Pride of Ownership, Deming Rides Again

Thursday July 15, 2010

Well I saved my pennies and I saved my dimes
(Giddy up giddy up 409)
'fore I knew there would be a time
(Giddy up giddy up 409)
When I would buy a brand new 409
(409, 409)

 Beach Boys singing about the big block Chevy 409, the forerunner of the 427 mentioned in this article

We are studying Deming and his ideas on Total Quality Management in cost accounting. He makes the point that if a manufacturer puts the customer at the center of their focus, success will follow. Well someone at GM, who could use some success, is paying attention. Now certain Corvette customers, can fly to Detroit and assemble the engine that will go in their car. I mentioned in class that Apple had the original MAC team sign the inside of the mold that made the MAC case. At Aston Martin, the person assembling the engine used to put his name on it. Now GM has duplicated that tradition, as owner, you assemble the engine under the guidance of someone who knows what to do, and you get to say you built it!

Gee it only took GM 45 years to catch up with the Beach Boys enthusiasm for the GM product.....

Comments

[Marcos Esquivel]

I would love to take advantage of any of these purchase programs! I especially like the option to oversee your corvette being built from the frame up! But $5800 is rediculous just to participate in the engine build up that doesn't include lodging and meals. However if I'm able to afford a 70-110+ thousand dollar vehicle then that would not be a problem. It also makes sense for GM to charge for this option, I hear some car manufactures actually charge you an extra fee if you would like to pick up your new car straight from the factory...
Another advantage of knowing how your engine operates and every detail about it would only increase your self confidence and bond to your car. Thus you will think twice if you really should let the dealer replace a worn out part on your baby or just do it yourself.