Ducati to build Thai factory...now confirmed

[greenmonster]

The Corolla for years was made in Japan only. then they started the Nummi plant and were making them in the states. 90% of the problem ones we had when i worked at a dealer... American made.

Was there ever an explanation for these problems?

[derby]

Was there ever an explanation for these problems?

i'll go out on a limb and say cultural work ethic.

[irridium]

I lived in Bangkok for a while.  Average salary for a Thai worker is around 200 US /month, unless they have a degree, then 300-400/month.  I learned a long time ago that you get what you pay for.  Don't get me wrong, some great stuff is produced in Thailand, its just the quality control that worries me.  

[ducatiz]

Was there ever an explanation for these problems?

Plenty, but nothing official.  Basically, the problem reports at NUMMI reflected about the same level of reports at other US-based manufacturers.

NUMMI was a joint effort between GM and Toyota.  They assembled Pontiacs and Chevys there too.

Interestingly, the KIA plant in Georgia produces cars with a very low complaint/defect report number.  But they are run by KIA solely and use the Korean-style management system there.

[derby]

wasn't the NUMMI plant toyota's only union plant?

[ducatiz]

wasn't the NUMMI plant toyota's only union plant?

AFAIK.  It was really run by GM as it was an old GM plant, and only built the Toyota Camry and Matrix.  The Matrix is the same car as the Pontiac Vibe (was) until Pontiac was shitcanned.

Corrected:  They made a whole bunch of Toyota models, including Tacoma trucks..  

From wikipedia:

"The choice of the GM Fremont plant and its workers was unusual. At the time of its closure, the Fremont employees were "considered the worst workforce in the automobile industry in the United States", according to the United Auto Workers. Employees drank alcohol on the job, were frequently absent (enough so that the production line couldn't be started), and even committed petty acts of sabotage such as putting "Coke bottles inside the door panels, so they'd rattle and annoy the customer."  In spite of the history and reputation, when NUMMI reopened the factory for production in 1984, most of the troublesome GM workforce was rehired, with some sent to Japan to learn the Toyota Production System.[5][6] Workers who made the transition identified the emphasis on quality and teamwork by Toyota management as what motivated a change in work ethic."

[mitt]

I would be out if my bike was made outside of Italy.  It is part of the attraction IMO.


mitt

[derby]

Corrected:  They made a whole bunch of Toyota models, including Tacoma trucks..  

yup.. my tacoma was born there.

[muskrat]

I can't imagine they would part with tradition, after all this is the glamor of owning one.  BUT if that makes the Strada $5 to $6k cheaper and they pass on the savings I might jump but not until we know for sure the quality is there.  Sad state of affairs but I'm sure much of the decision, if it's true, has a lot to do with their just-in-time inventory that is worse over December and January when everything gets backed up for months and months.  Something needs to be done if they want to grow the brand which they say is their priority, hell service intervals is now 15k (1200 engine) which makes it very attractive to the masses.   My guess is that they will move some of their operations.

[Bill in OKC]

Was there ever an explanation for these problems?

I remember reading that there were fewer 'reported' problems with the Toyotas than the Chevys (Corolla/Nova?) even though they were the same car from the same assembly line/plant.  I wonder what they learned from that?

HD are now Building bikes in Indian factory ...abieit from knock down kits for the Asian market

I hope Ducati is not entering their "AMF" phase of growth.  

[Goat_Herder]

... This could result in either lower selling prices or greater profitability for the company.  Either way, as a "fan" of the brand, you win.  You cannot realize unless you've been a long term luster of Ducati motorcycles how lucky you are to be able to buy one today.  On several occasions Ducati was on the brink of oblivion and were rescued at the last minute, often to the long term detriment of the rescuer.

If this makes Ducati a more profitable entity, then viva Ducati.   [moto]  

+1 The game is changing and every auto/motorcycle manufacturer has to re-think its way of doing business.  Opening a plant in Thailand might sound bad for all the reasons given already, it's still a better option than staying in the old ways and watching profit slowly dwindle.  As long as Ducati stays in business, continues to win in races, and makes sweet bikes, I don't think I can ask for anything more.

[ducatiz]

I would be out if my bike was made outside of Italy.  It is part of the attraction IMO.


mitt

what if all the major components were assembled in Italy and the final assembly and minor bits done in Thailand?

[triangleforge]

http://www.twowheelsblog.com/post/5713/ducati-to-open-a-factory-in-thailand-workers-worried

Business is business.  If you think for a minute that Ducati care what you think about their production facilities you are sadly mistaken.
  

Actually, they'd be idiots if they didn't care. Brand image is a pretty basic part of marketing anything -- especially a high-end luxury good like an Italian motorcycle. Not saying that it's necessarily a bad idea for Ducati, but I'd wager you a whole lot of money that Ducati brass have thought about and written multiple memos about just what a shift like this will do to customers' reaction to their brand. And that's a bet I'd win.

If, in their estimation, the direct & indirect costs of shifting some production overseas is smaller than the benefits, then they'll do it. Business is business.

As for whether or not I'd buy one, it's kind of a moot point, as the Thai production is to be aimed at Asia, not the U.S. market. But speaking hypothetically, I don't think it would stop me.

[mitt]

what if all the major components were assembled in Italy and the final assembly and minor bits done in Thailand?

To me it is more the VIN number than the origin of parts that matters.  I know it isn't logical, but god dammit, somethings in life should be just because.   I want the final assembly in Italy if they are racing Italian colors.


mitt

[ducatiz]

To me it is more the VIN number than the origin of parts that matters.  I know it isn't logical, but god dammit, somethings in life should be just because.   I want the final assembly in Italy if they are racing Italian colors.


mitt

that's interesting.

the Thai-built Triumphs show a VIN from UK.  it is a legal trick, I don't know how you make a rolling chassis with a bike, but they do.