It seems that the good news items for the big 3 auto makers in Detroit just continues to roll in. Ford was able to avoid the Federal stimulus money by just squeaking through the worst automotive downturn in decades, and now they are setting new profit records. Dodge repaid over 5 Billion in fed money just yesterday. General Motors emerged from bankruptcy a few months ago and is doing very well. This press release today from GM highlights a major uptick in hiring and production, all in Detroit (and they really need it).
It seems the unexpected windfall being reaped by the Japan Earthquake induced production halt is causing shortages of vehicles of all makes. On my ride into work the expressway passes by several new car dealership lots. One of the fixtures for the last few years was an over the road trailer parked against the back fence facing the road with a painted ad "$10,000 off new F-150 trucks!". This morning there was a banner covering up the "$10,000 off" that now says "We Have / IN STOCK". It is a great thing for the economy and great for us because the more domestic vehicles they are able to sell, the more OE auto parts we will be moving in a few years.
Autopartstomorrow.com
