David Healy Cost Quotations

Truck-based models cost less for U.S. car markers to produce because they already have all the parts developed for their truck business. These truck-based SUVs have been the most profitable segment for Detroit in recent years, so developing new car-based models will eat into margins.

Ford is in the intolerable position of having too many plants and too many people, ... Cost cutting needs to come before the end of the year -- layoffs, plant closings, that sort of ugly stuff.

They were pretty much as expected in North America. Where they made gains was in better operating margins in Europe. Given that the market-share numbers in Europe are available and pretty unimpressive, it must be on the cost side.

They were pretty much as expected in North America, ... Where they made gains was in better operating margins in Europe. Given that the market-share numbers in Europe are available and pretty unimpressive, it must be on the cost side.

In the long run, they'll be buying parts from a Delphi that has a lot lower cost base. Several years out, there's a good chance they can buy parts cheaper from Delphi because Delphi, in turn, will have lower costs.

The full cost savings won't be realized until 2008.

The job cuts will ultimately generate considerable cost savings if GM is smart enough to fire the right people and keep the right ones.