[captain_dave]

Hardly surprising. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Japanese and, yes, even the Once Big Three, are doing the same. I guess it’s a fine line between “industrial standards” and cartel behavior. They still have to compete with other European, Japanese, Korean and American car manufacturers.

[Responsibility2nd]

Hardly surprising. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Japanese and, yes, even the Once Big Three, are doing the same. I guess it’s a fine line between “industrial standards” and cartel behavior. They still have to compete with other European, Japanese, Korean and American car manufacturers.

 

Correct. The USA is not alone in imposing ridiculous and oppressive standards regarding emmisons. Europe has these rules also. And diesel auto companies MUST manipulate and game the system if they want to stay in business.

[Lockbox]

With the cost of developing new engines, transmissions, etc it makes sense for car companies to partner up for joint development. The car companies face a common target from Governments, so it makes sense to partner up for a common solution.

Another example is a work done to agree on a standard plug for the charging electrical cord for plug in hybrids.

It maybe that the Germans did not use the proper legal form of joint venture / partnerships to address these issues.

[Vigilanteman]

Not long ago, I got a job from a big law firm checking e-mail translations from certain well-known Japanese car companies. Much of what you stated can be confirmed.