Carmakers planning eco-caravan to D.C. for next round of talks

Barack Obama has backed Congress' decision to delay a decision on additional auto industry loans, urging the carmakers to have a clear plan when they return to Capitol Hill in December, and the carmakers are already reportedly planning to show up in dramatic style, forming a caravan of Detroit's most efficient cars as exemplars of the work the industry's been doing to make strides forward in recent years. Another angle for the parade of parsimonious people-movers is the humanizing aspect - putting a face and a sense of perspective to the issue of the auto industry's importance to the U.S. economy. Carl Galeana, president of the Galeana Automotive Group, which owns car dealerships in three states, said, "There was so much misinformation in the hearings last week. I'd love to see something come to fruition where people show what this industry means to the country," according to the Detroit Free Press. The decision to form the caravan was formed late last week after Tim Leuliette, CEO of Dura Automotive, took the idea to the heads of GM, Ford and Chrysler. The idea took root, and now the plan is well underway. The UAW will also be joining in, illustrating their stake in the industry's future as well. "The UAW thinks it's great that so many people understand the importance of good American jobs and know the value and quality of American vehicles," said UAW spokesman Roger Kerson. Exactly when the group will get underway and how many cars will be involved is still being worked out, but with less than two weeks remaining until the carmakers must return to Congress to continue the aid talks, the decisions can be expected shortly.

by HECTOR #1, Posted: 11/25/2008

The thing is that with a Democratic Congress in place, beholden to the UAW, the bailout is all but a certainty. The CEOs know this and so they had no problem showing in DC on their private jets.

Now they are going to play the taxpayers for fools by coming in their Volts and Fiestas and whatever. They don't really understand why they're failing and why the public at large doesn't like their products or their companies, including both management and workers.

I recently got a new car. I bought an Altima. Now the Democrats in Congress will upset the market by propping up dying companies and giving to them the money I chose not to give them in the first place.

Much like in the case of Chrysler we'll be back here again sooner or later.
by jose #2, Posted: 11/25/2008

It's simple -- Ford Fusion, Chevy Malibu = better than Altima for less money and the money stays right here in the USA. It's time to patronize the home team and get this country back on it's feet.
by HECTOR #3, Posted: 11/25/2008

Talk to me in five years. By then I will have finished paying my car and it'll still be running well. Let's see how the Malibu holds up.

This country will get back on its feet when the home team can compete with the outsiders. We can do it, I have no doubt. But if the Big 3 decide to be underachievers and make substandard products it doesn't mean I have to buy them.