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In this Discussion
- 37 Terraplane#2 February 2009
- 46HudsonPU February 2009
- BJ__TN February 2009
- Dave53-7C February 2009
- Heart Of Texas February 2009
- hornet53 March 2009
- HudMotCarCo February 2009
- Hudsonrules March 2009
- MikeWA February 2009
- Nevada Hudson February 2009
- nhp1127 February 2009
- Pacemaker500 February 2009
- Ted W February 2009
- tombia March 2009
- willy74 February 2009
Trouble? Not Just at Generous Motors...
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“I have assumed the huge responsibility of steering Toyota at a time when we’re facing a once-in-a-century crisis,†he said. “Given the circumstances, I take my responsibility very seriously.â€
All of this is far more challenging than anyone at Toyota anticipated even a year ago. Early this month, Toyota forecast a $3.9 billion net loss for the 2008 fiscal year, which ends in March, the first time it has lost money since 1950. It expects an even deeper operating loss of about $5 billion, its first since it was founded.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/15/business/15toyota.html?th&emc=thHETfortyqtpi@earthlink.net (drop the HET) -
Maybe those chumps on the Hill will look at that and see that GM isn't failing because of building trucks and owning private jets.1953 Hornet sedan Twin-H
Custom front springs, drop-blocks out back, Clifford 6-2 headers exiting out back shotgun style, Pertronix, and Flames!
1964 Chevy C-10 Longbed, 396/TH400 lowered just enough and \"easy to touch up\" Black paint.
2003 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor
Caved in quarter and fender. Bad paint. Non-True-Trac heap. But it's paid for. -
They need to get rid of most of those fools on the hill. They have the lowest approval rating since numbers have been recorded. It is the blind leading the blind.
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Yes, took note of quite a few 'overseas' automakers having bad years as well...
Have been somewhat surprised that no 'bailout' of them has been offered (my attempt at humor) :rolleyes: - but didn't mention it up to this point, as I don't want to give our elected representatives any ideas! :eek: -
Next generation of Asian autos is coming into its own- Remember how we all made fun of Japanese cars in the '60's, until they increased quality past American cars? Same was said of Korean cars Kia and Hyundai when they started, but now quality is catching up (a Hyundai model is Car of the Year this year, I think). I've got a little bit of bias here, because my son and his wife both drive Hyundais, and they love them- I have driven them, and have to agree- great cars for thousands less than Honda and Toyota, and better warranties to boot. The kicker- 2 of the only 3 makes to post a profit in the 4th quarter were Kia and Hyundai (Subaru was the other).
Can China be far behind? Their export tractors are already markedly better than they were in the beginning. I sure hope they don't make us learn their language when they take over. . . I'm far too old, and far too poor an artist to manage that. -
Mike (WA) wrote:Next generation of Asian autos is coming into its own- Remember how we all made fun of Japanese cars in the '60's, until they increased quality past American cars? Same was said of Korean cars Kia and Hyundai when they started, but now quality is catching up (a Hyundai model is Car of the Year this year, I think). I've got a little bit of bias here, because my son and his wife both drive Hyundais, and they love them- I have driven them, and have to agree- great cars for thousands less than Honda and Toyota, and better warranties to boot. The kicker- 2 of the only 3 makes to post a profit in the 4th quarter were Kia and Hyundai (Subaru was the other).
Can China be far behind? Their export tractors are already markedly better than they were in the beginning. I sure hope they don't make us learn their language when they take over. . . I'm far too old, and far too poor an artist to manage that.
I drove both Hyundai and KIA cars when I was stationed in Korea in the mid-80's (before they came to the U.S.). They were REALLY pieces of garbage back then (falling apart with less than 30k on them - that is kilometers, not miles!). I wouldn't even consider looking at them when they were first imported to the U.S. - my wife wouldn't have one, and she's Korean!
A complete turnaround - I have heard very good things about them in the last couple of years - the quality has drastically improved. I still don't have one, but may in the years to come... Who knows? -
hornet53 wrote:Maybe those chumps on the Hill will look at that and see that GM isn't failing because of building trucks and owning private jets.
What this really is, is a setup for the government to nationalize the domestic automotive manufactures. With a ton of taxpayer funding, if GM was still to fold...who is the receiver?.... the government is. Welcome to the latest nation to go commie!:mad: -
Several Years ago, the government (read as IRS) seized the assets of a successful NEVADA BROTHEL, for NONPAYMENT OF TAXES. The brothel went bankrupt! How are they ever going to run a business like one of the BIG 3 when they can't even run a Brothel?
Bob -
BJ__TN wrote:Several Years ago, the government (read as IRS) seized the assets of a successful NEVADA BROTHEL, for NONPAYMENT OF TAXES. The brothel went bankrupt! How are they ever going to run a business like one of the BIG 3 when they can't even run a Brothel?
Bob
The inability of Government to accomplish something, like make Peanut Butter safe, has not stopped them from mucking up things. Really, if they can't even get Peanut Butter right....what can they do about anything?:rolleyes: -
BJ__TN wrote:Several Years ago, the government (read as IRS) seized the assets of a successful NEVADA BROTHEL, for NONPAYMENT OF TAXES. The brothel went bankrupt! How are they ever going to run a business like one of the BIG 3 when they can't even run a Brothel?
Bob
The Mustang Ranch is open! Buisness is brisk! -
Yeah but not under government operation any longer!
Bob -
Thats why they are making money!
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Nevada Hudson wrote:The Mustang Ranch is open! Business is brisk!
Ah! There is nothing like the praises of a (recently?) satisfied customer... LOL!
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I find it interesting that these companies are saying they are losing so much money. It is actually only on paper.
They sit in a room and say " We will make X Billion this year." then at the end of the year, when they only X-10%, they state "we lost 10% this year."
Some companies do have actual loses and poor money managment but most of this is smoke and mirrors.
Many companies that have posted "Loses" still pay stock dividends and never laid of any workers. If they lost money, then they would have had to drip into Cash Reserves to make up the difference.
Read the stock report....they did not dip into Cash Reserves.....the loses were only based on projected earnings. -
Pacemaker500 wrote:I find it interesting that these companies are saying they are losing so much money. It is actually only on paper.
They sit in a room and say " We will make X Billion this year." then at the end of the year, when they only X-10%, they state "we lost 10% this year."
Some companies do have actual loses and poor money managment but most of this is smoke and mirrors.
Many companies that have posted "Loses" still pay stock dividends and never laid of any workers. If they lost money, then they would have had to drip into Cash Reserves to make up the difference.
Read the stock report....they did not dip into Cash Reserves.....the loses were only based on projected earnings.
Oh, I couldn't agree more. Take the airline woes a couple years ago. They were all saying they lost $Xmillions each quarter. Well, they didn't lose the money, they just didn't make the money. There's a huge difference.
I can't say "I think I'd like to make a $million this year, and then only make $100k and ask the government to pay me the other $900k because I didn't meet my projected earnings.
The governement needs to stop bailing all the banks, mortgage firms, investment firms, and auto industries out, and let market forces dictate who goes belly up and who prospers. Times will be hard, but businesses simply won't do what's needed to balance their books if they know the governement will suppliment their income when times are hard.
GM and Chrysler just announced a plea for billions more in governement aide, http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AUTOS_BAILOUT?SITE=NVLAS&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT. When's it going to stop?
Besides, GM has about 250,000 employees and only about 40% of those are US employees. It's not a US company anymore. It's time to let nature take it's course. These bailouts are only delaying the enevitable, and thus hurting the U.S. in the long run. -
I happen to see a lot of people in my practice who are visually impaired. Most of them get around well because they have been trained to handle their disability with considerable skill. Unfortunately, many of our elected officials are neither trained nor skilled and we see that reflected best in times like these. In short, the blind know how to function in a manner that does not burden society. Politicians often produce legislation applies a heavy burden to every American.:mad:Bill
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If our big manufacturing industries go down, we'd better hope that foreign companies will build our war machines, ships, planes and arms. Just think what may have been if the government had bailed out Hudson.
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Interesting fact: The Government use to pay a stipend to the auto manufactures to maintain a suitably staffed workforce and infrastructure to support emergency war production capability. With the end of the Cold War and may on the Left calling for an end to “Corporate Welfare, the Bush Administration ended this stipend. Much of what Unions retirements were based upon, were these types of subsidies.
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Amusing in the fact that the CEO of Chrysler drove Home Depot almost to the brink several years ago and recieved a generous severance payout when he was canned and this current situation is a good point for TERM LIMITS, Lots and lots of members of congress, both on the right and left need to be booted starting with the speaker of the House and the minority leader. Same in the senate.
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Without a bit of chagrin, I would gladly be a part of a grass roots citizen’s action group whose sole purpose would be to introduce and effect voter support for term limits for the House and Senate. To include citizen oversight of every committee and group that is involved in the processing of any funding for any activity other than what OUR Constitution requires from federal governance.
We could start by making the current crop of losers respond to why they have not rooted out those within their midst who sat idly by while their colleagues and constituents committed larceny.
I for one have ZERO sympathy for any so called congressional representative.
Time for a good congressional enema!
For the record... Chrysler was BAILED OUT once before and yesterday they announced employee layoffs (3000) three models that will no longer be produced and extended thier hand with a note to Congress that says... for just $8.5B more we can ..... let them go bankrupt or disappear. -
I attended a town meeting held by our Republican senator this am. Only thing I got out of it was more partisian crap. The Republican party keeps saying that their plan is better? Where have they been since 1980 when Ragannomics started us down this current path? This young girl was having a physical and the doctor asked her how she could have been married twice and was still a virgin? Her answer was that her first husband was killed on their wedding night and her current husband was a republican and all he would do is tell her how things were gonna be. NO ACTION. The Democrats asked for and got a mandate in 2006 and 2008 and they are no better. These people are more interested in getting re-elected and their own interests than this country. Democrat or Republican we are still one country. There I said it. Tomb
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Heart Of Texas wrote:I would gladly be a part of a grass roots citizen’s action group whose sole purpose would be to introduce and effect voter support for term limits for the House and Senate.
We already have term limits, its the voters that need educated. There is no automatic re-install of politicians unless we vote these people back in office. The issue rests with us all as voters. "Vote the Bastards Out 2010" might be a good slogan. -
Ted W wrote:
Actually, I believe that Heart of Texas is referring to the number of terms that our elected representatives can serve...We already have term limits, its the voters that need educated. There is no automatic re-install of politicians unless we vote these people back in office. The issue rests with us all as voters. "Vote the Bastards Out 2010" might be a good slogan.
The President is limited to 2 four-year terms;
U.S. Senators are elected to six-year terms;
U.S. Representatives are elected to two year terms;
Members of Congress of both chambers have no term limit(s). They can serve as many terms as they want - IF they are voted-in...
I agree, that needs to change. However, I just cannot see Congress making a change that would put them out of office... :rolleyes: -
No, I understand. The voter has the power to limit any elected official to one term or even to cut that term short by recall. The responsibility is really the voters. Everyone seems to wait for someone else to do these things, but it’s up the voter to make their voices heard. When the best elections turn out is less than 48% of eligible voters; that says something about America. The education system has failed to teach Civic for many years, there is little effort to change this. In a recent poll of 23,000 high school seniors, 65% did not know there are 50 States. With this level of education about our country in schools today, the voters of tomorrow will be simple lemmings.
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Ted W wrote:No, I understand. The voter has the power to limit any elected official to one term or even to cut that term short by recall. The responsibility is really the voters. Everyone seems to wait for someone else to do these things, but it’s up the voter to make their voices heard. When the best elections turn out is less than 48% of eligible voters; that says something about America. The education system has failed to teach Civic for many years, there is little effort to change this. In a recent poll of 23,000 high school seniors, 65% did not know there are 50 States. With this level of education about our country in schools today, the voters of tomorrow will be simple lemmings.
Ah, yes - And all rushing for that proverbial cliff, overlooking the ocean...
However - As you stated, less than 50% will particpate, and with the current 'split' by party lines 48% of the remainder will go one way (Democrats), 47% will go the other way (Republicans), and 5% will go which ever way they want (Independents).
And the rest (the roughly 50% of the total that do not participate) - will be taking bets on which one(s) go over the cliff first...
Nothing much has changed in my opinion, except that the information to make 'informed' decision(s) is more readily available - if one is able to sort through all the garbage, untruths, lies, etc... IMO, voters are less likely to vote on 'party lines' than they once were - and more likely to focus on the issues. -
Rick ... there are lots of SPOT ON comments in your reply, but one got me to thinking I should provide a bit more information....
Nothing much has changed....
I disagree... in the past decade the amount of money spent on TV and other advertisements is beyond comprehension. BUYING OFFICE is something that has occured and all this with the culpability of the AMERICAN MEDIA. If the American public really wants fair representation ... we each need to TAKE BACK OUR AIRWAYS. The RF spectrum does not belong to the networks nor the FEDERAL Government. We have abdicated our authority and allowed those who have sufficent funds to DROWN out dissent and fair reporting. BIAS... I guess I can fall behind that fallacious tale. The popular reporters who are telling the story of politics are doing so with the funding of folks who do not what YOU or I to have a dissenting or opposing view... so those who are loudest and quickest are the ones our UNEDUCATED get thier NEWS from.... so YES something has happened... our politicians are BUYING the attention of those who are unable to understand that this is PROPOGANDA.
Off the apple crate... thanks for posting your views. -
Not haveing any differing opinion of all the fore mentioned, can't say I see any real differance in Barack O'bullama and his predecesers. Gonna plant a big garden this year. BUD
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I've said all along, the faces change but Washington does NOT! I don't have a lot of money and am not the smartest person in the world but, How can you promise change, then put the same people back into power? It makes no difference whether you are Republican or Democrat it is always the same people, and I blame the American people. We have become complacent and willing to let things go on as is.
I had a friend, complain to me about Obama being elected, I said I didn't vote for him and he said " I didn't like Him or McCain, so I didn't vote at all." I told him and I will say it to anyone. If you did not VOTE, you have no right to complain about the results. I may not have made the "correct choice" but at least I made a choice.
To many people have decided that they can't make a difference, and though one vote may not make a difference, a million or two million votes (one at a time) can. We have given control of our country the political hacks that have been in office for decades.
I don't blame the current crisis on Republicans or Democrats. I blame the US House of Representatives and the US Senate, and the people who continually re-elect them. Many of the members of congress have been there for twenty years or more. Until we get people in office that have the interest of the country in mind (and not what they can do for themselves) nothing will change.
I know I rambled, but I have said my piece.
Bob -
Heart Of Texas wrote:Rick ... there are lots of SPOT ON comments in your reply, but one got me to thinking I should provide a bit more information....
Nothing much has changed....
I disagree... in the past decade the amount of money spent on TV and other advertisements is beyond comprehension. BUYING OFFICE is something that has occured and all this with the culpability of the AMERICAN MEDIA. If the American public really wants fair representation ... we each need to TAKE BACK OUR AIRWAYS. The RF spectrum does not belong to the networks nor the FEDERAL Government. We have abdicated our authority and allowed those who have sufficent funds to DROWN out dissent and fair reporting. BIAS... I guess I can fall behind that fallacious tale. The popular reporters who are telling the story of politics are doing so with the funding of folks who do not what YOU or I to have a dissenting or opposing view... so those who are loudest and quickest are the ones our UNEDUCATED get thier NEWS from.... so YES something has happened... our politicians are BUYING the attention of those who are unable to understand that this is PROPOGANDA.
Off the apple crate... thanks for posting your views.
Heart of Texas - The method by which the 'bs' and garbage is slung may have changed, but the composition of it really hasn't... In the past it was mainly printed media - and we all know that was 'slanted', based on the writers political views, or the direction they wanted it to take (to put it very mildly :rolleyes: ). Now, we are inundated throughout the day, by a multitude of sources - but it is essentially the same garbage that is being thrown at us. -
My computer has been down for several days, but I am back now. An amusing observation is that the sections of this country that voted solidly for the Republican party were mostly the areas that are the poorest, least educated areas. I can remember south central PA. Solid Republican area, but many of the people never either read newspapers or watched the news, but they knew it all? I my self woud have maybe voted for McCain except for his VP choice and I am an independent.
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I would've voted for McCain also, if he was the John McCain of 5-10 years ago. He bowed down to the RNC too far to get the nomination and was never able to regain control of himself which left him flat on his face. I don't think the old John would've picked someone like Palin if he was the one running the show. Calling himself a "maverick" during the election would be like me calling myself a "Strong Forward" cause I played basketball in highschool. He lost his way. Hopefully, now that he lost his chance to go to the White House, they will leave him alone to do what he was good at, not falling in line and questioning everyone.
And I tend to lean a little left of "Independent", but not much.
Hmmm, I like my politics independent, my women independent, my old cars independent, and I live alone, there seems to be a theme there....1953 Hornet sedan Twin-H
Custom front springs, drop-blocks out back, Clifford 6-2 headers exiting out back shotgun style, Pertronix, and Flames!
1964 Chevy C-10 Longbed, 396/TH400 lowered just enough and \"easy to touch up\" Black paint.
2003 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor
Caved in quarter and fender. Bad paint. Non-True-Trac heap. But it's paid for. -
:eek:I have to add my two cents worth to this discussion. First about Korean cars, Kia and Hundai. I had a Ford Festiva that I bought new while I was going back to school, putting on over two hundred thousand trouble free mile be foreI gave it to my younger son who drove many more thousands of miles. It was made by Kia along with its replacement, the Aspire. I have also had three Kia's since there introduction in '94. Put lots of trouble free miles on them. I will say that they are a disposable car like all others now days, regardless American or non domestic. Would I buy another, yes. I had a freind who purchased one of the first Hundai's and it left a lot to be desired. However, I rented one awhile back and was amased with it.Nice car. One of the biggest problems that any auto manufacturer has is its dealer network. There are good dealers and bad dealers, locally we have a Ford Toyota mazda and Hundai dealerships that atre owned by the same family. Misleading ads, extra charges pushy salespeople to name a few. I have to go to Reno or Sacremento to buy a new car now and then I do research first. They either want to deal or they don't. Politicians, regardles of the party are pretty much in the political game for themselves. Tragicaly, they are over paid, and recieve fantastic benefits even after they have been kicked out of office. Where else can you vote yourself a raise with out a challenge? There is lots of money wasted in the legal system and other areas of goverment. Our current economic problems did not happen overnite, nor will they go away quickly. If Mcaine had won the election, and he passed away, whatwould we have? A BIMBO that is dumber than our previous president? Hopefully, we can agree that we can dissagree on politics or other subjects. Hope I did not offend anyone. Have a great day. Arnie in Nevada
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Hudsonrules wrote::eek:I have to add my two cents worth to this discussion. First about Korean cars, Kia and Hundai. I had a Ford Festiva that I bought new while I was going back to school, putting on over two hundred thousand trouble free mile be foreI gave it to my younger son who drove many more thousands of miles. It was made by Kia along with its replacement, the Aspire. I have also had three Kia's since there introduction in '94. Put lots of trouble free miles on them. I will say that they are a disposable car like all others now days, regardless American or non domestic. Would I buy another, yes. I had a freind who purchased one of the first Hundai's and it left a lot to be desired. However, I rented one awhile back and was amased with it.Nice car. One of the biggest problems that any auto manufacturer has is its dealer network. There are good dealers and bad dealers, locally we have a Ford Toyota mazda and Hundai dealerships that atre owned by the same family. Misleading ads, extra charges pushy salespeople to name a few. I have to go to Reno or Sacremento to buy a new car now and then I do research first. They either want to deal or they don't. Politicians, regardles of the party are pretty much in the political game for themselves. Tragicaly, they are over paid, and recieve fantastic benefits even after they have been kicked out of office. Where else can you vote yourself a raise with out a challenge? There is lots of money wasted in the legal system and other areas of goverment. Our current economic problems did not happen overnite, nor will they go away quickly. If Mcaine had won the election, and he passed away, whatwould we have? A BIMBO that is dumber than our previous president? Hopefully, we can agree that we can dissagree on politics or other subjects. Hope I did not offend anyone. Have a great day. Arnie in Nevada
And I could not agree with you more. You said it all. Tom Bowler
