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Electrics from Chrysler
The electric concepts shown by Chrysler over the past couple of years were halo cars. If they don't come to fruition, c'est la vie. Chrysler will, however, have to produce an electric with a reasonable volume at some point. The reason is simple mathematics; EPA mileage ratings for electrics are off the charts, as witnessed by the Volt's 230 mpg. To achieve the newly mandated CAFE standards within the timeframe required, each money-losing Volt can offset 12 profitable Silverados (20 mpg) while still maintaining a fleet average in excess of 36 mpg. If the trucks sold average 15 mpg, the ratio is 9:1 - still pretty good.
That dynamic is a strong motivator for a company like Chrysler where Ram trucks are about the only profitable line going. The way electric "mileage" is measured, rumors of the thirsty car's demise may have been exaggerated.
Free Trade
Nationalism is strong in those two countries. Gas prices are out of sight as well. If the big three were ringing the bell anywhere outside of North America, I'd be the first one to cry foul.
In the end, irrespective of barriers, we don't make what they want. Our best hope is for the dollar to continue its march downward and for Japanese and Korean OEMs to export more of their stateside output back home.
Minimum wage for auto workers
The writer presumes that wage levels are the predominant factor in determining where a plant is located. Demonstrating that there is an available and capable workfoce tends to be the first consideration, followed by economic matters, of which wage levels are but one component. Closeness to market, cost of land, taxes, schools and receptivity by the local community enter into these decisions as well.
Even the spouses of executives often weigh in on any number of matters, including the availablility of work in their chosen profession, housing and quality of life concerns.
If wage levels were the primary driving force, I suspect that every North American auto plant would be located in Mexico. In spite of Ross Perot's giant sucking sound, jobs marching southward haven't been that deafening. And, with crime going crazy down there, sending off an American to act as an executive down there involves the equivalent of combat pay.
There already is a federal minimum wage and a number of states have decided to create their own. Creating one for the auto industry would leave other industries and their unions wondering if they might also wind up with a similar mandate. It would be the economic equivalent of the Jerry Springer show, played out in every manufcturing town in America.
Rumors of the death of capitalism are greatly exagerated. Detroit and transplants alike are engaged in a battle for the hearts and minds of the American consumer - as it should be. The market will work it all out. We just need to hang on.
OnStar
Seems like a standard docking station for a smart phone/ipod makes sense for today's cars. Of course, this presumes a standardized interface for such devices and, if history is any guide, such an agreement would be difficult to broker.
There is so much capability sitting there on the seat next to me, however, separated from the incredible technology that is in my car. A marriage of the two is just another 'app' for my Storm but could also provide directions, internet radio, hands-free telephone, audible reading of my emails, vehicle diagnostics etc. etc.
It might cost the factory $50 to create this feature. I'd gladly pay $250 for it.
Cash for Clunkers List
I find it curious that the only Lincoln Mark VIII on the list is the 1998. So, what about the '93 through '97 (or the '95 LSC in my driveway)?
Even more strange is that the 2002 Kia Optima made the list.
My only hope is that this is but a rough draft and is not a definitive listing from the bill. Why can't we get this stuff right?
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