The automtive industry is in peril and the only options according to our appointed leaders are either bail out or let fail.  However, myself and others feel there is a gray area to the economic problem facing domestic auto makers.  Specifically in the way we handle imports, current goals by the Big 3, and the impact unions have on the cost of a new car.  I intend to detail some other ideas that could benefit us in the long run and dont' involve a black or white approach to the US economy.

Low Domestic Sales

Tariffs could be the automotive industries new best friend and it can be implemented almost immediately.  The immediate effect would be higher priced imports, thus giving domestics an advantage in the market place.  Those opposed to Tariff increases stand behind unfair trade and potential to damage world trading, but I feel now is the time to act.  Furthermore there would be more incentive for manufacturers to bring their plants to the US, providing more jobs for Americans.

Domestic cars and trucks are quality vehicles and often times can compete equally with their import counter parts.  Somewhere within recent years there has been a stima placed on domestic vehicles and the idea that buying imports was the 'green' thing to do.  In reality domestics compete on a level playing field in fuel economy, quality, and dependability.  Therefore I believe the real deal breaker amongst new car buyers is price and we have a tool to tilt the scales in the domestic's direction.

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This weekend marked another talk between Ford and the United Auto Workers. According to Reuters, the meeting was held in Dearborn, Michigan at Ford's headquarters. This meeting was held to hopefully get negotiations moving again, since earlier in the year UAW had extended their previous contract to focus on other deals.

Now it's time to Pony up, so to speak, and the auto union is looking to finalize a new contract. UAW is concerned with Ford's standing, but wants to come to terms soon.

"We have some concerns about Ford, there is no question about that. They are a good company to work with, though ... we are looking forward to being able to get that one behind us."