Think about this, not all but many of the suppliers to the Big 3 also do work for the other car makers as well. I know this is not good, but the longer the Big 3 have to pay unrealistic labor cost, $1,500 per car vs. Toyota and others paying $115.00 per car; they can’t compete. I driven many American cars, the last 3 never went to the dealership for any repairs at all.
Late in returning to this thread. You are all right, and I wasn’t particularly articulate. I am in no way in favor of a bailout, just lamenting what union greed, bad management and lack of progressive development caused. This is going to be ugly for a long time and not just in Detroit. But it’s a great time to buy a pick up or SUV at a deep discount if that’s what you like to drive. Some models are about 40% off in my local paper today.