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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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12

Obama's Auto Team Drives Foreign Cars

Just 2 of task force's 8 members own domestic models

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(Newser) – Detroit’s Big Three might be in worse trouble than they thought: Of the eight people on the Presidential Task Force on the Auto Industry, and the 10 policy aides assisting them, just two own cars built by American-owned manufacturers, the Detroit News reports. The co-chairs—Timothy Geithner and Lawrence Summers—drive a Honda and a Mazda, respectively, even though Geithner’s grandfather was a Ford vice president.

Two members don’t even own cars. On the bright side, the Treasury’s special adviser to the task force drives a Ford, and there are still two open slots for the 10-member team. For the record, President Obama drives a Ford Escape Hybrid, and Joe Biden owns a 1967 Chevrolet Corvette, though he typically commutes by train.

In this Nov. 17, 2008 file photo, new Honda Civics are lined up at the Honda assembly plant in Greensburg, Ind.
In this Nov. 17, 2008 file photo, new Honda Civics are lined up at the Honda assembly plant in Greensburg, Ind.   (AP Photo)
Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, right, and National Economic Council Director Lawrence Summers, left, await the arrival of President Barack Obama in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 6, 2009.
Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, right, and National Economic Council Director Lawrence Summers, left, await the arrival of President Barack Obama in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 6, 2009.   (AP Photo)
Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner is seen in the State Dining Room of the White House today.
Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner is seen in the State Dining Room of the White House today.   (AP Photo)
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12 comments
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woody66
Feb 23, 09 3:02 PM CST
And that's capitalism and free markets for you. Consumers choosing the product that suits their needs and maximizes value. GM and US automaklers should have provided better quality vehicles to the rental Co's. This was very bad advertising for them. The majority of US rental cars I've rented over the years have been sub par, leading me to shy away form buying one. I always wonderd whether the cars were all that bad or whether the "Friday afternoon" plant production went to the rentals. What's the old adage ...for every customer who complains there are 9 who walk away quietly and never come back ? Reply
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sache
Feb 23, 09 3:18 PM CST
Where has the Detroit News been? Millions of Americans drive foreign cars. As far as i know Americans are free to choose and drive whatever they wish. Speaking personally i've only purchased American cars. It was my choice not a statement i was trying to make. Reply
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Technicolor
Feb 23, 09 3:39 PM CST
That's because they, much like myself, shop for quality over national loyalty. I know people who buy American just because they are American-made.. needless to say, their mechanic's bills and new car loans are much more than mine. Reply
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Beer_King
Feb 23, 09 4:25 PM CST
I recall seeing Joe Biden driving an American pick-up truck back during the time he was under consideration for the VP slot and reporters were camped outside his home in Delaware. He was videotaped raking leaves and garden cuttings and taking them to a dump in his pick-up truck. Just to clarify the article a bit as I can add eye witness testimony. Unless of course it was a borrowed pick-up truck. Reply
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markhebert42
Feb 23, 09 9:59 PM CST
That is because American made cars are shit! Plain and simple. Reply
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