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From: RS
Date: 3/14/00
Time: 9:17:20 PM
Remote Name: 12.79.203.41
My Thoughts Regarding the numerous bearing failure reports:
When the Porsche spokesman (salesman) unveils the newest model in the famed Porsche lineup at the most recent car show he can be heard to say that their automobiles are built to speak to the buyers soul. They will use quotes on television shows such as Extreme Machines like (loosely remembered), “Porsche believes in Function over form but if it comes out looking good all the better” showing they want the buyer to believe they still hold firm to their founder the late Dr. Ferdinand Porsche’s philosophies and his German engineering excellence. The same excellence that launched the company’s success a success Porsche continues to enjoy even today.
The Pinion bearing failure issue is a true modern day litmus test for the soul of Porsche as a company in today’s marketplace. Without doubt it will cost Porsche a great deal of money to issue a total recall of the 968 manual transmission but it may save more than just our faith in the Porsche ideology. Might it also save a life? Has anyone determined the possible risk to human life that might occur if a total failure of this part where to happen during strenuous driving Indirectly or directly? The previous question may or may not be an issue (I do not claim to be an expert in this matter) but if it where to happen how do you think the manufacturers warranty argument would hold up for Porsche in court?
Why does a scenario that involves life and death sound so convincing? It sounds almost cut and dry that Porsche should take responsibility for this and all I did was imagine a story that put emphasis on the end result of the failure causing the ultimate price. The results of these bearing failures have so far only hurt effected owners in the pocket and non effected owners in the mind worrying that they could be next. It takes allot of the fun out of your purchase and out of the mystic of being a Porsche owner. This should be your common bond and driving force to act but act you should and in a way that speaks as direct and as loud to the people of Porsche as the mechanics bill spoke to you.
Has anyone noticed difficulties when requesting an extended warranty?
Does anyone know how to get this topic into a major automotive magazine like Car and Driver? Have you contacted the national transportation and Safety Commission yet? How about AAA services? They have based themselves on the ideals of standing up for the car owners in America. Folks in other countries may have similar organizations that could be of assistance. It’s a stretch but what about television programs like shame on you or consumer reports? You will need some media outlet outside of the Internet or you will never be heard because your voice will be of no threat to the almighty dollar. It’s bad PR that concerns a company most, aside from an all out class action lawsuit. Make sure you have your plan well laid out (any good lawyers with 968’s listening) before you move ahead with force. You will want to draw up a plan of attack with all possible options before you jump into the battle. If it’s money you need start a collection, I’m sure it would be worth it. With this money you could hire someone to represent your cause or help at least write a letter to Porsche and keep you from being counter sued.
Maybe the best way to get the attention of a modern day company is not to reason in moral principle or talk the talk of yesteryear and the marvels of past engineering achievements but to speak in a way that directly effects the bottom line for if the founding soul of the original company is long gone maybe that’s all that remains?
Has a company begun by a founder with such high ideals chosen to sell out for the bottom line or have they just begun to move in that all to common direction? I just could not imagine the Dr if alive today claiming that his German made bearing was only supposed to last slightly over 30,000 miles. Can you imagine him telling his salesman to pitch this to a potential buyer in 1992-95? What would Enzo Ferrari have said to the Dr if he heard that argument? What if he investigated the true cause of the failures, would he have a story he could use to undermine the Porches reputation such as poor craftsmanship a defective batch of bearings or a mistake in assembly? I never met the man nor have most owners of the model 968 that bears his name but based on what the company preaches and its reputation for excellence in years past, I would much rather believe he would desire to find the reason for the failure and resolve it publicly, standing firm behind the product that bears his very name. I would believe his desire would involve insuring that his company would not disservice the very customers that have bought into these great ideals.
Ideals are truly matter of the soul itself just as Porsches marketing people even today would have us to believe, but do they believe? Do they believe when it is not as convenient to do so as in after the sale? Now that is a question that does not have to remain unanswered and should get wide spread public review either way Porsche decides to answer it.
Owner of a Porsche 968 without the 6 speed but wishing you all the best. RWS