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Build-to-Order Cars?
MadMonk writes "Baseline has an article about a new car company that wants to be 'the Dell of the auto industry.' Build-To-Order, Inc. could turn the auto industry on its ear. At worst, BTO will be an interesting technology petri dish. I want a customized car to match my customized computer."
If I recall correctly, GM has already had designs in the works for an electric car that would be built on top of a "skateboard", basically a car base with batteries and electronics all built in. You could pop any shell/interior top onto that base. The idea was that you spent the big bucks on the base, and then spend your fashion dollars on a new top from year to year. In fact, an aftermarket was envisioned for custom, made to order, modularized, pop-together tops for the base.
*** *** You're just jealous 'cause the voices talk to me... ***
The current auto manufactureres are already the "Dell of automobiles." They give you a selection of options (color, radio, interior, etc.) and you can choose what you want. If you want something for which they don't have a configuration then you don't get it (go ahead and try to get a real Windows CD from Dell, I dare you) or it costs you more than it should.
The dogcow says "Moof!"
The current auto manufactureres are already the "Dell of automobiles." They give you a selection of options (color, radio, interior, etc.) and you can choose what you want. If you want something for which they don't have a configuration then you don't get it
The difference is that if you don't want something that they do have, then the unwanted car will be standing, and potentially sold at a discount (whereas the unwanted Dell is never built). The losses from the unwanted cars are passed on to the consumer, in the price of the popular varieties.
Tor