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d18mike · 08-10-2009, 11:52 AM

Newbie here -- my first post so I will strenuously avoid discussing politics. But a couple of comments from here in Michigan.

1) I find it remarkable that a plan that had hopes of helping to perk up the American automotive industry has yielded the following results:

Top 10 cash for clunkers purchases
Toyota Corolla
Ford Focus
Honda Civic
Toyota Prius
Toyota Camry
Hyundai Elantra
Ford Escape FWD
Dodge Caliber
Honda Fit
Chevrolet Cobalt

More than half the cars in the top ten are from companies headquartered outside the USA. I know many are built here ... but that leads into the more important point.

The central issue for the American car industry is reigniting the country's passion for the automobile. It does not lie in rebates or tax incentives or even in quality (table stakes). It's about producing something that doesn't look and drive like a jellybean on 4 wheels and understanding that the difference breaking even and making a profit lies in the passionate consumer.

08-10-2009, 11:52 AM	#33
d18mike Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: MI Posts: 112	Newbie here -- my first post so I will strenuously avoid discussing politics. But a couple of comments from here in Michigan. 1) I find it remarkable that a plan that had hopes of helping to perk up the American automotive industry has yielded the following results: Top 10 cash for clunkers purchases Toyota Corolla Ford Focus Honda Civic Toyota Prius Toyota Camry Hyundai Elantra Ford Escape FWD Dodge Caliber Honda Fit Chevrolet Cobalt More than half the cars in the top ten are from companies headquartered outside the USA. I know many are built here ... but that leads into the more important point. The central issue for the American car industry is reigniting the country's passion for the automobile. It does not lie in rebates or tax incentives or even in quality (table stakes). It's about producing something that doesn't look and drive like a jellybean on 4 wheels and understanding that the difference breaking even and making a profit lies in the passionate consumer. Last edited by d18mike; 08-10-2009 at 11:54 AM.