GM/Chrysler Merger

[PeteLeathersac]

Anyone have up to date news on this?.
Rumor is GM has an announcement to make tomorrow Nov. 7'th?.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif
~ Pete

[Chevy454]

Yeah, the announcement is that they're both *broke*, so neither can afford to buy the other!

The Fed said "no" to a loan/bailout for Gm to by ChryCo...guess the bankers/investors had better "lobbyists"...or at least more $$$ to throw at those who had a vote. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

[PeteLeathersac]

Thanks Rob...that may be good news anyway?.

If only Billy Durant was still around, he'd find the dough and shake things into order quickly!.
Sadly the days of guys like him and Kettering are long gone for GM..
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

~ Pete
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/youguysrock.gif

[tom406]

I still don't understand how this makes any sense, particularly for GM. What does Chrysler have, besides minivans and Jeeps, that GM doesn't? They both have too many factories and too many dealerships.

I hope this isn't just Studebaker buying Packard, finding a companion to go down with.

[L78racer]

They can get out of the RENCEN in Detroit. They can get out of the Tech Center in Warren (50 year old buildings). Consolidate it all into the newer Auburn Hills location. They drop all of Chrysler's product except the van and Jeep (both maybes). They have already postponed or axed any new developement on any new engines in particular their new small car and its new engine. They would like Toyota to join in too. They can supply the small car product. It can all be built on Chrysler's assembly lines. JMO

[rubbinisracing]

[ QUOTE ]
I still don't understand how this makes any sense, particularly for GM. What does Chrysler have, besides minivans and Jeeps, that GM doesn't?

[/ QUOTE ]

11 Billion Dollars in cash on hand!

I beleive GM has about 10 Billion on hand and this merger may help them last long enough for a turn around to take effect. In the end the government would rather bailout just 2 automakers than 3. GM & Ford will definitely get a bailout as both are too important to the economy, consumer confidence and strategic manufacturing capacity to let fail.

[JRSully]

It's all about the daily cash burn and jobs. Yuo have the new factories in the south, non union, that are operating skinned to the bone, the big 3 have to figure out a way to fund the heavy pension and health care issues due to the terms of the last bloated UAW contract, once that is out of the way, they may be able to go forward with a similar setup the south is using, assuming the industry as a whole gets better. My .02

[MosportGreen66]

How long can the big three operate in the red? Its already been years...

[Donutblue]

Operating in red for the most part is nothing more than creative accounting -- http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[69Tom]

Well, it looks like they're running out of creative ideas. This is pretty scary. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081107/ap_on_bi_ge/earns_gm

[1969l78]

Looks like they will try and get more tax money to keep these companies afloat. Will it ever end. My kids-kids will be paying this debt off http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif Time to get there hands out off my pockets!!!!

[Canuck]

Says they will be selling off assets... look for the Heritage Collection to go on the block!

Paul

[rpoz11]

So let's say they merge, a BIG IF!, acquire the branding for the Chrysler products people want and diversify the comapny into 3 parts.

Let's say they keep the Cadillac & Chevolets as the models of performance and hi end runs and add the challenger and more to that line.

Streamline ALL new economy, Hybrid, fuel economy, and low end entry level cars on the newer assembly lines from Chrysler giving them a way to complete and deliver immediately.

Have all of the truck lines in the GMC line.

Im not at GM but I am just thinking out loud that GM could use the older lines for the slower selling, hi end, and performance cars, and retool as needed once the faster new assembly lines pull them out of the hole they are in.

So many models to me are unecessary and could be axed to keep just what is needed.

I continually revert back to the 50's and 60's and wonder why GM doesnt simplify things and use 3 engine types for a multitude of models. That could help keep costs predictable without having some many different engine developements.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[Keith Tedford]

A merger is more likely, because neither has the money to buy the other. With a lot of overlapping of jobs, such as engineering as a example, they could eliminate a lot of people. Same with factories and offices. Much of this real estate could be sold off to raise some badly needed cash. They see more angles that we do.

[JRSully]

ESPN was reporting that if the big 3 take gov't money, that could temporarily spell the end of thier participation in Nascar, it's a dying sport in my eyes anyway.

[Keith Tedford]

I think that NASCAR and the big three have already been talking, based on what I heard on TV last night. Apparently NASCAR gives them their best exposure to the public compared to any other form of advertising. There may be cutbacks but I think they will be there is some form.

[Stefano]

We should hear an announcement anytime now.

[Salvatore]

[ QUOTE ]
Looks like they will try and get more tax money to keep these companies afloat. Will it ever end. My kids-kids will be paying this debt off http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif Time to get there hands out off my pockets!!!!

[/ QUOTE ] The only guy that had his hands in your pocket was the guy on the coast that sold you that killer survivor L78 nova! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif

[1969l78]

That is allright, I get enjoyment out of that, and I am not talking about his hands in my pocket either Sam!!!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[69Tom]

Nearing rock bottom. ZERO!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20081110/bs_afp/stocksusautocompanygm

Was at $30 per last year. Unbelievable. I don't know how much more money the government can shell out to financial institutions and giant corporations. This is really unprecedented territory. At least on this scope.

[JRSully]

The gov't will give them whatever they need. It is just too many potential jobs lost that cannot be replaced at this time and the trickle down to the rest of ancillary industries associated with Detroit is enormous. Can you imagine what the national debt is going to look like when this all said and done.? What # comes after Trillion.?

[1969l78]

It will never end.

[kwhizz]

"America" is about to "Change"........We will now be Penalized for "Success"........"And"..... Rewarded for "Failure" http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bs.gif.....Where's Superman when you need him???.......

Ken http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[rpoz11]

This is a Historical outrage that this is hapening to our Nation's manufacturing core.

Will someone in Washington...

"PLEASE STAND UP!"

Damn!!!!!
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif

[Chevy454]

With the Fed hesitating to help out with the struggling auto makers, something keeps making me think that there must be something for the Fed to gain if the Big 3 go under...they were all too quick to cut a check for the financial guys, but have been cool to ensuring that multiple MILLIONS of folks don't lose their jobs whenever the Big 3 tank...http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[sYc]

Could just be politics. Bush and his cronies have nothing to lose if they drag their heels on such issues, making the Democrat's job that much harder.

If they bail out the big three, and it helps right the economy, who will get the credit? Not Bush.

[Seattle Sam]

Post deleted by Seattle Sam

[Chevy454]

LOL! I guess the old man got a little carried away...how about we "slow our roll" and get back on topic... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Mr70]

"Maverick"..http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v669/Rick_Peters/1cheers20mates.gif

[Schonyenko2]

[ QUOTE ]
LOL! I guess the old man got a little carried away...how about we "slow our roll" and get back on topic... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

I guess you could ban him, or just hide the keys on Ol Red. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[sYc]

I will take the banishment. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif


I was not trying to be political, just making reference to how everything is about party lines first, what is best for the US second. Regardless of politcal party. Our leaders better put the interests of the US first or things may get even worse.


On another note, I would hate to be the one with the deciding vote whether to bail out the automakers or not. On one hand, I think management has done a piss poor job, and should be held accountable, not rewarded, but on the other hand, no bailout could mean a very harsh winter for many, many hard working Americans. I dunno... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[TDW]

I am under the impression that GM is asking for a LOAN, not a bailout. Huge difference there. A loan will be repaid.

[1969l78]

Its a bailout, they are bleeding money at an alarming rate, without the " loan-bailout " they will go under. Just another thing the goverment will take a stake in.

[Kim_Howie]

It's our fault!! We wanted cheap goods. Between Jap cars,Walmart & China Products. We put ourselves where were at!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif "GOD HELP US" So far I can still say God help us,that too will CHANGE.

[NovaMob03]

So, maybe the US gov't should buy Honda & Toyota and give them to the big 3. They'd probably screw that up too http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

[Schonyenko2]

[ QUOTE ]
It's our fault!! We wanted cheap goods. Between Jap cars,Walmart & China Products. We put ourselves where were at!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif "GOD HELP US" So far I can still say God help us,that too will CHANGE.

[/ QUOTE ]

Oh man, we go from politics to religion. Brother Howie, I believe there will always be a place for you in the choir, to sing the praises of your choice, but ya still can't smoke in the bar. Damn Commies. Don't let em floridate your water. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[JRSully]

Rick Wagonner, CEO of GM, said just 3 months or so ago that they were "in good shape" are you kidding me.? GM has NOT been in good shape for a long time. If the bailout lets them continue to operate as usual, $$ out the window in my eyes. I think you need to clean house on GM (Ford for that matter as well) management, to give the taxpayer some gratification that things are going to change there, it needs radical shakeup as it is a failed model on a lot of fronts. My .02

[Kim_Howie]

HIPPY http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/haha.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/worship.gif

[SS427]

[ QUOTE ]
I am under the impression that GM is asking for a LOAN, not a bailout. Huge difference there. A loan will be repaid.

[/ QUOTE ]

yeah, kinda like many of the foreign countries we have given "loans" to. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

[Salvatore]

[ QUOTE ]
"America" is about to "Change"........We will now be Penalized for "Success"........"And"..... Rewarded for "Failure" http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bs.gif.....Where's Superman when you need him???.......

Ken http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[/ QUOTE ]I agree with you Ken but Capitalism at its best would only see about 50% employment in this country right now if they let everything just level out. With NAFTA, CAFTA, Wall Street, big oil and the sweat shops where most of our goods come from is helping to push us into Socialism. One world govt. and the 2000-3000 rich, powerful guys on the top of everything in the world, pulling the strings are loving it. Capitalism as we know it is http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bs.gif But don't worry, China and Saudi Arabia are paying our bills. Thats why our soldiers are always over in the middle east....we owe them! Pretty soon our whole country is going to say "Welcome to WalMart." http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif JMO

[Stefano]

DEALERS ASKED TO HELP LOBBY FOR MANUFACTURER LOAN PACKAGE

General Motors has asked all its U.S. dealers to urge the Congress to approve an additional loan package to help the automaker deal with its liquidity crisis. GM U.S. sales chief Mark LaNeve told dealers to call their representatives and senators to ask them to support GM and the auto industry, saying that 3 million jobs are at risk if the industry does not receive urgent government funding.



IADA feels strongly that the manufacturers recognize that auto dealers are the key to winning support for federal funds, loans and grants. Dealers are the ones who create the sales that generate the revenue needed to repay taxpayers. In short, dealers have the political credibility to save jobs and a large part of the automotive industry.



IADA is contacting our Illinois Congressional delegation and asking them to support any federal loan package which would benefit the manufacturers and help our franchised dealers!


CONGRESSIONAL PLAN TO HELP DEALERS AND CONSUMERS

An important development in Congress Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) held press conferences yesterday to announce her legislative plan for helping dealers and consumers out of the car-buying slump that is having such a detrimental effect on the economy. Mikulski’s plan includes:



Federal income tax deduction for interest payments on car loans for new car purchases made from November 12, 2008, through December 31, 2009.
Federal income tax deduction for sales/excise tax paid on new car purchases made from November 12, 2008, through December 31, 2009.
A cap of $49,500 on car loans eligible for the interest payment deductions.
A phase-out for families that make over $250,000 per year.
“Above the line” deductions, meaning they can be taken advantage of by itemizers and non-itemizers.


Backers of the proposal expect it to move quickly, and bipartisan co-sponsors are being sought. IADA is contacting our Illinois Congressional delegation and asking them to be a bi-partisan co-sponsor of this legislation.



Dealer contacts are extremely important! For details on grassroots efforts, please visit our new Lobby Advocacy Center at www.VoterVoice.net. (http://www.VoterVoice.net.)

Please let us know if you need any assistance following up with potential co-sponsors, and most importantly, U.S. Senators contacts are needed for the dealer legislation; U.S. House and Senator contacts are needed on the manufacturer loan packages!

Please click on the attached links to view Senator Mikulski's proposal and NADA's statement of principles to Congressional leaders entitled Automobile Retailers: Economic Engines on Main Street.





You have received this message because you have subscribed to a mailing list of Illinois Automobile Dealers Association. If you do not wish to receive periodic emails from this source, please click below to unsubscribe.




powered by voterVOICE To unsubscribe from this mailing list click here.


Where is my Bail out Package http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

[BUIZILLA]

why bail them out if nobody is buying cars?

kinda like restoring an old stadium, then paying to attend a ball game, and nobody is on the field to watch?

what's the point??...

[PeteLeathersac]

Looks like the Canadian Government is being hesitant to offer any help until the Auto Manufacturers can show they'll be able to sustain themselves, not just prolong the inevitable..
Unless of course the US Government offers dough first then they'll do their standard Canadian follow the leader thing?.

http://news.sympatico.msn.ctv.ca/abc/hom...y_cda_us_081113 (http://news.sympatico.msn.ctv.ca/abc/home/contentposting.aspx?isfa=1&feedname=CTV-TOPSTORIES_V3&showbyline=True&newsitemid=CTVNews%2 f20081113%2feconomy_cda_us_081113)

Sadly neither Government seems to want to face the facts of what's caused the erosion of N. American manufacturing...specifically the cornerstone auto industry..
Whatever either Government does to try and save them now may be too late as any or all of the Big-3 not surviving is like flushing the toilet we're already in..

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif
~ Pete

[sYc]

What do you think Preston Tucker (and other small automakers) would think about the big three having to endure the same hardships, and possible bankruptcy, that they put him through? Kind of ironic!

My father always said “what goes around, comes around”.

[kwhizz]

Right ......Wrong......Or??..........On the Power Tour in 06 I met a Retired GM Exec.....Alan was in Charge of all advertising for GM.........His take at that time was that the Union was to be a Major Issue in the Future demise of GM.........He told of the Nonsense that the Union put the Company thru.......An example........He was shooting a Commercial and had a Model (the Size of a Shoebox) specifically built for it.....It was completed and delivered one day before (Tight Schedule) the scheduled Shooting of the Commercial.......The Problem is that it was delivered to the Office next to Allan's........He was not allowed to go to the next Office and retrieve the Box.....(It weighed about 10 pounds)......He had to go thru the Union and Schedule a Material Handling person to come and get the Box and bring it into his Office (Next Door).....Well.....The next day everyone had arrived and were setting up the Equipment for the shoot and the Box was still in the next office and a Material Handler was nowhere to be seen.......Allan had had enough and went into the Office and got the Package ( 5 minutes before the start of filming).......Seems the Material handler was just out of eyesight watching what was going on and when he got the Package and moved it....All Hell broke loose and there were Union guy's all over and everything had to come to a "Dead Stop"....until this "Union Crisis" was corrected...
Again.......I'm just passing along the Story.......But.......We need people to work "With" their employers rather than "For" them........



Ken http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[kwhizz]

Another Story........My Neighbor who is retired from Chrysler (American Motors) in Kenosha was telling me about a certain Line Mechanic in the Engine Block machining area......It seemed that this particular person was the only one that could keep the line running at certain times....he was making twice as much at the end of the year than anyone else because of his overtime pay.......Well.....he also retired and after the new person took over, the line ran all the time without any problems.....One day while while at the control panel, it was noticed that there was a extra On-Off Switch that added to the side of the Panel and was in the Off Position......Just for the heck of it, the new person flipped the switch to the "On" Position..........And the line shut down..........Humm!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hmmm.gif ..........Imagine That!
Needless to say.........Line Maintainance Costs and Overtime have been substancially reduced......

Ken http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[Salvatore]

Its amazing how much you blame Unions and Democrats for everything!

[kwhizz]

[ QUOTE ]
Its amazing how much you blame Unions and Democrats for everything!

[/ QUOTE ]

Sammy..........I wasn't blaming anyone......Just reporting the Fact's.........It is what it is........

Ken

[kwhizz]

Sammy..............Chill.........LOL

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a251/kwhizz/Nova%20Nats%2008/DSC00337.jpg

Ken http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[Salvatore]

Not ALL Union people and not ALL Dems are bad. There is good and bad in everything. I guess we can blame Wall Street on the UAW or what have you, correct? I am not a UAW member but let up a little. All the musclecars and collector cars that park in our garages, the ones that went up over 1000% in the last few years were UAW built. Lets talk about how corrupt big business and Wall Street has become. Say what you want about Unions and so forth but report all the scams, corruption and lies that go along with big business and the Parties involved. We are in the mess we are in because of greed and corruption from all sides. I'll chill when you ease up! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[kwhizz]

Sammy.........Where did I say anything about the Dem's and I was just Passing along the Experience of Seasoned autoworkers........I injected "None" of my thought's and made "No" references to any of the Political Parties.... http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Ken http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[69Tom]

Not sure if you've seen this news or not. Ridiculous, but hardly surprising.

<font color="blue"> Chrysler gives bonuses, asks for bailout </font>
Posted Nov 14 2008, 12:52 PM by Kim Peterson Rating: Filed under: Ford, Kim Peterson
Chrysler is asking the government for a bailout. It's laying off employees and cutting salaries. It's a company in trouble.

Oh yeah, it's also paying $30 million in bonuses to dozens of top executives.

That's the end result of a poorly-timed plan to keep Chrysler together as it was being sold. The company didn't want top executives to leave during the transition, so it promised big money for people who stuck around. Now, Chrysler is asking the government for billions of dollars in aid while it writes million-dollar bonus checks out to A-list employees. How's that for awkward?

In Chrysler's defense, this bonus plan was created in April of 2007. The company had no idea that its industry was headed for collapse, or that the executives it was desperate to keep might have a hard time finding employment at a Jiffy Lube at this point.

The bonuses are going to be another sticking point in Chrysler's request for government aid. The industry is asking for $25 billion in low-cost government loans. Chrysler is a private company, and may be asked to hand over a lot of information about its finances and how it handles its money. That includes information on those controversial bonuses.

Bonuses are under fire at other carmakers. Ford has cut some merit raises and bonuses for next year. The company is quickly running out of money, and is slashing its spending.

Executives from Chrysler, Ford and GM are headed to Congress next week to make their case for $25 billion in aid. The bonus numbers will quickly become a central point of the conversation, and deservedly so.

As a private company, Chrysler can do whatever it wants when it comes to compensating its executives. But a private company asking for a government bailout cannot. Better brush up on those resumes, boys, because the good times are coming to an end.

[69Tom]

And then there's this one about Detroit itself. Scary times.

<font color="blue">City Council: Detroit needs $10-billion bailout </font>
BY NAOMI R. PATTON • FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER • November 12, 2008
The Detroit City Council passed a resolution today calling for a $10-billion bailout for the city of Detroit.

Council President Pro Tem JoAnn Watson sponsored the resolution to use the money for public service employment, to fund mass transit plans and to place a moratorium on home foreclosures for two years.


The resolution specifically requests the council meet with Mayor Ken Cockrel Jr., Gov. Jennifer Granholm, the state’s congressional delegation, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and officials from President George W. Bush’s office and President-Elect Barack Obama’s transition team.


Watson said she fully supports mayors from Warren, Sterling Heights, Livonia and Dearborn meeting with representatives from Granholm’s office, the state’s congressional delegation, the Michigan Economic Development Corp., the Southeastern Michigan Council of Governments and the Michigan Municipal League, seeking federal redevelopment funding for communities facing huge losses in property tax revenue affected by looming plant closures.


But, she said, “The city of Detroit has got to be leading the way on this.”


The city recently received $47 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to help stabilize neighborhoods hit hard by the nationwide foreclosure crisis. Officials with the city’s Planning and Development have prepared a plan the city council is expected to vote on in a week.

[Chevy454]

[ QUOTE ]
why bail them out if nobody is buying cars?

[/ QUOTE ]
A guy posted the follow over at LS2.com...I can't remember if he's directly employed by GM, or a 1st tier supplier, but anyway...

ARLINGTON IS ON TWO SHIFTS AND MANDATORY OVERTIME.
ARLINGTON BUILD BIG SUV'S (Tahoes, etc...).

He said they've seen the # of consumers picking up ever so slowly, but since gas prices have waned, they've shifted their interest *back* to TRUCKS/SUVs...take it for what it's worth!

[Salvatore]

Well I like hearing that! Keep America rollin. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[TDW]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ag5BV_Lz...ad.php?t=248485 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ag5BV_LzSE&amp;eurl=http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=248485)

From the horses mouth...GM president. Not a bailout, but LOANS. They have to meet the new Gov milage requirements, which is where most of the loan would go. Unless I misunderstand what he is saying.

[Chateau Slate 66]

Ask anyone from Minnesota about corporate "loans". Our state legislature "loaned" Northwest Airlines hundreds of millions of dollars back in the 80's or early 90's to "save Minnesota jobs".

They have never repaid a cent and never will. Now they have been bought out by Delta and are moving their corporate office and maintenance facility out of the state. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif

[rpoz11]

[ QUOTE ]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ag5BV_Lz...ad.php?t=248485 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ag5BV_LzSE&amp;eurl=http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=248485)


[/ QUOTE ]

He certainly does NOT come across as being concerned!
6 months of cash left to operate and this???

As far as the unions go, to me Management is responsible for the people they hire and the performance of their duties.
Abuse of one's employment position is that employee's risk.

If the Union is to blame, then they will know when they have all of their bargaining member's looking for jobs.

People, we have got to work together to get thru these awful times!!!

The sooner the better!!!
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif

[ANDY M]

Just ask the Brits. They had unions that make the UAW pale in comparison as far as making demands on their owners. Plus, they were run by people that felt that the priveledged class of the old Empire was still around, and that real negotiations were pointless. Nobody was willing to bend, so they just went broke. Today, there are no real British owned car companies, just cars with old names but new owners.
Rolls Royce, Bentley, Astin-Martin, Jaguar, Range Rover, Mini Cooper, etc.
Every car exported from the UK is made by a foreign owned company. Any irony to the Germans owning RR and Bentley? http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
The Japs are just as strong there as they are here. The GM and Ford brands are even doing well in Europe, better than in the USA. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif

[Salvatore]

Hopefully a new pact and agreement today will help the Big 3, its workers and our country. I believe it will only work if ALL sides come together and work for the common good. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif