Detroit's new plan: Drive point to Congress

[Truth Teller]

Source: Detroit Free Press

A plan is taking shape for auto suppliers, dealers and the UAW to participate in a cavalcade of fuel-efficient American-brand vehicles to Washington, D.C., in December, when Congress reconsiders the industry's plea for quick action on low-interest loans.

The aim is to put a populist face on the need for the American auto industry's survival and to build grassroots support for federal aid, in the wake of criticism that the Detroit Three chief executive officers and UAW President Ron Gettelfinger did not make a convincing case during two days of congressional hearings last week.

"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," said Carl Galeana, president of Galeana Automotive Group, which has domestic and import dealerships in Michigan, South Carolina and Florida.



Read more: http://www.freep.com/article/20081124/BUSINESS01/811240320/?imw=Y

[JNelson6563]

1. This is what needs to be done.

The CEOs (idiots that they are) couldn't've been more inept at presenting the case for saving the Big 3. What America needs to see is who this crisis really hurts; the little people (as always). Many people do not understand how far reaching this really is. Once they find out it could/probably will impact their world, well they might change their tune. Of course in America anything is possible. There's a large swath of the populous that seem to be more than willing to vote against their own best interests.

*sigh*

Julie

[Truth Teller]

10. K & R folks? This needs to be on the GREATEST n/t

[msongs]

2. no deal until top management is fired without pension or compensation nt

[Demeter]

3. Agreed!

[Truth Teller]

5. I'd love to see it

but I wouldn't let it be a deal breaker. Too many folks jobs at stake. :(

[bain_sidhe]

14. Not fair to take their pension

But, it should be no more than the average hourly-wage worker gets upon retirement.

[Romulox]

18. Just like at Citibank! Oh wait... nt

[Bozita]

4. Pic of front page of today's Detroit Free Press ...

[RCinBrooklyn]

6. Let's support auto designers & makers in silicon valley, instead.

[maxsolomon]

7. they're touting an 18/23 mpg diesel 2wd Cherokee as "efficient"?

Detroit to DC is 527 miles, so that's 1060 miles RT. 46 gallons as max. highway efficiency.

Take the train. Oh, that's right, you barely can.

[Truth Teller]

8. For it's size, I guess

But I thought it was a curious pick, too.

[maxsolomon]

9. A 2WD SUV is a crime against nature

it subverts the entire point of an SUV, which is to take you, your family, your gear & your dog skiing or camping 30 miles back a rutted dirt road in the mountains.

[Truth Teller]

11. None of which is worth

the contribution to our dependence on oil, particularly foreign oil, IMO.

[maxsolomon]

16. Neither is a daily round trip commute of 80 miles in a 4wd Suburban

i'd argue that all-to-common trip contributes more to our dependence on foreign oil than a 150 mile drive 5x/year.

if there were a train to the ski area i would take it.

[amandabeech]

22. That's great mileage compared to my late 1988 Jeep Comanche pickup.

it got 13/18. i would have loved 18/23!

[Truth Teller]

12. Shameless beg for one more REC

This needs to happen.

[crispini]

13. Good job, Detroit -- make your point, and make it hard.

:kick:

[GeorgeGist]

15. Oh yawn,

We know the Big 3 have cars to sell. The POINT is not enough consumers are buying them.

[PassingFair]

21. YOU know that, and I know that, but MOST people either

...blame it on the car lines or the unions.

Unemployment and underemployment as the real
cause of the current crisis is largely
un-investigated.

:hi:

[PassingFair]

17. Too bad the overpaid, under-brained executives sat there

....SLACK JAWED, unable to defend american manufacturing
and workers.

What a disgrace they were.

The unions need a new PR firm and some donations.

[Romulox]

19. It would have been easier if they gave them the money under cover of darkness (like Citi). nt

[PassingFair]

20. Sure would have!

But an ADVOCATE would have been nice.

Those guys were deer in headlights.