ShockFX

His panther gets 30mpg didn't you know?

Wallaby.

You sure as hell can't advertise anything other than the EPA numbers.

I never doubt GM's ability to mess something up.

It's an accounting exercise that could potentially lower future profit by near this amount if they waste enough tax credits. So it's more than just an accounting exercise.

Bankruptcy somewhat forces a bailout, the US government wouldn't want to, but they'd probably tie higher CAFE standards to it or something and call it a win. Yes, and I hate the thought. But you can't spend 30+ years spending vastly more than you earn and not expect a hard fall anymore than the government can.

Because they can't just move all production out of this country because: a)It would take a couple years and b)UAW contracts. Also, declaring bankruptcy is not a first choice. To be perfectly honest, if Ford could pay all it's line workers here $14/hour with a 401k and average health insurance, there would be no reason to go overseas due to shipping costs. You might see more product in Mexico, but I'm pretty sure those costs would bring them right in line if not better than Toyota and Honda.

I believe the GM LS1 would fit though. I saw once the size comparison of the OHV LS1 to the Miata engine. You could almost fit the LS1 into a Miata, it was funny stuff. In fact...let me find a link to the actual Miata with an LS1 in it. 400hp Miata = LOLriot.

Hillary and Bill pay an average of 23.5% in total taxes. Yeah, they are so willing to sacrifice for the common good.

Correct, but Ford is not going private. Because once again, they are very well positioned globally. Chrysler had NO international presence.

No, it's more of a one off sarcastic comment on what would likely happen. The US automakers have some of the worst cost structures of any globally competitive company. Recession leads to bankrupty, bankruptcy leads to US government getting the pension plans and other debt. Ford would emerge faster than GM as it's half the size. I didn't get a Master's in econ, I just continued studying with electives.

Mulally said it on WJR and SUV guy can find you a link to the print version.

If Ford went private you would likely get a premium over the current price. They would have to disclose with the SEC if they started buying a large amount of stock. But yeah, once it's ratified, I give it until after Christmas to make some more big cuts. Probably when 1Q results are released or maybe early 2Q. Ford tends to be a bit nicer about some things than private equity and GM. If I was at Ford I wouldn't be spending much this Xmas. And this kills me, please spell Chrysler the right way.

Price of oil falls in a recession normally. Not to say it always will, but I'd peg it as likely in this scenario.

I minored in Econ at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and continued to take econ while at my Master's program at Duke.

Ford MODs don't belong in luxury cars.

Except the price of oil is increasing at a higher rate than CAD is appreciating vs USD. Edit: Having low/no goverment debt, maintaining a positive current account, and having vast natural resources while producing more than you consume is the closest thing you'll find in economics to a 'free lunch'.

I'm pretty sure if they can ask for $200B more for Iraq, they can eat $20B in debt.

Our politicians are all the same. The only difference is the pet project of each. Hillary is health care, Obama/Edwards/Gore are global warming bullshit... Additional information: For those of you that think by conserving energy you are saving the planet, I encourage you to learn about Jevon's Paradox.

Hey, I know nothing about Canada, but at least I know business AMIRITE?!?!

Actually it would in the long run. It would force all the automakers into bankruptcy, in which the US government would get the honor of eating all the bad debt Ford and GM have, finally giving the companies a government sponsored break. They would reemerge from bankruptcy rather fast, (Ford would anyway, GM notsomuch) and be much more competitive. It's not like I'm looking forward to it, but the best way to cut the fat is to starve.

A global recession would do the trick quite well. China doesn't need your resources if the US stops buying cheap junk.

You looked even stupider by suggesting Ford should dump Volvo due to 2 years of slight losses. Even if Volvo lost $100million a year, it's probably a better R&D investment than Ford could make otherwise.

Um, no, you're wrong. This actually makes everything you import cheaper to you, thus saving money. And since what you export is mainly to countries that have inelastic demand for it, you're only going to watch the currency strengthen more. An appreciating currency does not drive cost up by any means, it can only lower them. Either provide examples or show me a degree in economics.

No I hate irresponsible people. Edit: Good call RJ.