Manufacturing Globalisation

[Sprint'n'Go]

I wasn't sure if I should post this in the tyres section but as it is really about a bigger issue i thought it could go here.

I have had a set of 4 Continental Vanco tyres fitted to the van this week and on closer inspection I noticed that this set was made in South Africa. The original set fitted to the van in a German factory were made in Germany as were the replacements that have just been taken off and both sets lasted nearly 60k. My question is this, will this set be identical to the German ones or can I expect different wear characteristics?

This seems to be a trend across many areas of automotive production and even a Mercedes vehicle can be made in many differant locations and sometimes in dual locations (Germany, Austria, Spain, South Africa, America and probably many others). I know many people have mentioned the Vito people carrier thing (can't remember it's proper name off the top of my head, V220/280?) which appears to be made in spain and also appears to be of diabolical quality. is this a result of its country of origin?

 

[SLinKyjoe]

tyres are still made partially by hand. the mixture used and the process should, in thoery, be able to be made by anyone with the right equipment.

therefore is Contineitnal either wish to reduce the price tyres cost, or more likley, increase the profits. opening a factory in an area that has cheaper operating costs should not affect the quality of the tyre. They will supply the knowledge etc, but a cheaper work force can actually make the tyre to the same specification.

i should think other market forces are at work too. I think that some cars that are manufactured in other countries may sufer in a quality area due more to the lack of attention to detail given to the assembly as they are being used as cheap labour. and you get what you pay for.

See how it goes.

 

[3146bj]

The same is happening with Michelin and other tyre brands. For example, 2 of the Michies on my Disco are made in France, one in the UK and two in Spain. Those on the Merc are made in France. Where they are made seems to depend on when you buy and the size you need.

A couple of asides on this theme:

- Both Goodyear and Dunlop tyres sold in Australia are made in the same facory here in Melbourne. They are also imported from places like Malaysia and Thailand. Just luck of the draw where yours come from.

- Holden market a small car called a Barina which has been, over the years, a rebadged Suzuki, Seat or Daewoo. Their version of the Opel Zafira, called the Holden Zafira, is made in Thailand. A version of the Holden Commodore is sold in the Middle East as the Chevrolet Lumina. The Pontiac GTO recently sold in the US is actually a slightly facelifted Holden Monaro, which is also sold as a Vauxhall.

So, whatever you buy could come from just about anywhere, with different quality standards, but all at the lowest cost to the supplier/manufacturer and the highest that you are prepared to pay.

 

[television]

Interesting that with electronics Eastern Europe still make worst PCB's in my veiw, the soldering and quility that comes from the far east is up to date and of a reasonable quality. Interesting that computer panels are much better made the the panels in car electrics, or this was the case until recently.

Malcolm

 

[johnmc]

Hi,
The Vanco tyres should be the same in terms of wear. I've had el cheapo tyres on my E-Class, 4 x 16inchers, for 30Quid each and so far they are on track to outlast the 80Quid Michellins that I had on before! There's an element of luck in the choice for low cost tyres. I've got one low cost low profile on my people carrier that's not holding out so well.

Globalisation is causing problems due to the speed of the shift to low cost places. Quality is poor and will take years to recover. You can't dump Billions of Pounds worth of work abroad so fast and not see problems. Merc is no different with parts now made all over the world including some parts made by Chrysler and Kia.

Bye!
John

 

[Sprint'n'Go]

Oh dear......

Just spotted this......

http://www.emercedesbenz.com/Sep06/15_DaimlerChrysler_Celebrates_New_Plant_Opening_In_Beijing.html

 

[bitonw]

Sure, China is the biggest growing market of today so why shouldn't you build a factory there... Many customers around the corner...