From plants to parks. From dealerships to driveways. From gas stations to grocery stores. What happens in the automotive industry affects every one of us. The collapse of the U.S.-based auto industry wouldn’t just impact the more than 239,000 Americans directly employed by the big three.
The effect would be devastating in ways of which you may never have thought.
- Nearly 3 Million jobs would be lost in the first year alone — with another 2.5 Million to follow over the next two years
- Personal income in the United States would drop by over $150.7 billion in the first year
- The cost to local, state and federal governments could $156.4 billion over three years in lost taxes, and unemployment and health care assistance
- Domestic automotive production would more than likely fall to zero—even by international producers due to supplier bankruptcies
As a concerned American, this is your opportunity to tell congress just how much America needs a healthy automotive industry. Tell your U.S. Senators and Representatives that support for the U.S. auto industry is in America's best economic interest and is a sound investment toward a more competitive future. The letter below will be sent on your behalf to targeted legislators when you complete the registration form and click “Mobilize!”:
I am a consumer who believes it is important to have an American car industry in this country. I am asking for your help.
Some critics call helping America’s automobile industry a bailout. I strongly believe this is an investment to rebuild our nation’s economic engine. If we do nothing, the future our country faces during this downturn is clear. We will see even more economic upheaval, communities will lose substantial businesses and revenue, and thousands of jobs will disappear. The negative impact will be worse than anything we’ve seen in our lifetime.
We are at a crossroads, where given the opportunity, our nation’s auto manufacturers can lead once again. In 2010, we will see labor and health care reforms kick in. We will also see new electric vehicles introduced that will help reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil. And if it weren’t for the recent credit crunch, these companies would be on the road to succeed.
If Congress does not act, it will be the shortest and fastest road from recession to depression. Our economy is suffering enough. Please help prevent further job losses and devastation to our communities. I am asking that you give our nation’s car companies the opportunity to complete this turnaround.
We cannot afford to lose this cornerstone of our economy. We should not depend on other nations for our manufacturing capabilities or new technologies. And we do not want to contribute to an even deeper collapse that will leave too many people facing further economic uncertainty.
Your name and address will be added automatically to the signature line so that the targeted legislator can reply to your correspondence.
*2008 CAR Research Memorandum: The Impact of the US Economy of a Major Contraction of the Detroit Three Automakers
Send a letter to Congress now to tell them you support the American Auto Industry. Just review your letter, fill out the privacy-protected registration form below, and then click the “Mobilize!” button to send this letter to your member of Congress.
Note: You may be taken to a Government or Legislator-controlled landing page to identify the issue about which you are writing. We suggest “economy” or “other”, but any issue you choose will send the letter. It’s a small step to make a big difference.