Why don't all automakers let their engineers loose?

"slipperysallylikespenguins" (slipperysally) 03/10/2016 at 18:43 • Filed to: None

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Every year the Jeep engineers get to make 5-7 concepts/ customs that have no chance of getting made. Why don’t more automakers do this? They can use mostly parts bin pieces( except the custom bodies) to keep cost low and they get a lot of attention for the automaker. All of the major automakers should get in on this idea.

I know VW does something similiar for Worthorsee every year and some companies take cars to SEMA. But most of the SEMA cars are just special paint/trim (looking at you GM).

scoob > slipperysallylikespenguins 03/10/2016 at 18:45

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Because then absolutely everybody will complain about all these concepts that will never see the light of day.

ly2v8-Brian > slipperysallylikespenguins 03/10/2016 at 18:47

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Government

hedbutter > scoob 03/10/2016 at 18:47

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And if every company did this, the internet wouldnt be able to handle all of the bitching (especially if they did them all at the same time)

On the other hand, i would live to see this happen, hahaha

BobintheMtns > slipperysallylikespenguins 03/10/2016 at 18:49

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You’ll end up with a bunch of Homer-mobiles.

Gone > slipperysallylikespenguins 03/10/2016 at 18:52

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Oops, read wrong.

Point is still valid. Money. Costs a lot of money to have designers and engineers sitting around all day not producing anything that makes money. Easily 20-50 people with thousands of hours and all the overhead costs that just burn money @ $70/hr burden cost.

slipperysallylikespenguins > Gone 03/10/2016 at 18:54

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I’m not talking about producing these vehicles, just letting the engineers have some fun and make what they want for show.

slipperysallylikespenguins > ly2v8-Brian 03/10/2016 at 18:55

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What does the government have to do with showcars?

slipperysallylikespenguins > BobintheMtns 03/10/2016 at 18:56

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Some people like Homermobiles, and for some reason I think Lincoln when I think Homermobile.

ly2v8-Brian > slipperysallylikespenguins 03/10/2016 at 18:57

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I’m tired, i thought this was another “why can’t they build that?” thread.

Gone > slipperysallylikespenguins 03/10/2016 at 19:01

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Ya, I’m stupid. Edited it for accuracy and providing a more useful comment. Money still is the issue though...

Liam Farrell > slipperysallylikespenguins 03/10/2016 at 19:09

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It would be pretty cool for a contest with the different designers that could do it after hours and see their concept come to life.

slipperysallylikespenguins > Gone 03/10/2016 at 19:10

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Your original reply was well worded for why they can’t go into production. I imagine it wouldn’t be much of a drain on big companies like GM or Toyota, but could be an issue for small brands like Mazda or Subaru. I guess Jeep can justify it for experimenting and marketing of their MOPAR parts.

slipperysallylikespenguins > Liam Farrell 03/10/2016 at 19:14

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I would imagine that this sort of program is a big morale booster and would be a break from building beige for most engineers.

Steve in Manhattan > slipperysallylikespenguins 03/10/2016 at 19:23

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Two words: Pontiac and Aztek.

RallyWrench > slipperysallylikespenguins 03/10/2016 at 19:59

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The do, the problem is the accountants get let loose afterwards.

Gone > slipperysallylikespenguins 03/10/2016 at 20:06

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Thanks, I try. Reading comprehension not so good though, hah.

You’re correct. Overall, it barely moves the needle of anyone’s budget. But it’s still millions that could be spent on a profit center instead. Still have to justify your existence to the chain of command. Companies generally aren’t big on spending in something with no return. Tends to upset shareholders. Jeep has been doing this for awhile and since they pull in good money it’s probably easy to justify. Otherwise it would a lot more difficult.

Tapas > slipperysallylikespenguins 03/10/2016 at 20:31

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Basically, they are cunts that are teasing us.

We can make this....buhhut we won’t! hehe suckers.

petebmwm > slipperysallylikespenguins 03/11/2016 at 07:50

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THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LET ENGINEERS LOOSE..

I give you the worst 7 series ever made.

You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much > Gone 03/11/2016 at 09:14

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A lot of times these concepts are done off the clock. The engineers get to use company resources, but do it after hours and can’t bill for their time. There is also a lot less engineering that goes into a concept like this. They are engineered to move and perform, but the concepts don’t have to meet crash standards or anything which saves a ton of time.