This is a seriously hot Volvo, which is almost a contradiction in terms. This is a preview of the 2010 S60 that will be released in Detroit. Can't wait to see it.

Detroit would be an interesting show to attend this year. Some prominent makes – including Nissan and Mitsubishi – have pulled out of the show this year. What will Detroit be like next year?

Hat tip [Autoblog]