TomWilkinsonatGM

A Modest Proposal For The U.S. Auto Industry: Stop Building Cars

The critical issue in vehicle development goes by the name of "integration." Whether it is making the engine and transmission work together seamlessly or ensuring that the side airbag inflates if (and only if) the vehicle is hit with a certain force and angle, integration of the various components is everything. The companies that do this best consistently top the quality charts, and have the happiest customers. As GM has gotten better at this, our vehicles have improved. Witness the new Malibu -- the best midsize sedan for initial quality in the latest JD Power study.

Mitt Romney's NY Times Op-Ed On the Automakers: Dead On

Unfortunatly, a lot of Mitt's information is out of date. But hey, the Romney's did leave Michigan in 1969. Since 2000, GM has completely overhauled its product lineup, and made a major commitment to advanced technology vehicles like the upcoming Chevy Volt. We have also cut our workforce by 52%, brought our plant capacity in line with realistic demand, and closed the productivity gap with the transplants. The last major piece, labor and legacy costs, were coming under control thanks to the 2007 UAW agreement. If that's not a turnaround, I am not sure what is.

The credit crisis has hit the industry hard. Bridge loans to get the industry through this downturn are a reasonable proposition.