U.S. Automotive Market...Again

Desperate Days or the End of the Storm?

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While preparing for a segment on Fox Business News this morning, I was struck by the enormity of today's subject matter--the future of Chrysler and General Motors. As an automotive enthusiast since I got my first Matchbox cars at age 4, it never occurred to me that these great machines of American industry might actually cease to exist. After all, as the old ad campaign taught us, "Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet" are inseparable and essential elements of the American experience. And who could ever do without Corinthian leather?

So now here I am on live national TV trying to explain the difference between Class B and Class C bonds and the role of Fidelity and Vanguard and other investment firms in the future of these venerable companies. Wow...how come we can't talk about the overwhelming Cost of Ownership value of hybrids and clean diesels? Or how fuel prices seem to irrationally and overwhelmingly dictate U.S. automotive buying patterns? Or the latest and sexiest concept vehicles at your local auto show? No...this was a chance to pontificate on a future I cannot stand to imagine.

As if to add insult to injury, Fox News just called and asked me to be on again tomorrow morning. Oh no...more visions of blood in the streets and car carnage. I do think the current 24-hour sensationalist news coverage that is now such a part of our world has contributed mightily to our economic morass. And maybe even I have added a few gallons of gas to this fire though past appearances. But all sides of this story need to be told, and I all I know is that our world would be a much emptier place without the Chevrolet Corvette or Dodge Viper or Pontiac G8 or Chrysler 300C or GMC Yukon Hybrid.

Posted on 2009-04-24 | Permalink | |

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