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Obama's Auto Team Drives Foreign Cars

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

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 23, 2009 2:49 PM CST
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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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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 12 comments
BackAgain
Feb 24, 2009 6:04 AM CST
Why then are we bailing them out? Hell our government "leaders" oops sorry losers do not even drive them. QUITE GIVING MY MONEY AWAY!!!!!!
AdaptAndOvercome
Feb 24, 2009 6:01 AM CST
Who cares? The economy is in the tank and our troops are getting killed on foreign soil and the media is worried about what kind of cars these guys are driving? In order to cut back on foreign oil as most Americans and the platform the Republicans tried, we are going to have to come up with better modes of transportation and American automakers have fought that for decades--greed has always been their driving force and will be their downfall. They only have themselves to blame.
Guest
Feb 24, 2009 3:09 AM CST
Detroit execs: Retool already!

They drive imports, just like everyone else
Jalopnik

Let's hope these guys are financial wizards
Automobile Magazine

Rattner to join Treasury as auto adviser
Wall Street Journal

Money • Politics • US

 
Chrysler • General Motors • Ford • Treasury Department • auto industry • hybrid car • Larry Summers • Timothy Geithner

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