The world has changed and we have to change with it. There’s still hope for change, but we have to create our own way forward and not wait for change to come to us.
Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm • Saying the most mind-numbingly obvious thing we’ve ever published. Ever. With a state that has as high of unemployment as hers and a main industry struggling as much as the auto industry, the time to act is not now. The time to act was 20 years ago, when Michael Moore was making “Roger and Me.” We’re from Michigan, so we have even less sympathy for statements like this. No talk. Just make it happen. And don’t pretend that you haven’t had your opportunities. source
528knumber of Mercury models the automaker sold in 1985
92knumber of Mercury models they sold just last year
0knumber of Mercury models they plan to sell after 2010 source
Why kill them? Simply put, Ford is trying to ditch most of their sub-brands to focus on the flagship. Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo have all met similar fates. Mercury has more history than any of those brands, though – at 71, it’s eligible for social security.
Where the old Michigan economy was all about autos and manufacturing…the new Michigan economy is much broader: clean energy, life sciences — like bio-economy and medical devices — homeland security and defense, advanced manufacturing, film and tourism.
Micigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm • In her final State of the State address before being term-limited out of office. The state, which has felt the worst effects of the recession, needs a change in mentality. Granholm says she plans to help the state leapfrog the auto industry in its entirety, while not quitting it entirely. With less than a year left, can she pull it off? With the economy in such dire straits, she needs to. source
Chrysler’s already scattered their archives. Much of the history of GM and Chrysler is well-embedded into American history. Which is why it’s a damn shame that one of Chrysler’s pre-bankruptcy owners, Cerberus, decided to close off the engineering library at the Chrysler Technical Center. They later gave large chunks of it away to whomever. The Truth About Cars’ Bob Elton makes an impassioned plea for auto companies to remember their history – the good and bad – and keep that information safe and available to the public. Especially in the wake of the fact that, you know, the American public owns huge chunks of it now. source