Auto workers?

"norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback" (norskracer98)
08/23/2014 at 17:51 • Filed to: None

Does anyone here work for a car manufacturer? If so how do you like it and whats it like? I'm talking any position from Engineer to Tech or plant worker.

DISCUSSION (11)

yamahog > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
08/23/2014 at 17:54

Yes, and terrible.

-Yamahog and CrzRsn, enginerds at 2/3 of the Large Three.

(no offense, but we're not telling which ones because obvious)

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > yamahog
08/23/2014 at 17:59

Would the terrible be all of the rules and regulations you have to abide by?

yamahog > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
08/23/2014 at 18:04

Speaking only for myself now, I came from the defense/aerospace industry (capital of rules & regulations), so automotive moves faster in that regard.

The terrible is the people and the internal corporate red tape and stupidity you'll get working at most any large company hiring engineers nowadays, IMO.

DasWauto > yamahog
08/23/2014 at 18:11

This, so much this. I've encountered this in both the automotive and aerospace industries.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
08/23/2014 at 18:30

Does sales count?

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather
08/23/2014 at 18:32

Yeah, I said any position. Technically you work for an auto manufacturer so, ja,

doodon2whls > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
08/23/2014 at 18:36

I spent 10 years @ one of the big three and loved my job and had great co-workers, but I consider myself one of the lucky few. I started out in a dream job (performance vehicle development), then took a move to 'check the plant engineering' career box. Unfortunately, the company underwent some terrible leadership changes and I lost faith in the top brass. I bailed from the auto industry, but still work in Technology R&D in another product domain. I satisfy my auto/motorcycle need for speed in other ways.

I still have friends in the company/industry and they are working on great things, but many of them are stuck under upside down home loans, or don't have a viable alternative career move they can make. Many of the terrible middle management that didn't take a buyout or get fired are now senior management and up to the same tricks. This is incredibly de-motivational for my former colleagues.

The truth is that your specific experience at any of the companies has everything to do with the particular group you join - not necessarily the corporate culture. You could have a great or terrible experience at all of the manufacturers. Group chemistry is important and you either land in a group that has it or not. The corporate environment may not effect you much unless you ate dealing with upper management on a regular basis.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
08/23/2014 at 21:22

So being a VW salesman is pretty good. The hours suck, but I don't hate my job at all.

The only true "bang my head in the wall" moments are when people expect us to have the same pricing structure as domestic cars. Aka, an immediate 3k price drop when you walk in the door, and 6k total off by the time you walk out.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather
08/23/2014 at 21:27

Why is it that German cars typically cost more? Is it because of Import costs and changes to the USDM or is it because of ze German Engineering?

Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
08/24/2014 at 00:51

Well, since you said any position, I just recently started a part time job as a lot attendant/service porter at a Ford dealership. That entails detailing cars, moving cars, filling out the gaps in the lot, etc etc. I like it so far. Right now it's really basic but I am working towards a tech position in the future (hopefully)

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
08/24/2014 at 10:35

Mostly it's due to the fact that the cars have to be re-engineered in some way for the American market.

The other part is the quality of what goes into the cars. Shut a Malibu door. And then shut a Passat or Jetta door. There's an obvious difference. People who want to race to the bottom don't care, but people that actually love cars or want quality appreciate it.