Since GM and Chrysler emerged from bankruptcy, our auto industry has added 55,000 jobs — the strongest period of job growth in more than 10 years. For the first time since 2004, all three American automakers are operating at a profit. Sales have begun to rebound.
This week, the White House communications team rolled out the President’s weekly from an auto assembly plant in Detroit, MI.
The President has some fine moments in this weekly especially when he says “Don’t ever bet against the American people.” Though Republican leaders in Congress are placing their bets on holding the “no” line on any and all legislation that might make this President look like a hero, including the Small Business Jobs Act (sanctioned by–gasp–the Chamber of Commerce), the President (or at least the director of this weekly) could’ve made a stronger small business case, or contrast, in a small, main street business, not a big business auto plant rescued by tax dollars.
I guess it would’ve been poor salesmanship to CUT TO an auto repair shop…though my mechanic runs a very happy small business and keeps my old cluncker running. Let’s stay on the good foot and keep the the President in the plant with shiny new vehicles rolling out.
At a time when America is just starting to move forward again, we can’t afford the do-nothing policies and partisan maneuvering that will only take us backward.
However, I couldn’t stop myself from having a flash back to this 1984 moment with Lee Iaccoca who rescued GM from that last brink of disaster.
As we talk more about hybrids be on the look out for developments in Bolivia and other non-western countries that are the source for lithium, the mineral substance in the batteries that make these cars run. Lithium may be the new “oil.” Watch for another “cold war” like posturing for resources. Let’s see what happens as China and India roll out models especially as more car purchases are made in those countries. Will there be a patriotic call for citizens to buy a car made in their country? Will we see auto assembly lines from these counties in the American bible belt?
Who will lead the car revolution of the 21st century. At this point, all bets are on the table.
Transcript available here.