Comments on: Zapping the Volt

By: ferrarimanf355

ferrarimanf355 — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:37:02 +0000

Am I the only one that wants to see the Corvette survive this? I like cars that are, you know, fun to drive, and if I can’t find them in Detroit, I’ll find them over in Asia. The Nissan 370Z looks mighty tempting…

By: calscientist

calscientist — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:39:04 +0000

Another view from Felix Salmon by way of Brad DeLong - the congress should essentially provide a tailor made bankruptcy for the Big 3 especially since “debtor in possession”(DIP) financing from the private sector will NOT be easily forthcoming and will not provide the public with the leverage needed here to torque Detroit green and low to no carbon.

I would also like to underscore that the Volt is like nothing so far considered by Japan, and that the hybrid technology from GM is theirs alone, while all other companies are leasing from Toyota (eg, my Escape hybrid has the first generation prius hybrid technology, while my prius has the second generation technology). There are some clever things put out by GM that are not there from Toyota (eg, the closing of cylinders at cruising speed independent of hybrid technology). GM has some really smart research/design people working for them (Ford does also to a lesser extent) who have been shackled by the upper management. We can unleash that but not if the big 3 languish in chapter 11 or chapter 7.

By: calscientist

calscientist — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:20:15 +0000

Thanks jane. I have been making this argument for weeks now and see this as a chance to unleash a progressive shock doctrine on the auto industry which would use the crisis as a chance to actually, you know, make things better rather than worse!

Well said.

By: Teddy Partridge

Teddy Partridge — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:49:44 +0000

Why should America turn to GOPs like Richard Shelby for economic solutions? The conservatives had eight long years practically unfettered, and they drove America into the ditch. Now it’s time for the grownups to git ‘er done. So the GOPs need to shut up about their fucking “free-market” mythology.

The Democrats are in charge now, just like whenever else in American history GOP messes needed cleaning up.

By: T-Bear

T-Bear — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:52:47 +0000

OBITUARY:

CAPITALISM, died 9/11

The late great neocon idol died 9 November this year, the passing went unnoticed, the body was discovered by passerby’s in a advanced state of de-composure, apparently from metastasized cancer effecting vital systems. The body was wasted with small pustules of fatty substance. Apparently there had been no blood supply to the vital organs and muscles for an extended period. Cause of death was final failure of the circulatory system. Autopsy will be performed interminably to study the death process for the corpse.

Next of kin are Sister Socialism…. and was preceded in death by brother, Communism

By: timr

timr — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:39:00 +0000

Do you really believe that americans would buy cars made in China, where it is very well known by everyone thruout Asia that the Chinese factory owner will make things cheaper just to make an extra buck unless they are watched on every step of manufacture? I watch both Korean and Japanese news programs daily and both of those countries have taken to examing each and every product that is coming from China to insure that they meet standards. More than 1/2 the time, they don’t. Couple that with a 400% increase in shipping costs over the last 12 months and where do you get a cheaper car? Foreign auto companies are building cars in the US for a reason 1-the market is here 2-shipping costs eat up the cheaper labor costs. Besides, China has a major QC problem, shortcuts will be made to increase profitability. Add all this up and if China does buy out GM, I can see lots of dealers becoming very poed due to massive warranty work, or problems with them passing our safty standards. Chinese factory owners already sell knockoffs of Honda motorcycles(and make huge profits due to zero R&D and zero safty equipment). The auto knockoffs that you mentioned are Toyota Tercells for one, they are sold at less that 1/2 price of real Toyota(BTW, the factory owner who is doing this became a multi billionaire almost overnite) zero R&D costs, zero safty equipment zero pollution equipment. Cheaper materials. Who would buy a Chinese GM car?

By: Ann in AZ

Ann in AZ — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:12:30 +0000

And here’s that link, for folks that didn’t see it on yesterday’s CBS News Sunday Morning.

By: Phoenix Woman

Phoenix Woman — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:11:44 +0000

Because he’s a hypocritical idiot.

This is the same guy who prattles on about civility after calling Democrats “chickenshits” and other charming bons mots.

By: Phoenix Woman

Phoenix Woman — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:09:02 +0000

Even Ben Stein can see that we need to keep Detroit alive. Wish some of his ideologically-blinded comrades would as well.

By: Primrose

Primrose — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:01:57 +0000

A couple of additions in costs.

A few months ago, when Congress set aside a loan of $25 bn to the auto companies, it was stated then that legacy costs were $63 per hour. If the hourly wages (including legacies) HAVE gone up to $73 then wouldn’t it be because so many people were offered and took early retirement? I recall management was delighted with the plan that worked so well. Now some are suggesting that we leave these 50+ year olds in the dust with no where to go and no money and no healthcare.

That $25 bn was set aside for greening the big three. Bush wants to use that money AND remove all of the greening features.

Obviously, that’s not the bill to pass. Let’s use some of $750 bn Paulson is doling out to the hardest hit industries.