If it’s true that tough times call for tough people, then I hope those who work in the U.S. automobile industry are high on the toughness scale. Amazingly, the government bailouts to the financial/credit industry doesn’t appear to be going into the auto industry — the nation’s “Big Three” automakers (GM, Ford, and Chrysler) have so far been denied aid by Congress. I’m not sure why, but I do have a theory.
My theory would be this: True or not, U.S. automakers have gained a reputation of making overpriced, poor quality cars and trucks. It’s no secret that Toyota and Honda have been stealing huge numbers of car buyers away from the Big Three. Many people believe (maybe for good reasons, maybe not) that a Toyota or Honda or Hyundai or Volkswagen are more dependable and a greater value than a Chevy, Ford, or Chrysler.
I do not personally have an opinion in the matter. I’ve never owned a new car. Most of the used cars I buy are VERY used, i.e., near or over 100,000 miles, and I’ve had both U.S. made and Japanese used cars. I’ve never had a lot of concern about which cars were better — they’ve all been a struggle to own and maintain by the time they got down to my price range!
I’ve heard various opinions by my son, my son-in-law, and others who I trust. They are split pretty evenly between U.S. made and foreign made vehicles.
But until the Big Three automakers change the perception of consumers and offer car quality and prices they are looking for, bailouts won’t solve the problem, only delay it.