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If GM and Chrysler go under because they couldn't meet their obligations with the government, I think Ford deserves the help. They haven't taken a dime and were the first to produce a high-bryd and electric auto. Don't let our last American made auto company be pulled down by mis-managed GM and Chrysler.

It seems that the worst is yet to come and not still over...

Sachin
http://earn-money-ideas.com

Hopefully, Ford (and the suppliers!) have time to make the case for their share of TARP money to provide the bridge $$$ they need. The sad part is, this under-reported story has HUGE employment implications, not to mention the fact that this could truly sink any hope for a resurgent American manufacturing base.

I blogged more about the suppliers and TARP here if you're interested:

http://www.supplyexcellence.com/blog/2009/02/06/auto-suppliers-tarp-bridge-solutions/

No mention of the broader implications of a GM/Chrysler bankruptcy? Say, the production cessations from Honda, Toyota and Nissan? They have more days supply of inventory than Ford at this point, but the reality is the same: they all use the same supply base and would all be impacted. This is far greater than Ford's problem. In all likelihood, auto production in the U.S. could get shut down for 3-6 months.

I never believed the right place for government money was in GM and Chrysler. I believed it was in the suppliers - because although GM could trigger a massive wave of layoffs by its failure and take down at least Chrysler and Ford and potentially Nissan with it, the medium of the propogating destruction is the suppliers. Prop them up and the inefficient GM and Chrysler can go down in flames without destroying the industry with them....

... but here we are.

The U.S. automakers deserve bankruptcy. They represent the excesses of a greedy Western lifestyle. Chinese workers have toiled to give to you your wealthy standard of living, and for a fraction of what U.S. workers have been paid. Then, we have faithfully saved and invested our earnings in the U.S. only to lose our money in your financial collapse. We will now drive your companies into bankruptcy then purchase them for our collective own. We have earned it. We will no longer trade fairly. There is nothing you can do about it, because you need us to make everything your extravagant greedy lifestyles consume. We will not buy your goods or services. We have the freedom now; you have the debt. Next we will take Taiwan back. You don't have a clue. We get the big V-8 now, but it won't be a Detroit product until we own it! Ha Ha.

Great post! I hadn't thought of that. I hope the government is paying attention to all of these details.

It seems like there is no end game plan.