Hey DBN477,
Someone really has to be right don't they. But; lets see...
Yes there are seversl cars out there that are basically the same car. Dodge Charger/Plymouth Satellite, Honda Passport/Isuzu Rodeo, and we could go on for days.
Yes, we also know that some manufacturers use others engines/transmission, etc.
From my understanding of what I've read, most the little nit-noid parts are supposed to be right off the shelf:
Brake Components (Master Brake cylinder, wheel cylinders, pads, rotors, drums)
Steering Components (power steering pump, hoses, assembly)
Electrical Components (alternator, fuse box, wiring)
A/C Components (evaporator, drier, compressor, condensorer, orifice tube)
Analog guages, Comfort Controls, blah, blah, blah. We could name parts all day.
To say that a few body parts, engine, and a few others doesn't mean he hasn't done his homework and coordinated a large amount of parts to bring this vehicle together is ridiculous.
You also have to realize that part of the rational for producing his own parts is to keep down the cost and get the MPG he antisipates getting. Sure he could buy a 6,000 3 cylinder from Ford, but there goes your price point.
I'm really not sure what point were arguing over. You said Henry Ford only argued about the patent, and I said he also made the assembly line which made it possible for the masses to afford a car. I'm sure googling what Henry Ford did is easier that arguing about it, you be the judge.