On the level

Automotive Industries,  March, 2005  by Mike Grimm

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Congratulations on an excellent article, "Level the Playing Field" (AI, Jan. 2005, pg. 14). However, while you briefly mention it, you (and your media fraternity) do not take enough credit for putting us in this position. It's time that there is a concerted effort to "talk up" the Big 3 and its products rather than usury talking them down. The numbers are there, it's your job to reverse the perceptions of the last 20 years. Thanks.

Mike Grimm

In reading Gary Witzenburg's article "Level the Playing Field" (AI. Jan. 2005, pg. 14), I cannot help feeling the automotive industry has become a bunch of spoiled whiners. Now we want the government to bail us out. It is no wonder we're in the shape we're in, and these companies crying about it seem to never look internally to get serious about running a lean, efficient organization until it is too late.

Yes, we have issues from a global standpoint that should be addressed, but it is always easier to look at everyone else to solve the problems. The way I see it, the industry is getting its just deserts. Legislation may provide temporary relief, but there is no substitute for good old fashioned competition, hard work and dedication.

Our president has addressed frivolous litigation and other issues, but it is time our overpaid executives start earning their wages--which is not to discount powerful unions that are just as much to blame. I believe we need to get our fighting spirit that formed this great country back--a little of that 'fire-in-the-belly" attitude.

Name withheld by request

Yes, the media bears responsibility for perpetuating the perception of import-brand superiority. Yes, past Big 3 leadership managed unwisely much too often. But should we continue punishing these increasingly lean, tough, smart and efficient American companies (and their hundreds of thousands of dedicated, hardworking employees) for past mistakes until they're gone? That would be devastating to the U.S. economy and benefit no one except the many foreign-based competitors who exploit the currently enormous unfair advantage of far lower operating costs.

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