Ever go to the dealership ecstatically thinking about that sleek, swift two-seater you've been lusting for? But you leave behind the wheel of the four-door econobox you can actually afford? That might be how GM's Wagoner,Ford's Mulally and Chrysler's Nardelli feel this morning.
Peter DeLorenzo at AUTOEXTREMIST offers a comprehensive look from a pro-bailout perspective of how Washington's powers-that-be reacted to the Big Three plea. Earlier in the week, Peter produced an excellent, concise case for aid in my newspaper, The Washington Examiner.
Robert Farago at The Truth About Cars answered PD in the Examiner. And TTAC's Edward Niedermeyer's assessment late yesterday of Friday's House testimony by Rick/Alan/Bob points to the week's likely bottomline:
"Probably the only common thread from yesterday's hearing was a deep contempt for Chrysler. At this point it seems fair to stick a fork in a certain well-cooked Cerburian dog. Rep Kanjorski did get all three to agree that they could survive 90 days on $14b worth of "bridge bridge" loans, with Chrysler getting $4b, GM getting $10b and Ford getting nothing. This would allow a government brokered agreement, extracting concessions from all stakeholders to take place, since such a deal simply can not be hatched over the weekend. Expect these funds to be appropriated fairly quickly, with a government oversight board assigned to guiding major reforms."
Sure enough, Bush's Auto Blog this morning cites a Reuters report that a $15 billion compromise has been reached between Congress and the out-going Bush White House. Expect more details later today.
BTW, if Detroit goes down, what about the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, asks Dorri at If It's Got An Engine ... Good question.
Did you know some of the European automakers are looking for government bailouts, too? CarGurus Blog explains.
Elsewhere around the Auto Blog block ....
The Auto Prophet wonders what's going on with the "mighty Lincoln Towncar!" Could sales really be up?
And at Motor Authority, Nelson Ireson gets all lyrical and such about the 09 Mustang GT. Can't say that I agree with Nellie on the Mustang, though. Going fast never gets old.
Kicking Tires thinks you should take a look at this video from Cars.com.
With Saab and Volvo up for sale, odds are rough times are ahead for the Swedes. Left Lane explains the complications.
Why is it people who owned Honda CRX's never seem to get over the experience? Cookie the Dog's Owner at Amazon.com's Car Lust Blog goes on and on and on about an 85.
Oh my, Marek Denko really does have a thing for Mad Max. Or is it Mad Manx? Check this out at Auto Motto.
Could the "formerly sane" Jim Press of Toyota actually sound like a "suicidal Britney Spears" now that he's with Chrysler? Joe Sherlock at The View Through the Windshield thinks so. This is painful.
And finally, you simply cannot miss the Cheaparral Sucker Vette uncovered on eBay by the guys at Corvette blog. The auction benefits the United Way of Greater Cinncinnati and the car features signatures of Jay Leno and the man, Jim Hall.
WHAT I'M DRIVING THIS WEEK: Toyota Camry
Could it be coincidental that the same week the Big Three are in DeeCee begging for help my test car is the ubiqutous Toyota Camry? Other than the UAW, this car symbolizes Detroit's biggest problem - for too long, the competition was just plain better. The Camry may be superior in only a few areas, but it's very, very good in everything else, which is what makes it such a solid value.
Exterior styling isn't the Camry's strong suit. My XLE tester looked just like very other current generation Camry on the road. Pleasant, familiar, unobtrusive. But punch the go pedal and the 268 horse 3.5 liter V-6 flings the Camry forward in a most un-family car manner. Keep it in a straight line and this thing could be quite useful in stealth-speed mode. Just don't ask it to go around corners quickly. Lots of understeer reminds you that, oh yeah, this is the family car.
The passenger cabin is nicely appointed, clean and functional, with good room front and back for five adults. The important controls are mostly easy to find and operate, and stuff like the A/C and power windows operate with a quiet solidity. Ditto the door close, panel fits and paint quality. It's just an excellent piece of work, from every perspective. As it happens, the Malibu is preferable in some key respects and the Fusion is an acceptable alternative, at least in my humble opinion. But it only takes driving the Camry a few blocks to realize why it appeals so strongly to so many.
albook says:
06:50 AM, 12/ 6/08
"for too long, the competition was just plain better. The Camry may be superior in only a few areas, but it's very, very good in everything else, which is what makes it such a solid value."
As was the caseuntil GM introduced the new Malibu. The car seldom falls short to a Camry, and in some areas is even superior. I think Edmunds Insideline would back me up on that. However, the Camry is the benchmark for midsize sedans, not the Accord.
bbechtel16 says:
06:05 PM, 12/ 7/08
For anyone on the fence with this issue, all you need to do is read the DC Examiner's "YES" and "NO" articles. One is based on economic and business logic, the other mindless "The sky is falling and we're all gonna die painfully!" doom and gloom.
http://www.dcexaminer.com/opinion/YES_Detroit_Aid_Essential_for_Americas_Future_120408.html#comments
http://www.dcexaminer.com/opinion/NO_Why_Should_We_Bailout_Detroit_120408.html#comments
vvk says:
10:15 AM, 12/ 8/08
Really?! It only takes me driving the Camry a few blocks to realize why I prefer BMWs as my family cars.
I used to really like Camry. Not anymore. This latest one is just horrid. I just don't see the appeal... It is the novocain of cars.
roar02ram says:
12:59 PM, 12/ 8/08
Perfect summary of the Camry. Even if you don't personally like it, it's easy to see why a lot of other folks do. It doesn't do one thing wrong...just perhaps not as right as some other vehicle does. And even then, the other one probably missteps in an area where the Camry doesn't. One word: competence.