Detroit Automakers Strain To Keep Up With Sales Demand

[kandace]

Auto sales are growing so fast that Detroit can barely keep up. Three years after the U.S. auto industry nearly collapsed, sales of cars and trucks are surging. Sales could exceed 14 million this year, above last year's 12.8 million.

The result: Carmakers are adding shifts and hiring thousands of workers around the country. Carmakers and parts companies added more than 38,000 jobs last year, with industry employment averaging 717,000 for 2011. And automakers have announced plans to add another 13,000 this year, mostly on night shifts.

But there's a downside. The newfound success is straining the factory network of the Detroit automakers, as well as the companies that make the thousands of parts that go into each vehicle. This could lead to shortages that drive up prices.

[michiganjoe]

I still find the willingness of the Republican party to let the automobile industry die stunning. Thankfully they didn't get their way and President Obama made the right and courageous call.

[ivanbalt]

I still find the willingness of the Republican party to let the automobile industry die stunning. Thankfully they didn't get their way and President Obama made the right and courageous call.

If the workers weren't union, there may have been a different attitude...

[banner1124]

If the workers weren't union, there may have been a different attitude...

Somehow I doubt it. The auto indurstry is essentially the backbone of manufacturing in America right now. We don't make a whole lot anymore so IMHO it's pretty fundamental that we ensure that at the very least we still make autos

[betamanlet]

WEll, if you've ever had an American car, you might understand why some might want those cars gone.

[banner1124]

WEll, if you've ever had an American car, you might understand why some might want those cars gone.

When was the last time you had one? American cars went through a bad spell for sure but they aint what they used to be. We're putting out some pretty good vehicles right now. You can't let our bad spell in the past cloud your judgement.

[michiganjoe]

If the workers weren't union, there may have been a different attitude...

Don't forget that it began under Bush.

[ivanbalt]

Somehow I doubt it. The auto indurstry is essentially the backbone of manufacturing in America right now. We don't make a whole lot anymore so IMHO it's pretty fundamental that we ensure that at the very least we still make autos

No, I was saying if the workers weren't union, the Republicans may have been in favor.

The US auto industry is strategically important beyond simple economics.

[kandace]

I still find the willingness of the Republican party to let the automobile industry die stunning. Thankfully they didn't get their way and President Obama made the right and courageous call.

The Republican willingness to let the American automobile industry die is pretty understandable if you realize that the Republican Party is currently dominated by Neo-Confederates. The Antebellum South was charetrized by a strong aversion to manufacturing. This trait has carried over to the new, Southernized GOP.

[ivanbalt]

WEll, if you've ever had an American car, you might understand why some might want those cars gone.

I'm on my fifth, no problems.

[Phineas Finn]

I'm on my fifth, no problems.

While I currently (and traitorously) drive a Prius, I traded in a Dodge Dakota pick-up to get it. God I loved that truck -- never gave me a bit of trouble.

[banner1124]

No, I was saying if the workers weren't union, the Republicans may have been in favor.

The US auto industry is strategically important beyond simple economics.

Oh I see... looks like I completely misunderstood ya... sorry bout that

[banner1124]

I'm on my fifth, no problems.

Thank you. I think alot of folks have a bad taste in their mouth about American autos because of the massive slump our manufacturers went through. However most of those folks haven't given our cars and trucks a try recently cause things aint what they used to be.

[Joy in Mudville]

Thank you. I think alot of folks have a bad taste in their mouth about American autos because of the massive slump our manufacturers went through. However most of those folks haven't given our cars and trucks a try recently cause things aint what they used to be.

Brand loyalty means alot. There's a generation of drivers who got fed up with the Pinto's, Chevettes, and Malibu's and went over to Honda and Toyota. Those cars delivered design, quality, and reliability. It takes a lot to get people to go back when they love their accords.

[Jeebus]

I still find the willingness of the Republican party to let the automobile industry die stunning. Thankfully they didn't get their way and President Obama made the right and courageous call.

To the tune of a $17 BILLION cost to the taxpayers - $17 BILLION that we will never get back.

What a courageous call, spending more taxpayer money.

[soulflower]

To the tune of a $17 BILLION cost to the taxpayers - $17 BILLION that we will never get back.

What a courageous call, spending more taxpayer money.

Worth every penny. Unlike the trillion dollar wild goose chase in Iraq...

[RHB]

Worth every penny. Unlike the trillion dollar wild goose chase in Iraq...

or Stimulus.

I drive American cars/trucks and prefer them because I am American. The US automakers would have survived through a bankruptcy process and restructuring. They would be stronger today as a result of that restructuring but Obama was playing footsies with the unions.

[jonsensback]

or Stimulus.

I drive American cars/trucks and prefer them because I am American. The US automakers would have survived through a bankruptcy process and restructuring. They would be stronger today as a result of that restructuring but Obama was playing footsies with the unions.

Exactly. And that is the only reason for Obama to create Government motors.

But I personally would buy a ford 150 tommorrow or whenever my Tundra wearsout

[michiganjoe]

The US automakers would have survived through a bankruptcy process and restructuring.

That's Willard's line, and it's pure fantasy. The credit markets were frozen and the government became the lender of last resort.

[soulflower]

or Stimulus.

I drive American cars/trucks and prefer them because I am American. The US automakers would have survived through a bankruptcy process and restructuring. They would be stronger today as a result of that restructuring but Obama was playing footsies with the unions.

Believe whatever you want. Can't argue with success and the bailouts were clearly a success...