Mister Jimmy

Why I'd Avoid Toyota, The #1 Automaker in the U.S.

So, U.S. government ownership of GM and Chrysler will ensure their success, to the disadvantage of Toyota? Seems fair. The JAPANESE government has partnered with Toyota for decades.

How Many Automakers Survive the Long Haul?

GM has designers, engineers, and planners as creative and smart as any in Europe and Asia. Its leadership did not address spiraling legacy (health care and pension) costs long ago and failed to use its global footprint to compete effectively in key segments. Yes, the new Malibu is a formidable competitor to Camry and Accord, and GM builds an awesome truck, but there is no excuse for a 100-year-old company not to have a vehicle competing effectively with the Corolla and Civic. Emerging markets gravitate to that vehicle class and smaller, something GM should have recognized long ago. Look for the new GM board to replace Fritz Henderson with a visionary outsider, much as Bill Ford brought in an outsider to run his firm. This iconic old firm will never be what it once was, and that's undoubtedly a good thing.

Remodeling the Auto Industry - Barron's

a. palmer jr., I couldn't agree more. A Taiwanese co-worker told me that Toyota and Honda continue fighting an uphill battle with many consumers in mainland China. Many remain bitter about Imperial Japan's rape of Nanjing in the 1930's. "Amazing", I said, "no American would let the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the Baatan death march influence their purchase decisions". He responded, "The Chinese are an older culture, and have a longer memory than you".

Remodeling the Auto Industry - Barron's

Let's completely hand over our economic destinies to the asians, arabs, and europeans. For several decades now, they've solidly demonstrated that they're our friends and will act in America's best interest. Once our trillions in national debt requires us to scale back our military, we'll be all set.

Time for GM to Declare Bankruptcy?

A GM bankruptcy is not likely. Treasury Secretary Geithner appeared on PBS earlier this week, and aid to the U.S. auto industry was one of the topics of discussion. He said the current challenge facing the industry is partially a result of a larger financial crisis. “The industry is facing just exceptional challenges. Part of the challenges they brought on themselves and part of those challenges are just the function of the fact that we’re facing such a huge collapse in demand around the world and a very difficult financing environment. And what we want to do is figure out what restructuring plan will leave these firms in a position where they’re going to be viable over time without government support.” Geithner said bankruptcy is not the best option for the auto industry right now. “We’re going through a very challenging period in the American economy as a whole, and as the President said and the previous administration said, a disorderly failure of these firms in this economy would cause enormous damage in terms of job loss across a whole range of industries and in a recession like this you have to consider things you would never consider in a more normal economic environment.”

Former GM Board Member: 'I Told You So'

Kinabalu, a GM bankruptcy is not likely. Treasury Secretary Geithner appeared on PBS earlier this week, and aid to the U.S. auto industry was one of the topics of discussion. He said the current challenge facing the industry is partially a result of a larger financial crisis. “The industry is facing just exceptional challenges. Part of the challenges they brought on themselves and part of those challenges are just the function of the fact that we’re facing such a huge collapse in demand around the world and a very difficult financing environment. And what we want to do is figure out what restructuring plan will leave these firms in a position where they’re going to be viable over time without government support.” Geithner said bankruptcy is not the best option for the auto industry right now. “We’re going through a very challenging period in the American economy as a whole, and as the President said and the previous administration said, a disorderly failure of these firms in this economy would cause enormous damage in terms of job loss across a whole range of industries and in a recession like this you have to consider things you would never consider in a more normal economic environment.”

Former GM Board Member: 'I Told You So'

Mr. Killinger, 11 of the top 20 selling vehicles in the USA are still Detroit name plates. That would appear to invalidate your comment that "most Americans don't hold Detroit in very high regard". I assure you, Wall Street would not get the same 55% approval rating right now.

Former GM Board Member: 'I Told You So'

notsosmart, the latest Consumer Reports gives its "recommended" ratings to several GM cars and trucks.

Former GM Board Member: 'I Told You So'

ScottyEconomist, you and the entire "OTC and Structured Products" crowd enriched yourselves by mismanaging the retirement savings of millions and churning worthless pieces of financial junk into an economic catastrophe. Don't compound America's disdain for you by referring to others as "mindless drones".

Former GM Board Member: 'I Told You So'

Cobra 1, that MotorWorld piece is from Fortune's perennial GM-basher Alex Taylor III. Before the new Malibu was introduced, he wrote an article scoffing at it in a "here they go again" manner. When it demonstrated itself to be a hit, continuing to take market share, and proving itself to be a worthy competitior with Camry and Accord, do you think that turd ever published a retraction? Of course not. So typical of the arrogant New York financial press. They know all about Detroit, but are clueless about the incompetence in their own backyard, namely Wall Street.

Former GM Board Member: 'I Told You So'

This author "experienced the inner workings of capitalism at various asset managers and advisors"....in other words the same New York criminals that put this economy where it is today. Yet, they're full of advice about Detroit and the auto industry.

December Car Sales: Gruesome

Well stated, uncle bubba. SA = Seeking Alpha = Skewed Assessment = Stupid A**es.

Better to Let Automakers Go Bankrupt

Larry, I understand why a Canadian would voice this opinion, but unlike your country, the U.S. has no national health care plan. Private companies insure their employees, which is precisely the main reason companies like GM are in trouble. Foreign competitors Toyota and Honda also have nationalized health care plans, giving them a competitive advantage.

If GM goes BK, the other US auto companies and many, many suppliers will follow. As demand for unemployment benefits, welfare, Medicaid, and other Federal relief swells, the U.S. taxpayer will pay....and much more dearly.