Will US automakers survive economic woes of 2008?
Can US automakers afford new technologiesThe real estate market is taking shots left and right. Consumer confidence is in the toilet and auto suppliers are struggling to stay afloat. The US economy is either in, or close to, a recession that is slowing US auto sales and sinking stock values.
"If something bad is going to happen, it's going to happen in 2008," Haig Stoddard, an analyst with Global Insight Inc., said of Detroit's automakers. "This is going to be a test for them. If they can make it through this year, they're probably going to be OK."
Yet, even if US automakers survive 2008, how will US economic woes affect the ability of automakers to push forward with new, much needed technologies, such as hybrid cars?
Labels: Hybrid Vehicles
posted by Dahcredyns at
8:13 AM
6 Comments:
Tough times for sure. Here's hoping that U.S. auto manufacturers can find a way to turn things around and in a hurry.
Should I even bother to say my opinion anymore?
Well..OK...I will.
I have absolutely no sympthay or good wishes for the US auto industry. They have been making complete garbage for decades...and unknowningly or unwittingly...they were fully aware of what crap they were making.
For this reason, being that it has been 100% intentional to make junk products, I think they need to completely disappear.
Frankly, any business that offers such poor products and continues to survive, does so due to the low quality of expectations from the people who buy them. So what does that say of the people who buy them? I won't even go there.
Ultimately, my opinion is that the Big 3 need to disappear...and perhaps then, all those resources can be applied to other very important and critical issues facing this country.
So, that's what you want, noz, but is that what you think will really happen? Will the big 3 just disappear?
I don't really believe so, although some sort of consolidation or merger seems conceivable.
What I'm worried about is that US automakers will temper their technology development at a time when they can least afford to slow down.
I understand why you feel the way you do, Noz. Still, I'd rather have US automakers, at least one of them, become a part of the solution.
If the economy keeps tanking, however, you might get your wish.
Not to sound to cliche...but you know what they say:
Things need to get worse before they get better.
Everything seems really bad during a purge...but it needs to happen.
I see your point of view...i.e. we need big business, that has the money, to develop the technology.
I agree with you...but it has to be the RIGHT big business...of which none of the 3 automakers are or have ever been...and there is where the dilemma ultimately lies.
Does George Bush continue to be president if no one else is around?
that george bush line gave me a nice laugh!
you have a good point. its kind of like when the dinosaurs disappeared it opened the possibility for other animals to flourish.
i think we're at the point of no-return. automakers will have to adapt to a world where efficiency will soon rule. if they can't, they won't survive.
More people should learn about electric vehicles as a solution. "Zero emissions" is something that's going to be required by law one day (you know it will). Making the decision to go electric is far cheaper anyway, like 10 cents on the dollar vs. gas. (source: zapworld.com)
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