Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood promotes the fact that the Ford Focus so far is at the top of the list of new cars purchased under the program.(UPDATE: Toyota #1. See story here)
But the limited information released so far shows most buyers are not picking Ford, Chrysler or General Motors vehicles, and six of the top 10 vehicles purchased are Honda, Toyota and Hyundai.
The Obama administration is refusing to quickly release government records on its "cash-for-clunkers" rebate program that would substantiate — or undercut — White House claims of the program's success.
Maybe the Clunker program should have been limited to Government Motors and Chrysler.
See the story here
Never mind all the other reasons why this is a dumb program.
Cars are made in many different countries. Toyota, Honda, B.M.W, V.W all run plants in this country. Before they were discontinued the Thunderbird, P.T Cruiser and the Beatle were made in Mexico. During the 80's Pontiac made ads claiming the FireBird was American....it was made in Canada. The jobs at the foreign auto plants are very good, they pay fair wages and have good benefits. Thus they keep out the corrupt U.A.W...thus placing more money in the workers pocket. Do you remember the NUMMI plants during the 80's which was a G.M-Toyota combo?
ReplyDeleteCar Companies do not act alone.
Ford-Mazda
G.M-Daewoo and Isusu...I believe
Chrysler...Mitsubishi
G.M owned Saab until recently and sold Hummer to China. Last year G.M stock went from 17 to 34 on rumors of a partnership with Nissan. Remember Mercedes owned Chrysler and destroyed it's' brand name. Ford used to own Jaguar. Rolls Royce is owned by BMW. Lamborgini was or is owned by Chrysler.
The auto industry is multi- national Japan makes very little. It is all farmed out to cheap labor companies. Many brands of T.V.s, P.C.s and clothing are often made in the same factory. If you own an H.p...it is owned by Acer {Taiwan} Dell computers are made in Mexico and so the world wide economy goes...Geoff
Oh I totally realize that many many companies are international in scope. Also the stockholders are from around the world.There is very little that is totally manufactured in one company.
ReplyDeleteBut if we are going to pay a subsidy to car purchasers, what is the purpose? Is it to subsidize car manufacturers headquartered elsewhere?
I think we shouldn't be subsidizing period.
And countries that dont allow our products in freely, should have the favor returned. If they impose excise tariffs on us, let's do the same. If they artificially decrease the price of their product in order to corner the market, let us return the favor. If a country knows that tariffs will be imposed both ways, maybe they will refrain from messing with the natural market.