Initial quality isn't silly. It makes a difference in the ownership experience. If you keep having to take your new car in for service it's a huge hassle, even when the manufacturer fixes it under warranty and gives you a loaner to drive. Considering the average new car price is over $40K now, the lack of attention to quality is just sad. It's pure laziness and incompetence, but I guess consumers are willing to put up with it so nothing will improve.