Carmakers push squeak-free, snazzy interiors

[NFS4]

http://www.detnews.com/2004/autosinsider/0402/23/a01-71605.htm

Greg Bernas is an automotive engineer with a master?s degree in science. And he works at the gap.

Not the clothing store.

Bernas, an executive program manager for Toyota Motor Co.p., strives full-time to shrink the fissures that define the ?fit and finish? of an automotive interior ? such as the gaps between the glove box door and dashboard, or between the cover of your cupholder and the center console.

The execution of such minor details has become a key quality yardstick for vehicle interiors. The narrow, symmetrical crevices that surround audio and climate controls and separate door panels are increasingly a testament to an automaker?s claim to excellence.

The smaller the groove, the more satisfied customers are.

With the overall quality gap between automakers shrinking, the automotive interior has become a new battleground for companies to conquer and distinguish themselves.

?The holy grail would be totally flush conditions from part to part, with zero gap,? said Bernas, who works at Toyota?s technical center in Ann Arbor.

Toyota traditionally has led the pack when it comes to precision-engineered cabins. But Detroit automakers are redoubling efforts and spending more to close the gap with Asian and European rivals.

 

[Tab]

Don't you hate it how you get a little bit of Egg McMuffin in between the cracks? I've always found that to be extremely annoying since you can't do anything about it.

 

[Ryan]

Originally posted by: Tabb
Don't you hate it how you get a little bit of Egg McMuffin in between the cracks? I've always found that to be extremely annoying since you can't do anything about it.

Nope, I don't eat in my car. Drink, yes as long as it's a closed container, but eat, no.

 

[ElFenix]

nfs4 cares more about interiors than even toyota 😛

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
nfs4 cares more about interiors than even toyota 😛

HEHE. The Mazda3 interior is friggin' AWESOME for its price point. One more reason why I LOVE that car 😀

 

[Sluggo]

Squeak free interiors are good.

I was surprised to read in Consumer Reports (my wife brings them home from her work) that the Nissan Armada was, according to them, full of interior sqeaks and rattles.

I wonder if all the hype regarding the new F-150s "quiet steel" and interior quality will result in rattle free interiors for Ford, that would be nice.