Increasing car recalls and increasing car sales – A contradiction?
In 2010 I have seen more car recalls than I care to remember, but not just from the mass producers. Premium manufacturers like BMW, Rolls Royce, Ferrari and others were also busy recalling. There are many reasons for this: complex technology, increased outsourcing combined with cost pressure on the suppliers, just to name a few. Plus, 'built to last' seems to be a strategy of the past.
Not only that, I am certain that the number of unreported cases is much higher, because in many countries the car recall legislation is not as tough as in the US. In these markets, manufacturers often choose not to do an official recall. Instead they fix the problem without informing the consumer when the car is in the workshop.
But those are topics for another post, today I want to draw your attention to a seeming contradiction:
Despite the huge number of recalls, US as well as global car sales in 2010 are rising! In other words, we buy more and more of a product, that is being recalled more frequently due to quality problems.
It is the same old story, we are not exerting our influence sufficiently and seem to be content with less than we have to. We forgive and forget, which effectively boils down to turning the other cheek. Unfortunately many brands, not just car brands, will only act once decreasing profits indicate a need for action. As long as it is cheaper to say sorry and recall a product than to get it right from the start, many will continue to excuse themselves. In those cases, boycotts are the only answer.