Cheapo Italians?

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Tue 13 Mar 2001 23:38
Cheapo Italians? - harry
Someone else was asking about Pirellis being weaker than other tyres, but could the same question be asked of Italian cars too, not to mention their other industrial goods?

I used to have the import rights for various ranges of Italian manufactured goods, mostly furniture. In every single case I found that the approach of Italian industry is to concentrate on looks. True flare and beauty yes. Real emotion in the design. But quality underneath? Try thinnest, cheapest, quickest to produce.

On the other hand German industry is renowned for its almost fanatical pursuit of engineering excellence. Their stuff often lacks emotional involvement, but they dont skimp on materials or machining.

The same approach can (I believe anyway) be seen in cars. I love the new Alfa 147 - but will it last as long as a hot VW?
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Wed 14 Mar 2001 13:33
Re: Cheapo Italians? - honestjohn
See the thread on VW quality.

HJ
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Mon 19 Mar 2001 19:59
Re: Cheapo Italians? - Andrew Gordon
1. Most Pirelli tyres bought here wouldn't be made in Italy.
2. A lot of German cars have Pirelli tyres as standard.
3. The company originated in Milan where they have a more "Saxon" attitude to engineering.
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