Even though he was wrong, Jac Nasser was right. (Dudder).Reality is a funny thing. I believe it to be an unchanging constant modified by the beliefs, hopes, perspective, and agenda of each person on earth. It's why no two people see things in the same way. It's also why many disagree with Verb 1. disagree with - not be very easily digestible; "Spicy food disagrees with some people" hurt - give trouble or pain to; "This exercise will hurt your back" my views, and even more will once they finish reading this. I was speaking with a friend recently about his new career. A died-in-the-wool car freak, a former motoring journalist and industry consultant, he dropped out of the auto industry recently and literally went back to school. He's now working in the communications office of the University of Southern California's School of Engineering, far away from Detroit and its car culture. He served a five-year stint in Dearborn, spent a brief time in Hiroshima, Japan with Mazda, and consulted for them in the acidic vendor-OEM relationship that unfortunately typifies this industry. I'd tell you what he thinks of these experiences, but I can't use that kind of language here. Most who've met him--and some who haven't--describe him as brash and arrogant, full of himself, and prickly. They wouldn't be wrong. He, on the other hand, would say he was handsome and even-tempered, insightful, and always right, It's easy to understand why some people have an unflattering opinion of him. My view of reality is different because I breached his Atlantic Wall The Atlantikwall (English: Atlantic wall) was an extensive system of coastal fortifications built by the German Third Reich in 1942 until 1944 during World War II along the western coast of Europe to defend against an anticipated Anglo-American led Allied invasion of the of self-protection for the simple reason that I too had been an automotive journalist. When we met, I worked with Lotus, and he worked with Ford's Special Vehicle Team. When the mood struck us, which was fairly often, we'd write missives to our respective clients outlining what we thought they should do. We presented them with opportunities, and invented vehicles that could be built using existing pieces and a bit of creativity. One of his papers included ideas for a front-engined V12 Aston Martin Aston Martin Lagonda Limited is a British manufacturer of luxury performance cars, whose headquarters are at Gaydon, Warwickshire, England. The company name is derived from the Aston Clinton hill climb and one of the company's founders, Lionel Martin. coupe, a Hot Rod hot rod Automobile rebuilt or modified for high speed, fast acceleration, or sporty appearance. A wide range of automobiles may be called hot rods, including some of those used in drag racing as well as those used in recreational cruising. V10 Lincoln (an idea we held in common and refined in rambling conversations), and numerous others. Although these ideas were roundly round·ly adv. 1. In the form of a circle or sphere. 2. With full force or vigor; thoroughly: applauded roundly; was roundly criticized. ignored at the time, it's interesting to note that some are in production, and others are being considered for same. Were the ideas borrowed? Perhaps, but that's not the point of this story. The real crime lays in the rabid arrogance within the OEMs and their dismissive attitude toward those who aren't part of their inner circle, Without an MBA MBA abbr. Master of Business Administration Noun 1. MBA - a master's degree in business Master in Business, Master in Business Administration from Harvard, an executive v.p. title, or knowledge of the secret handshake A secret handshake is a series of hand gestures that indicate loyalty to a club, clique, or subculture. The purpose of the secret handshake is to identify exclusive group members, and consequently to prevent inclusion of outsiders. , you aren't going to get in. So, after years of feeling ignored, he went back home to California, thoroughly disgusted with Detroit. Which brings me to the title of this column. Ford's former CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. Jac Nasser railed against the lack of diversity in the auto industry, but limited it to sex, skin color, environment, or other accidents of nature. It goes far, far beyond that. Yet Nasser was right in the sense that the auto industry is closed to ideas and people outside the inner circle. It's populated pop·u·late tr.v. pop·u·lat·ed, pop·u·lat·ing, pop·u·lates 1. To supply with inhabitants, as by colonization; people. 2. by folks unwilling to think about, much less try, new things. So the OEMs lose people like my friend Mark Ewing--and countless others like him--every day for the simple reason that working from outside the box isn't encouraged or allowed. And their "hare-brained" ideas go with them. Ultimately it's the reason automakers drop to their knees with nauseating regularity when the market shifts, forcing them to grasp at to catch at; to try to seize; as, Alexander grasped at universal empire, See also: Grasp seemingly radical ideas that had been delivered on the proverbial platter long before. It doesn't have to be this way, but I doubt it will ever change. Good luck in your new life, Mark. |
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