The US Auto Industry Is More Than Just The Big Three - What About Alabama and the South?

[Median Democrat]

One issue that is often ignored is that the Big Three don't make all of their cars in the U.S. A lot of cars are manufactured in foreign countries. Conversely, a lot of "foreign" cars are manufactured in the U.S. in states like Alabama. Should the bailout be extended to foreign car makers to provide a fair competitive boost to domestic auto plants? Likewise, how can Congress justify giving a bailout to Michigan car makers while ignoring car makers in Alabama, which are also hurting due to the recession?

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20081119/BUSINESS/811190335/1003/business

/snip

Alabama, home to three foreign automakers, wouldn't get one red cent of a $25 billion handout that Detroit's Big Three is begging the federal government for -- that's the one thing that economists and industry experts know for sure.

/snip

For example, Honda's Alabama plant manufactures Honda Odessey mini-vans. Shouldn't Honda's Alabama workers receive the benefits of the bailout, particularly if they are facing layoffs due to decreased demand?

[ogneopasno]

1. Nice loaded language. It's a loan, not a handout.

Sorry -- got sidetracked there.

Do southern states really think that if the Big Three fail, their assembly plants won't?

[Median Democrat]

3. So, You Support A Loan To Foreign Car Companies In Alabama?

If so, at least you are consistent.

[ogneopasno]

8. Who said I was consistent?

:)

Are the foreign car companies asking? They could be; I've been out of the loop today.

[Idealism]

2. Most of the industrial work in Alabama is related to suppliers

And if any of the big 3 go under, so will Delphi-like entities, of which there are many across the south. By not bailing these companies out, you ensure both suppliers and manufacturers will be bankrupted. Is this preferable to bailing out 3 companies that will continue to buy products from suppliers? No.

[Stinky The Clown]

4. Totally misses the REAL agenda ......... *U*N*I*O*N*S*

This is the KILL THE UAW AND ALL UNIONS gambit.

That piece is pure bullshit.

[DJ13]

5. Hondas Alabama workers can join the UAW any time they want

Then they wont feel left out.

[codjh9]

6. I'm not defending the Big 3 whatsoever - they've largely brought this on themselves through

ignoring gas prices, gas shortages, air pollution, etc. in the past 35 years - but the foreign car makers aren't in the financial difficulties that the US ones are, so to me it's an apples & oranges argument.

[Idealism]

7. Yes they are

[dkofos]

9. They will get a hand out from their own country.

They have been getting them for years.