Den - how about this:
Put an appeal and questionaire in your mag asking people with specific models to respond. Put the questionaire out on the net too (there are at least 4 obvious forums) and ask manufacturers to send it out to there builders. After all it is the best feedback they are going to get.
Ask readers the final cost, if they thought it was good value, any problems with the build, does it live up to expectations, what was the customer service and backup like, if they would build another from that company etc etc.
Them do an article a month on a different vehicle. Summarise your findings from the surveys, talk to some of the builders and get more of a story from them (include quotes from builders) and get feedback from the manufacturers.
That should make 'em honest!
It doesn't increase the profile of the industry though.
For this we need to look outside, which is where media titles and manufacturers can work together. Manufacturers should like this as after spending money on advertising etc, it gives them something back.
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