A mighty giant has fallen. It affects so many people too. But in all honesty (JMO) I am not surprised by this because of the greed involved and do not feel sorry for those who made the BIG bucks. Not just the corporate big wigs but the UAW too. I was a union member for 14 years and I didn't make that kind of money. I hope that the UAW workers have saved some of their money because the big bucks they were earning is no longer there.

I feel bad for those who will not get paid because of this...meaning the companies that supplied parts, etc.

SamKaren
your resident DJ

This is a terrible day. I remember when Ford, GM and Chrysler were looked up to. I have many relatives employed in the auto industry, hope they keep their jobs.

I too feel sorry for all the other businesses involved. Parts dealers, cafes, stores, loss of retirement funds, and just plain wondering what will go next.

I really feel sorry for the small companies that rely on that business for their existance. But in reality, watching them go bankrupt should be a lesson for companies. Sadly it won't be, since bailout after bailout just encourages more mismanagement. When company doesn't build a product that people want to buy, it's destiny is doom. What's so sad to me is that THEY JUST DON"T LEARN! We lost so much manufacturing because of corporate greed and beligerance. And in fairness, have to throw in employee greed. Think of the electronics industry. Can't buy an American TV anymore that I can think of. And so many other industries have gone by the wayside. And we also have to bring some responsibility to the consumer too. Why is so much of our consumer goods made in China? Because we buy it.

Granted, to be totally fair to the businesses there is some allowance to be made for enduring the devastating financial downfall of the last near-decade. But successful businesses adapt instead of rely.

A radio conversation today, I just caught the tale end of said...GM is now owned 60% by the US Tax Payers, the Union someone/thing else and Canada.

Can someone one explain why Canada? Or is it Canadian Business People?

It's the Canadian Government- because the Canadian Government gave GM 11 Billion dollars.

Okay got it..Thanks Susan.

People like to blame everyone but the real reason for GM's downfall. The American public. American's love/ed their big gas guzzling hogs and weren't willing to give them up. They were more than happy to accept whatever was shoved at them without a thought to tomorrow or what may happen down the road.

I owned 3 Fords, all of which were duds. One had a power steering problem that happened the day after required maintenance and the dealer (as well as Ford HQ) said there was nothing they could do as it was, ready for this, 10 miles over the warranty period. Never mind the fact that they had it in the shop and should have caught the problem then.

I eventually switched to Honda after buying one second hand. Up until last year all my cars were Honda, but then they got too big for their own good. I checked out numerous other makes and models and wound up with a Chevy Malibu. I absolutely love the car, it gets gas mileage comparable to Toyoto's Camry and Honda's Accord. The dealership is great to work with and if I have a problem, I know it'll be handled correctly.

Hopefully the Big 3 will know get their acts together and start producing quality cars made here and not overseas.

One other thing that impressed me with the Malibu was that all the parts are made here in the U.S. not a piece from here, a piece from there and everywhere else.

Secsteve......FORD...Found On Road Dead

best car I ever owned was my 1984 Chevy Cavalier. Next week I am buying a Nissan Versa. Sorry...No more American cars for me.

SamKaren
your resident DJ

Long time coming. They've been making overpriced cars that people don't want.

Last GM car I owned was a '69 Pontiac GTO.
Last American made car was a 1987 Mustang GT.

I don't agree at all with the public beging at fault.

I prefer to own American "based" brands of vehicles. My very first car was an older model Camaro, that I "financed" and paid for. My second financed vehicle was a Brand New I put the miles on it for the test drive Pontiac, at the age of 20. I kept that Pontiac for years after it was paid for, and my husband commuted in it for years more until finally at over 200K the engine needed to be done. It had weathered several bumper to bumper I5 accidents that he was caught in the middle of too..
We have a 1995 Ford Ranger that has over 300K and still runs very well. It's had timing belts changed regularly and a starter..other than that all engine bits are original.

However we both drive "foreign" cars. I have a Mazda MPV. (which has had countless problems, which the extended warranty more than covered!) But now it's paid for and no warranty..so when it's done, it's "done"!
And hubby drives a Jetta, that has had it's set of EXPENSIVE repairs, but again over 200K on it that he commutes in.

Hubby has always wanted a "big rig" Expedition, Escalade..that type of thing.. I kept him under control and said NO FREAKIN WAY! When gas got up to $5 a gallon..I was sooooooo glad of that!

I love Honda's they are reliable and a well put together machine. Hubby won't see that at all.

When we need a new vehicle, the purchase will be based on our needs, not the brand name and the best deal.

I'd happily buy another GM if that worked for us at the time.

oh and My neighbor has a Mazada Truck that looks and sounds just like our Ford Ranger..Same Truck...just a few years newer. So I don't know which one of us has a more "foreign" truck he, or us? Probably built in the same factory, for all I know.

Just to add to Karen's FORD.

When my DS was a teenager he described FORD as FIX OR REPAIR DAILY.

Sue