Bailout Watch 556: "Americans Aren't Thrilled With Government Involvement in the U.S. Auto Companies"

Not thrilled meaning, I suppose, that they’re not in favor of it. Using that definition, AutoPacific’s summation of their survey of 900 Americans is an example of English understatement. According to their poll, “Fifty-four percent of respondents believe that General Motors should have been allowed to fail, while 58% believe that Chrysler should have been allowed to fail.” Not too bad you say, the words “simple majority” springing to your lips. Anyway. It’s a done deal. Yes, well, “Eighty-one percent of the respondents agree that the faster the government gets out of the auto business, the better.” The government’s counter-argument? We agree with your agreement! Meanwhile, don’t worry: good things are going to happen! The voters aren’t quite so happy-clappy at the prospect . . .

Forty-eight percent DISAGREE that having the government in charge of General Motors and Chrysler will result in more fuel-efficient cars and trucks. Fifty-four percent DISAGREE that having the government in charge of General Motors and Chrysler will result in much cleaner cars and trucks.

One wonder how many of the remaining poll-takers AGREED that Government Motors is a good thing or DIDN’T KNOW/CARE. Also, how many of the those surveyed even know what a Fiat is? Apparently, most of them don’t like them already . . .

Skepticism also surrounds Fiat’s takeover of Chrysler. American consumers do not see Fiat as Chrysler’s white knight. Over 47% of respondents believe that Fiat cars will not sell well in the U.S. Almost 43% believe that, bankruptcy or not, and Fiat control or not, Chrysler will fail in the next five years. In contrast, only 19% believe that Fiat cars will be a welcome sight in U.S. dealerships, and only 13% say that Fiat cars will save Chrysler.