• PerCarita@discuss.tchncs.de
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    32
    ·
    1 year ago

    In Germany: Big car manufacturers do have round-table sessions where they share research informations with each other. However, they do not co-ordinate pricing.

    When you feel like car manufacturers release models with similar specs within a short time frame, this could be why.

    • BewilderedBeast@mander.xyz
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      8
      ·
      1 year ago

      Another common one that I hear is, “Why do all cars look the same?” The truth of it comes down to two general factors, safety and improving aerodynamics to improve fuel economy.

      • PerCarita@discuss.tchncs.de
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        1
        ·
        1 year ago

        Here’s another “insider’s insight”: The car industry is a tough business. The profit margin is not like selling bottled water, especially when you consider overheads in R&D and the regulation compliant measures they have to adhere to, to sell in the German/EU market. Cars sold in the US are cheaper to produce because they go through much, much less vigorous testing, but then they are loaded with stupid add-ons (screens behind each seat, more luxurious user interface, better speaker+subwoofer combos, etc)