May
27, 2009 by Thomas B. Haines, Editor in Chief
Some business analysts are
suggesting that auto makers must reinvent themselves in order to survive. WIRED
magazine this month carries an article about how the car makers should become
more like PC makers did 20 years ago. Early computers were purpose built by
their manufacturers from hardware to software. All of that changed when
companies began designing machines with standardized parts and the ability to
run software programs written by anyone. Some of the old-line computer
manufacturers couldn’t compete and went out of business.
WIRED suggests that car manufacturers
should look to the PC world as a model. How about looking to aircraft
manufacturers? Whether in the airliner, business jet, or piston markets,
companies focus on what they do best, using major components from other
manufacturers. Airframe manufacturers are really good at designing and building
airplanes, but they leave the designing and building of avionics and engines to
companies that do that well.
Do Ford, GM, and Chrysler really need to
design and build their own engines and chassis and transmissions? Some car
companies design and build everything, right down to the car radio. Necessary?
Probably not.
Perhaps our aircraft manufacturers have
been right all along.