Automotive electronics: Detroit bets on electronics to stymie Japan: Programmable controllers, robots, lasers, and microwave detectors maintain quality on U.S. auto makers' production and assembly fines

In Detroit's all-out war against imported cars, particularly Japanese models, quality has become synonymous with survival. “Final assembly by warranty” and “let the dealer finish the car” are no longer viable. “Get it right the first time” is today's mandate, and in striving for quality on production and assembly lines, U.S. car makers are turning increasingly to electronic devices and systems.