Industry Report: Honda Chairman Vows to Keep Production High and Use More U.S. Parts and Labour

On that note, both Ford and GM are said to be developing Chrysler 300C fighters to replace, or bolster their current mid-size to

GM and Ford both produce stunning concept cars, but nothing like them ever reaches production. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

full-size offerings. Many outsiders question why the two automakers aren't as aggressive as Chrysler Group. Each create enticing concept cars, such as Ford's 427 concept from 2003 and Bronco concept from 2004, Lincoln's Continental concept that debuted a year earlier, Chevy's daring SS concept from the 2003 Detroit show and Buick's gorgeous Centieme concept from the same event, a natural replacement for the slow-selling Rendezvous, but nothing remotely close to these cars never seem to materialize.

On the other hand, Chrysler Group experienced positive feedback for its Pacifica concept, built a production version that appeared very similar and has enjoyed sales success ever since in a segment that it hadn't previously entered. The Auburn-hills automaker followed the same pattern for most of its new

GM and Ford know that they need to produce more cars consumers want to buy, and not rely on profit-eroding incentives to desperately hold onto market share. (Photo: Ford Motor Company of Canada)

entries, 300 and Charger aside, which showed up in New York and Detroit respectively, unannounced, shocking everyone in attendance.

Hopefully, for the sake of the North American auto industry and GM and Ford especially, something will be learned from this lesson, and there will be fewer cries for protectionism, which would only reduce quality standards and competitiveness issues in the long run. GM and Ford know that they need to produce more cars consumers want to buy, and not rely on profit-eroding incentives to desperately hold onto market share. After all, the Japanese can play that game too, if needed, and Toyota's pockets are a lot deeper than GM's, Ford's and DaimlerChrysler's combined.