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Politics : The Trump Presidency -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: i-node who wrote (20203)	6/1/2017 10:36:54 AM
From: Mannie	2 Recommendations Recommended By abuelita bentway Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 358060

Germany doesn't seem to have too much of a problem having strong unions, as well as healthy auto companies. Mercedes, Audi/VW look to their unions as partners, they even insisted on a strong union presence in the factories they built in the US. They see it as a partnership rather than an adversarial relationship.

To: i-node who wrote (20203)	6/1/2017 8:03:32 PM
From: combjelly	Respond to of 358060

Who says small cars have to be inexpensive? Big 3 management has believed that for decades. There is a category that started in Europe called "hot hatches". Small, hatchbacks with powerful engines and often well appointed. Tight suspensions. Manual transmissions. Big 3 management refused to build them or import them. Ford, in particular, had several that were and still are popular in Europe. But the belief was strong that they would never sell here. Until Ford decided to import the Focus ST several years ago. It was a hit. And Volkswagen et al started to import them. Want to guess the only car category to have grown this year? Despite being small. Despite being hatchbacks. Despite usually having manual transmissions. And despite starting in the $20k range. Heck, Ford is even selling the Focus RS in the US. That car is derived from their rally program and has all wheel drive and 325 horsepower. You can even select a "drift" mode. Great for hooning, much to the horror of Australian politicians. No rebates for it, they sell every one they make.