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In that case you could never ever do buy outs if folks can't depend on anything whatsoever. Your talking credibility. Hence, no one could retire and or offered any retirement incentive. This would be an excellent opportunity for a class action suit. Imagine a jury of common working folks being told about your take on this. Those on the jury could very likely see themselves in the same position. Get real!!!
Many of these employees who stay over 40 plus years have family members living at home because of a divorce and now help take care of them and there children ( if you don't have a child older enough to know what I am talking about you're time is coming) our a child who has a health condition and must take care of them.
lemko, "Can GM make Cadillac the standard of the world Again?" #5875, 16 Feb 2009 2:02 pm
Some people truly do appreciate the Mercedes marque, but many other are just status seeking social climbers. These are the type who will brag about spending the extra $15K just because they can. They simply look foolish to me.
I don't know that new Cadillac's and all the electronics are all that dependable, but I do know that if you appreciate a well built (not necessarily reliable anymore) car then BMW is an awesome automobile. Same for Mercedes. However the routein maintenance (now free for a longer time period) is expensive. I got away from this for a while and then a few years back got into the Infiniti FX45. Absolutely loved the car but the maintenance was expensive. Was it worth it? For a satisfying experience, I would say yes. I understand why people drive these cars. But for me I finally decided it was just too much to be spending on a car and upkeep so I went to a hybrid. Not everybody buys these for the status. They are truly nice cars (and yes that includes the 3 series).
However Cadillac would have a hard time denying it likes to consider itself a status car. That has been its advertising basis for all my life. Only recenty has it "turned on" young women with the CTS. Fortunately Cadillac has no equal counterparts in GM so I would think their future is fairly secure.
The Air Car caused a huge stir when we reported last year that Tata Motors would begin producing it in India. Now the little gas-free ride that could is headed Stateside in a big-time way.
Zero Pollution Motors (ZPM) confirmed to PopularMechanics.com on Thursday that it expects to produce the world’s first air-powered car for the United States by late 2009 or early 2010. As the U.S. licensee for Luxembourg-based MDI, which developed the Air Car as a compression-based alternative to the internal combustion engine, ZPM has attained rights to build the first of several modular plants, which are likely to begin manufacturing in the Northeast and grow for regional production around the country, at a clip of up to 10,000 Air Cars per year.
And while ZPM is also licensed to build MDI’s two-seater OneCAT economy model (the one headed for India) and three-seat MiniCAT (like a SmartForTwo without the gas), the New Paltz, N.Y., startup is aiming bigger: Company officials want to make the first air-powered car to hit U.S. roads a $17,800, 75-hp equivalent, six-seat modified version of MDI’s CityCAT (pictured above) that, thanks to an even more radical engine, is said to travel as far as 1000 miles at up to 96 mph with each tiny fill-up.
If the blue or green model pictured above with the little seat for my Poms and Chow Chow open to the air is the one that will only cost $17,800, have 75-equiv.hp, 6-seater and will go around a 1000 miles and go faster than I ever drive at 96mph with each tiny fillup of gas or CNG, I am all over this like Gary Payton on Michael Jordan during the 1996 NBA Finals.
No kidding. I'm heading over to find the ZPM website and saving it to my favorites. Because they just added theirselves to my other 2 cars in the running for "Green" $7,500 Obama rebates back, those two being the 2010 Pininfarina-Bollore B0 and the 2010 Mitsubishi i-MiEV. Add to those two the 2010 BYD e6 just for good measure. I'd keep the 2010 Chevy Volt in the running but at $40,000 minimum it is going to have to be scratched off of this padre's list.
Nice surfin', dude! How'd ya find this one on the net, anyway? I've seen hide nor hare of MDI/ZPM on the net or in any newspapers or magazines or word of mouth. If these can perform well and be reliable and they warrantee them well and the $7,500 Obama rebate does indeed apply(it looks like it will), then the blue and green vehicles pictured above will only cost $10,300.
Heck, I'll buy one without the rebate for only $17,800, gentlemen. If all of this is true, I do believe the CityCAT may have catapulted itself to the top of my "greenie-bop" list.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
It matters not. 156 million workers means you'll need 15-16 million to reach 10%
Now 2.5 million jobs lost from the fall of D3 plus the current unemployement rate you'll get 10 million at most. 10 million is still too far away from reaching 10%.
Like I said you completely ignored the upcoming stimulus package, including the infrastructure works. Plus, you still forgot the high chances that many other companies will slvage the leftovers of D3 and build a new company out of them, creating new jobs in no time.
I understand if you're comewhat pessimistic in this situation, but really, what are the odds for our economy staying in the pit forever?
And they LOST miserably. Where's the pride in that???
"We are proud that we have become a truly global company, and proud that we are a leader in fast growing markets like China, Brazil and Eastern Europe. We are also proud that American brands like Chevrolet and Cadillac are known and admired around the world. "
Brazil I have no clue, but a leader in China and Eastern Europe? That's VW, bud. Check your sources again, preferrably something not from US source.
Chevrolet and Cadillac admired around the world.... yes I agree, 40 years ago. Now? Even in 3rd world countries Chevy already have bad rep for quality, and Cadillac? Just ask around and see how many even knows the brand anymore.
So where's the pride in that?
Then who is going to buy the trinkets they sell at Walmart? Catch 22 in action.
Umm, about a hundred other countries across the globe? Duh... :P
I wasn't your average rent a cop security guard gagrice!!! I don't know why that is so hard for you to grasp and make apple to oranges comparisons???? :confuse: I carried Machine Guns, something your $11.94 an/hr. security guard doesn't do. I also operated very highly classified security detection equipment that was worth more than many UAW workers make in a lifetime. I also drove armored hummers and other armored vehicles. I had a "Top Secret" Q Security Clearance w/ a H.R.P. designator something your $11.94 an/hr. security guard doesn't have.
I'm just saying it is absurd to make comparisons and I knew where you were going with it. You are the only person I know that puts down the working person yet you think you you were entitled to your high wage because you worked a month straight without a day off and worked in cold conditions. I might be labeled a socialist, protectionist, whatever you guys want to call me but damn it if we paid a good wage in this country to the bluecollar workers like we once did and kept jobs here IN THIS COUNTRY well the economy might not be in the toilet like it is!!!
Capitalism has yielded greed and like Fintail, has said ya'll are getting YOUR Golden Eutopia. This is what ya'll wanted, right???? The Bluecollar workers kicked and stomped down so they can't afford houses, cars, etc??? It was Ronald Reagan's dream to pay bluecollar workers $7.00 an/hr. in the 1980's and well his dream 20 years later well has became a reality. We are making a lot less now than we did just 8 years ago.
I also am not happy with this new bailout package either. I'm sick and tired of bailing out the wealthy and while their are some provisions in the bill that are "buy american" that I like I am overall not happy with it. I still will stand by my words and thinking of the only way to fix this economy is to put people back to work and 3-4 million jobs is a drop in the bucket. The trickel-down republican bill that was proposed would of been more tax cuts which haven't worked for 8 years and I feel Obama, has made a mistake by giving corporate america many of which have shipped jobs out of the country tax breaks. Hows that going to benefit working people???? I feel the only way one should be able to qualifiy for a tax break is their company makes their products 100% here. I don't think Obama, is a protectionist thus I'm disappointed. He is too much like Clinton, and while he was better than the alternative the working class people will not benefit as much as we could of under someone with Lou Dobbs, type views. If he does not address NAFTA, he might be a one-term president. You heard it here!!! I will not vote for Barack Obama, again if he doesn't fix NAFTA and improve our economy. I will probably not vote or will vote 3rd party. I believe I won't get my domestic content law ever passed but I do think NAFTA, needs to be fixed and that was a campaign promise I'm holding his feet to the fire on!!!! He also promised to address the currency manipulation issue which is having a drastic affect on the Big 3 and the UAW. He promised to address that and I will hold his feet to the fire on that issue.
I haven't been on lately due to spending most of my free time applying for jobs which has been quite time consuming. Filled out a 30 page application the other day and that took several hours to complete. We will see what the plan is from GM, today thus keep your eyes and ears open..... :surprise:
-Rocky
Still is fully funded!!! GM, cashed out before the crash!!!
The retirees may be lucky to get their paid for benefits. It is clear that GM does not have the money to bring it up to the minimum level.
We will see today what will happen with the VEBA :surprise:
I do feel for Rocky trying to get a decent job in a state that has no decent jobs to offer.
We have a few decent jobs but the problem is their is thousands of people I'm competing against. I interviewed at Kelloggs, a week ago at a job fair and it's a good paying union job. My ex g/f didn't get a interview and she has a college degree in CJ. :confuse:
DD1 is a antagonist one time UAW member. He likes to bad mouth TX while reaping the benefits from a state that is well run.
TX, I'm sorry isn't a well run state. It is the most corrupt state in the union!!!
DD1 thinks that you can pay the guy at the car wash $28 per hour and make money. I quit taking my vehicles to the car wash when the price went from $5 to $6. For $6 I will wash and dry my own vehicle. Now it is close to $10. Strictly for those with more money than brains.
I think you are spinning what DD1, is saying to make a point. The bottom line is if we protected american business and punished them for going oversea's we wouldn't be in this problem. You know that though deep down!!!
I can just hear a UAW car washer. Not in my contract to wash an import. Move it out of here. Slash the tires while you are at it. What do you mean I should dry more than one car per hour. Talk to my business agent I got rights, I voted for Obama.
I'd wash it with gasoline and wax it with paint thinner :P
-Rocky
The pseudo-capitalist dream!!! We will have the serf n' elite society that gagrice and others have dreamed about for years. Maybe gagrice, will hire me to protect his property and family when the riots start in San Diego???
-Rocky
-Rocky
Toyota, lost what $1.5 billion??? :surprise:
-Rocky
I know we can get fired and laid off right now, because of performance issues, attendance, etc., but you two really think that U.S. hospitals are going to follow suit with the rest of American businesses and replace us with lesser-paid foreigners?
My aunts best friend moved to Alabama, after getting laid-off at the hospital as a registered nurse in Kalamazoo, MI. My cousin still can't find work as a X-ray Tech so yes iluv, the healthcare industry is feeling the effects and the bonuses they once paid to attract nurses well is gone!!!
I also have read that the healthcare field is lobbying to get more H-1 Visa's so your Indian's (dot not feather) can come over here and do the work for a fraction of the cost something else you pseudo-capitalist, free-marketeers, support!!! :mad:
-Rocky
-Rocky
-Rocky
Are you going to get the girlfriend a CTS??? :shades:
-Rocky
-Rocky
They also are responsible for destroying the once decent paying retail jobs in this country!!! People that worked for Meijer's once were able to afford a modest house and a car and today they start em' out at minimum wage!!!! :mad: :mad: :mad:
-Rocky
O'Clock but have a feeling it's a pyramid scheme and something just doesn't sound right about it...... :confuse: .....I could of moved to Wyoming, for a $30,000 corrections officer job!!! What a joke!!! I would hate that place worse than Texas, and I'm not throwing around or risking getting HIV, or getting killed for $30K a yr!!! Sorry, Dick Cheney!!!! :mad:
-Rocky
-Rocky
-Rocky
-Rocky
-Rocky
Why didn't your beloved Dubya do something about it??? :confuse:
-Rocky
1. producing better quality products and
That's a matter of a personal opinion
2. year after year offering better products for marginal increase in cost?
Thanks to currency manipulation!!!
3. raising the minimum quality of product offered on the market
I think lemko, imidazol97, would disagree with you!!!
4. differentiating higher end product by offering better amenities/options, and not by reducing the quality of the lower end offerings.
I'm not sure what brands you are taling about??? :confuse:
-Rocky
chikoo,
I've already explained why like a dozen times thus far!!!! :confuse:
I saw two interesting shows last night - one was called "House of Cards" about how the drastic lowering of interest rates after 9-11 led to the collapse of the economy. Another one was "The $50 Billion Heist" about Bernie Madoff. I don't know why this guy isn't hanging from a lamp post down on Wall Street already. The man is truly a sociopath.
Yeah GM, once proudly ruled the automotive world but those smart shareholders allowed people like Roger Smith, to run them in the ground and ruin the perception for a generation of buyers with cars like the Pinto, etc.
I also will note that you have nary a clue what a moronic strike is....If you ever thought people really enjoy going on strike well perhaps the Seahawks, failed season has really messed up your wiring. :surprise: I have walked the picket line a few times in my lifetime both as a worker and a volunteer and it isn't a fun time but sometimes has to be done........... :sick:
-Rocky
I hadn't seen the shows pal. I haven't had a lot of free time here lately as I've spent it looking for work. :sick:
-Rocky
-Rocky
Come to Philly and see the textbook example of what happens when the globalist elitists get their way. Philadelphia was once called the "Workshop of the World!" The area of the city that's the worst was once home to thousands of large and small industries and manufacturing plants. Now, the only things manufactured here are crack rocks and blunts and the body count is mounting. Do you think that this slaughter would be occuring if there still were decent jobs that paid a living wage?
Absolutely not!!!!! All statistics prove our theory pal!!!!
-Rocky
I think girlfriend wants a 2010 LaCrosse after seeing it at the Philly Auto Show. Love the red CTS-V they had on display! Now even the import fanboys gotta admit the CTS-V is world class.
I bet the Japanese, would beg to differ!!!! Also yes we tax payers are paying for their wages because we built their plants for them!!!! :mad:
-Rocky
-Rocky
He tried and was stopped by you know who.. Remember GW Bush gave the UAW & GM money when your Dems would not last December. You need to watch and listen to this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMnSp4qEXNM&NR=1
-Rocky
Well your beloved republicans didn't make a stink out of it and John McCain, hammered Clinton, about too much regulation and called him a socialist. I can pull links from youtube showing McCain, speaking about our need to deregulate. The Maverick, was known to be a huge deregulator. The bottom line is Bush and the republican controlled congresss were in power since the early 90's and they dropped the ball as did Frank. It's a hot mess and the finger can't be pointed at just one person even though I think Frank, deserves a noose and a trap door.
-Rocky
P.S. I did watch your Fixed News video!!!
-Rocky
-Rocky
P.S. I canceled my Primerica interview. The ex g/f went to it yesterday and the job would be prospecting mortgage crisis customers!!!! 100% commission and your nickle for driving and gas. No thank-you!!!
Not when your average person lost 40% in his/her 401K thus it makes me wonder what world are you living in???? :confuse:
-Rocky
They probably could say the same about us here on edmunds :P
-rockylee
-Rocky
Because Michigan is a failed example of collectivism and has the most out of work. We put ads in the Chicago and Detroit papers for people to come to Alaska and work. Who would leave the south when they have good jobs?
they belong to a club of coworkers and because that club has allowed them to get a fair slice of the pie
The problem is that the UAW workers were not happy with a fair slice of the pie. They ate the pie plate as well. Now GM has nothing to bake a pie in. So the UAW is begging people making less money to support their two home, 3 car, 4 snow machines, 6 jet skis and a boat lifestyle.
Well you would be the first to cheer if the Big 3 went belly up.
No, I was upset at the UAW dragging the D3 in the toilet since 1998. I was upset when my friend lost his job as a Ford mechanic. The only thing that will be felt here will be the dealers that do not weather the storm. The housing slump is 10 times bigger in scope than the domestic auto industry. They are less than half the sales and falling faster than a Michael Jordan layup.
If GM, goes so will ALL the major suppliers
The tooling that is worth salvaging will be sold to pay debts. The buildings will be there and those that run the machines will be looking for a job. It may not pay what they used to get. That's life. If they are good at what the do they may just get more in a FREE workplace. If there are more good workers than jobs. They will get what the market will bare. I did not invite 30 million illegals in to take the jobs. It was your party that welcome them in. And your one UAW ally, DD1 is thankful they will be made citizens. Then you will know what REAL competition for jobs looks like. Not of my doing.
Maybe he can get some of those illegal immigrants to defend him and his property?
I was talking to my neighbor that is my age and still doing yard work to survive. He used to hire Mexican labor to help him. It was too much of a hassle getting ones with a green card. So now he only does what he can handle himself. He told me the going rate for any Mexican day labor is $100 plus a hot meal. Of course that is cash. And they only work 8 hours including lunch time. So they seem to be organized without the aid of a corrupt UAW union to take their money. That is over $13 per hour. They hang out every morning by the Home Depot entrance.
Do you think that this slaughter would be occuring if there still were decent jobs that paid a living wage?
So what do you consider a decent living wage? Maybe $100k per year to make Hershey kisses? When Hershey has to compete with superior Belgian Chocolate. No one will pay a buck a piece for a nasty Heshey's kiss. PA priced themselves out of the market. Same as the UAW has done over the last 30 years.
When someone will drive a forklift for $35k per year why should Delphi pay $87k per year? It has to do with ignorant greed on the part of Union management. Any job is only worth what someone is willing to do that job for. Do you think our management would pay us what we were making if they had a list of qualified applicants beating down the door? Not on your life. We would have been out in the cold carrying a picket sign or dropping our wage demands. Such a simple concept that UAW workers are unable to grasp.
Well hopefully someday the consitutution will be re written to include those words!!!
-Rocky