NBC REPORT.....US AUTO INDUSTRY AT A CROSSROADS

[JoeG]

Ford has to lay off approximately 30,000 jobs closing some 14 facilities
Patriotism has been replaced by the bottom line....
In 1995 the US auto industry had 75% of the American market to themselves, last year in 2005 that margin shrunk to 60%..
Toyota has captured a big chunk of the market thru quality control and hi-tech cars.
Chrysler has made up some of it's lost market share thru the 300 platform...
Toyota has 29 US Auto plants called transplants---They employ young non-union workers at less pay and Toyota keeps putting up auto plants as US Auto plants close their doors-----Even if the US Auto industry makes a car to compete with Toyota--They'll never be able to build one as cost effective as these Toyota transplant plants
The UAW UNION is being looked at by the Major US auto industries as far as possible reductions in retirement packages and benefits ......
The playing field is in favor of TOYOTA....Just thought you'd like to read this....