Chrysler Reviews

The pursuit of knowledge that gives us an understanding of factors that determine success in the market place has always considered "the firm" as the unit of analysis. This has been the case with microeconomics, game theory, competitive strategy and many such specialized areas of research. Cartels that manipulate supply and prices are perhaps an exception to this rule. If, instead of considering the firm as the unit, we consider a group of firms teaming together to collectively provide value to the customer and succeed as a unique identity as a unit of analysis, the methodology to understand competition would undergo a paradigm shift. This book is precisely about this concept as applicable to the automobile industry.

In the early half of the last century it was possible to go to the countryside for a picnic in a Ford Model T car, disassemble and reassemble it with a simple wrench and drive back home in the evening. Today we need computers to diagnose even a simple problem under the hood of cars tailor made to suit individual needs. Given the increase in complexity, explosion of technology and customer preferences, it is impossible for a single firm to ever think of manufacturing even half the components. (River Rouge will be remembered in history as the most ambitious plan of an automotive giant to make all parts of the automobile - including steel and timber from within the company. At best a fairy tale for kids of the twenty first century!).

This book is the summary of an excellent research study of the automobile industry in the 1990's with focus on Toyota and Chrysler. These companies have significantly different "governance structure" (the proportion of parts made in-house, procured from partner firms, and from arms'-length suppliers) from their competitors- GM and Ford. The firms that have a higher proportion of parts that are bought from partner suppliers have a clear edge over competitors that use arm's-length suppliers for the same parts. Extensive data has been collected, analyzed and tested to substantiate the statements made in the text.

Three characteristics that distinguish between partner suppliers from arm's length suppliers- Dedicated asset investments, Knowledge sharing routines and Inter-firm trust form the virtuous triangle that make these partnerships succeed. The results of such partnerships show clearly in tangible terms - Higher profitability per vehicle, better quality, faster time to market, and more new models for customers; the key parameters that enable Toyota and Chrysler to drive at top speed. "It 's not the big that eat the small but it's the fast that eat the slow".

Taking lessons from Toyota, Chrysler adopts concrete programs to consolidate its suppliers, integrate and partner with them to deliver higher value at lower cost to the customer.

Though this research is restricted to the automobile industry, the fundamental principles of "extended enterprise" can be extended across industries.

Highly recommended for all managers and a must read for those working in procurement processes. Next time your supplier drops in, think of this book and start a new relationship.

Having followed Dyer's other research, I think that this is a theoretically elegant piece of work. He builds further on his pieces in SMJ (with Singh from Wharton) and AMR and illustrates the concepts of relationship-based assets in firm networks. The running exemplar has he uses (Toyota) illustrates his theoretical arguments quite elonquently. The book also highlights the limitations of his concept of collaborative advantage, and his closing chapter illustrates how cultural differences (here with Benz) can keep this strategy from becoming reality. This book is not for folks looking for cut-out recipies. This book is a MUST for researchers and managers who like to think instead of searching for cookbooks! The concluding chapter is a gem because it highlights our gaps in knowledge. This is an excellent book, and having read Dyer's other works, it's high quality comes as very little surprise. Buy, own, read, reread, and profusely highlight your own copy! VERY highly recommended.

Jeffrey Dyer, an accomplished scholar and management teacher, has developed a cogent and sophisticated theory of extended enterprise management based on a wealth of empirical data from the history of Toyota in Japan and from his six-year study of Chrysler Corp. before its merger with Daimler-Benz. Beyond being a detailed and rigorous case study of the automobile manufacturing industry, Dyer's book presents an extremely valuable model for vertical integration. His model can be applied to other complex product industries, though he is honest about the limits of its applicability. This book provides a clear, effective blueprint for achieving value-chain collaboration. We [...] recommend it to consultants, executives in complex product industries and leaders in firms that supply components or materials. If you always suspected you were part of a greater whole, now you can be sure.

The 1813 campaign against Montreal must rank as one of the most dismal episodes in US Military History. No wonder it takes a Canadian like Donald Graves to write about it, as no American historian has wanted to touch it! Yet there is much food for thought here, and we as Americans have a lot to learn from our poor showing at the battles of Crysler's Farm and Chatanquay. In America we are often found of pointing out how the British professionals lacked imagination and iniative. This seemed to be so during the Revolution. How did it change for the War of 1812? The fundimental difference appears to be that the 13 Colonies took a defensive posture against the Britishin the Revolution, while in the War of 1812 the United States was deffinitely the aggressor. Yet the laws of the United States did not provide well for offensive operations. State Militias could deny crossing international boundries, and did so freqeuently during this conflict. Also, the leadership in the United States army was exceedingly poor in this period. With the likes of James Wilkinson, John Boyd and Wade Hampton leading the US invasion against Montreal, what else but failure could be expected! Here we have the classic example of political patronage and connections providing an officer corps that was totally incompetent. In contrast, the British, often accused of having such in their army, were made up totally of competent, professional individuals.

The American Army that went to war in 1812 was as bad or worse than the Spanish army of the period. The American troops were half trained at best, brave yes, but that could not compensate against discipline and professionalism. At the battle of Chantanguay a small force of Canadien Voltigeurs and Indians under de Salaberry managed to rebuff Wade Hampton. Canadians have made much of this action, but in reality with the uninspired generalship of Hampton, defeat was almost assured. This poor showing was compounded a few weeks later at Crysler's Farm where a much bigger American army was roughly handled by a smaller professional British force less than half its size. Wilkinson who lead this part of the army demonstrated leadhership as bad or worse than Hampton. In fact he was ill throughout the battle, leaving command in the field to John Boyd, a mercinary soldier of low fortune. The British, under the inspired Colonel Morrison had only the 49th & 89th regiments of foot and a few light companies and militia to hold off Boyd's horde. Yet, the sheer professionalism of the British and their allies enabled them to do so. Morrison deployed his well-drilled regulars in an enclosed field, forcing the Americans to take him head-on. The bumbling American columns were shot to pieces as they emerged from the woods, yet the prolonged firefight which ensued would prove costly to the Britsih as well. Still, there could be no denying that the Americans were woefully under trained to take on such professionals. Boyd withdrew after two hours of desultry fighting, losing close to 500 men killed, wounded and captured. British losses were less than half. With this second repulse, the American drive on Montreal was ended.

Canada owes a great debt to the professionalism of the British regulars who defended her borders. Popular Canadian history has tried to down-play the contributions of the British troops, while boasting the role of the Indians and Militia. This is nonesense, and Mr.Graves more than sets the record straight here.

Overall this is Mr. Grave's longest and most impressive work. His two previous books on the battles of Chippewa and Lundy's Lane brought these less well known actions to light, dispelling many popular myths in the process. Here Graves has shed light on a very dark aspect of the war for the United States, and one that is not well known in this country. American readers may find it painful to read, yet instructional. Also, in the ashes of defeat would come redemption in the following year when Jacob Brown and Winfield Scott conduct the 1814 Niagara campaign which salvages to some exstent the shattered reputation of the United States army. In reading this book one can see that we Americans are a people that enjoy war, yet are not professional in our conduct of it. These are lessons we need to take to heart for the present day.

In conclusion, Grave's book is well written, full of many interesting bios on the personalities involved, and provides numerous addenda. This reader cannot recommend it highly enough. It is his best work on the War of 1812 so far. Military buffs of the period will enjoy its up-close description of the fighting, providing as it does an interesting example of Napoleanic tactics applied in a secondary theater of war. All War of 1812 nuts should have it in their collection.

Donald Graves continues his expert telling of the tale of the fighting on the Niagara frontier in the War of 1812 with this chronicle of the abortive invasion of Canada by the inexpert American forces under the incompetent command of the treasonous General James Wilkinson. Factual, colorful, and authoritative, this book is a must for any student of the War of 1812 in particular and the Napoleonic period in general. Frequently overlooked as a very small sideshow compared to the huge conflagration in Europe, the War of 1812 is really America's, and Canada's, forgotten war. Fought over immense distances under incredible hardship with very small armies, the stakes fought for were unbelievably high, and the difficulty of waging war in this primitive wilderness, and the hardships endured by the troops, is simply unbelievable. High deeds and much incompetence takes place in this volume, where an outnumbered, but much more skilled and better led, British/Canadian force badly defeats an American army whose only advantage is numbers. However, some of the American regimental commanders take note and learn their lessons, and came roaring back the next year at Chippawa, Lundy's Lane, and Fort Erie to win back pride, prestige, and to fight the British and Canadians to a Mexican standoff, not quite winning, but not losing either. Expertly written by THE authority on the period on the Niagara frontier, with the additional treat of a forward by Col John Elting, noted authority on the Napoleonic period and perhaps the greatest American military historian of the last half of the twentieth century, this book is a treat and definitely a must have.

Very informative, great diagrams and impressive photographs. This engine book starts by covering the reliable slant 6 and progresses to cover small blocks, big blocks and the mighty Hemi. Oil systems, block and bore sizes, camshafts,gear valves and crankshafts are also included in this extensive engine book. I highly recommend this book to anyone attempting any Chrysler engine work on their own. This book nicely complements Adkin's previous book "Chrysler Performance Upgrades".

I found this book to be extremely informative and helpful. From Slant Sixes to small blocks, Magnums, big blocks, and Hemis, this book covers it all. Lots of information and photos packed into one book. Engine history and parts interchangeability as well as parts selection. Lots of food for thought! Not too basic, but many complex theories are broken down and made easy to understand. If you've ever thought about building a Mopar engine, you should read this book!

Ford EECV upgrade and reprogrammin

Everyone knows about Henry Ford and his Model T. Many know of William Crapo Durant and his creation, the colossial General Motors Corporation. Romanced today are the stories of the Stanley brothers and their steamer and the Studebakers and their cars. But few know of the man who established the Chrysler Corporation from the ruins of the Maxwell-Chambers Auto Works, then bought out the much larger Dodge Brothers Motor Co. This book is a must-read for automotive enthusiasts. Walter Chrysler writes an anecdotal and easy-reading autobiography. He doesn't waste time defending himself against any rumors that may have persisted about him at the time of its writing. He doesn't needlessly spill ink on accusations of others. He merely tells his story about growing up, working on the railroads, turning around financially strapped American Locomotive, hired by Durant to turn Buick's fortunes around, then hired by the bancruptcy trustees to save Maxwell-Chambers. Soon, the cars this company put out bore Chrysler's own name and the rest is history. Chrysler writes about his belief that Research and Development are the vital elements to the success of any company (a section every corporate officer should read today). He also talks about the plans to build the Chrysler Building and, even, making his children work their way up in the company starting at the bottom--no doubt teaching his children that every job has a function and every individual has dignity and value. The best anecdote that Walter Chrysler tells is how he drove his first car--but I'll let you read that for yourself!

This is by far one of my most prized possessions! Ya follow the direcions, cut it all out and ya got yourself a Chrysler Building..:)

Speed,beauty,and poise on the road! That's what the Chrysler 300 meant to many people. Robert C. Ackerson has written a wonderful history of this beautiful brute. He has combed the files of many folks to create a comprehensive and accurate history of the 300. From its birth to its end,the author kept me involved and feeling like I was behind the wheel. Quite a feat with only pictures and print.This is perhaps the ultimate 300 book with a wealth of photos and detail. The only thing I would have added were some more contempory road tests.If you enjoy cars with class and power, add this book to your collection while it is still available. It deserves all 5 Stars!

I have had one humdinger of a time trying to find information on my Chrysler '72. Here it is all rolled up in one great little guide. It doesn't go into complete tear down, but I didn't want that. This book saved my motor from the dump.

The book covers all the basic systems with many options for performance upgrades at minimal cost. This is easier than thumbing through all your old magazines or investing in several other books.

How To Rebuild Big-Block Mopar Engines by Don Taylor is a very informative book. It covers everything from inspection of your old engine, removal from vehicle to disassembly and reassembly. Also includes proper cleaning techniques as well as machining recommendations. This detailed book includes casting numbers for blocks, cranks, rods, cylinder heads, intake manifolds and water pump housings for those who want an accurate restoration or those needing help with identification of parts. This book is more detailed about B/RB disassembly/reassembly and problem areas and tips to make the job easier than other general engine rebuilding books. Don gives step by step instructions on reassembly with plenty of pictures to help. This book will help the novice or experienced engine builder do a better job on his Mopar.

I have rebuilt many engines of many different brands, I have read MANY books on rebuilding these engines, and this book by FAR is the best book I have seen, It gives step by step instructions and it makes doing it SOOO easy, even if you have never picked up a wrench, with this book you can rebuild a Big Block Mopar. This book actually makes doing work fun and easy. This book is a MUST for any person who wants to rebuild a BB Mopar and build it right.

Eric

I have not worked on cars for 20 years but then I bought a 76 Dodge Pickup that needed engine work. I knew that I would be over my head when I removed the valve covers. That is when I decided to get a book on Mopar engines. When I received the book I started reading expecting a book for mechanics, but what I found was a how-to rebuild a big block Mopar. It is written as if the author was telling you step by step just exactly how to remove, disassemble and repair the engine. He told what to look for and how to fix it. Then step by step how to re-assemble the engine and put it back in the vehicle. All of the while passing informative tips and a few tricks. The book helped me avoid several costly mistakes. It is a must have for anyone considering rebuilding a big block Chrysler.