We have relied too much on quality focused test fleets, late design changes, and launch teams to save the day. Times are changing and vehicles are getting more complicated. And we are losing experienced people.
Ford is a leader in rework, on-site mods, and late changes. Champions of those activities have become our executives.
When blow-ups occur we add more checks/inspections in manufacturing. We talk about doing better designs upstream but that doesn't seem to be getting the leadership and support to make a measurable difference.
"One Team" does not exist. Many quality and manf eng think the design engineers are not very good. The d&R's think the prototype and launch teams are not very bright and too inflexible.
IMO it looks bad