U.S. Automakers Continue to Press for Aid

It's no secret that the dismal results witnessed by the new car industry in 2008 have made their way into the automotive window film industry in the form of fewer installations. Following the enactment of a $700 billion bail out plan aimed at jolting the U.S. financial sector back into action, American automakers have now claimed the limelight of the financial crisis. Detroit automakers are pressing the case for federally provided relief by stressing the impact the industry has on the remaining American and world economies. According to a recent report released by the Center for Automotive Research, a collapse of the domestic auto industry would have a devastating impact on the U.S. economy, including the loss of nearly three million jobs, a drop of more than $150 billion in personal income. The report also indicates that social security receipts would fall by $21 billion.

In October, the U.S. auto industry reported its lowest combined monthly sales in more than 25 years. According to officials for General Motors Corp. (GM) adjusting for population growth makes October the worst industry sales month in the post-World War II era.

"There's no doubt that these are challenging times for the auto industry," commented Troy Clarke, president of GM North America, in his speech at the recent Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA) Conference. "The plunge in consumer confidence coupled with the difficulty in obtaining credit has caused the near collapse of the auto market in recent months."

Clarke pointed out that the American auto industry supplies jobs and resources well beyond its immediate market.

"The American auto industry is the ultimate Main Street business, because, as we in this room know, what happens to the U.S. auto industry matters to communities in all 50 states," he said.

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) recently issued a statement to its members urging them to contact members of Congress to request action on behalf of Detroit automakers. "Delays by Congress in addressing the immediate challenges confronting the automakers will have significant consequences for many businesses which comprise the U.S automotive industry," the association's message said. "Although SEMA member companies may differ in their views of Congressional involvement in this matter, there can be no dispute that delay in reaching a solution at this point will cause additional setbacks."