As fans of machines, we’re inevitable drawn to vehicular transportation, which is why we were crazy enough to buy a 25-year old DeLorean despite already owning two other vehicles. (We won’t chalk the DeLorean up as anti-green though – we’re reusing old stuff!) We also used to own a 2005 Ford Mustang GT, which was one of the most enjoyable rides we’ve ever had. In short, we have nothing against American-made cars (well, some of them), and are actually quite fond of Detroit’s history as the automotive capital of the world.
That said, with American car companies losing money left and right, we don’t agree with bailing the guys at Ford and GM out, not because we don’t appreciate their contributions to the industry, but because we won’t agree with bailing out businesses that seemed to make decisions aimed at purposely going under. For example, with Ford’s steady decline and the obvious rise in green consciousness (what with the Toyota Prius’ great sales), Ford still won’t bring their 65 MPG diesel wonder to the States. Nevermind that Ford’s home base is the United States – Ford America President Mike Fields stated simply, “We just don’t think North and South America would buy that many diesel cars.”
If American car manufacturers don’t want to get on the green bandwagon, they deserve to be doomed.
At the very least, if Ford and GM can’t muster the innovation to compete with Japan on the basic consumer level, then they should ditch that part of their business and instead focus purely on their commercial (truck) and luxury/sports (Mustang, Corvette) offerings. But don’t beg for bailout funds – where is your sense of pride?
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