I Pledge to Buy a New UAW-Made American Car. If Lots of Us Buy American--and Obama and Congress Act--We Can Revive US Manufacturing.
I pledge that soon I will buy a new, fuel-efficient car - built in
I'm asking YOU to take this pledge with me and get others to do so too.
If enough Americans take this pledge - and pass it on - we can revive our country's auto and manufacturing industries. And we can give a big boost to the workers and communities -- and to our country - that depend on those crucial industries.
Click here to take the American auto revival pledge:
I pledge that my next car will be
__ manufactured in
__ will be more fuel-efficient than my last one.
__ and it will be made by UAW workers.
__ I'll only consider cars built by foreign companies in the
In this disastrous economic meltdown, the workers in the auto and supplier plants and dealerships of our country are losing jobs by the hundreds of thousands. And the proud UAW has made painful yet patriotic wage concessions in an effort to save
I want Barack Obama's plan to save the industry and revive manufacturing to succeed - so I'm stepping up to do a small thing: I pledge that my next car will be made in the good old
Now, I know that for some of us, buying American may feel like a sacrifice. But a
This recession is a national emergency--as serious as 9-11. Back then no one was asked to do anything--except our soldiers. This time, it is our economic future that's at stake.
GM, Ford and Chrysler sold 6.3 million domestically-produced cars and light trucks in 2008, two million fewer than in 2007. Auto analysis expect that sales will drop to 4.4 million this year.
A typical assembly plant can build about 250,000 vehicles and will employ about 2,500 workers. If we collectively bought 1 million additional vehicles this year, that would save the equivalent of about four assembly plants and the jobs of 10,000 workers.
In addition, every job in Big Three domestic auto assembly creates an additional nine jobs in supplier industries and communities. So, if 1 million new buyers purchase domestic vehicles, it would create or save an estimated 100,000 jobs, based on data from the UAW and independent research groups.
We all have to step up. If you agree, take the pledge, and then, if enough of us do it, we can revive America.
After a nationwide bus tour, a Capitol Hill Teach In on Auto Jobs on May 19 will feature national economists, labor and business leaders, members of Congress, local elected officials and everyday workers. MSNBC's Ed Schultz will lead off discussion of principles for revitalizing the auto industry by supporting American jobs and communities. To learn more about how the auto manufacturing industry impacts local communities, visit www.americanmanufacturing.org.
A personal note: At 6 a.m. one day last week I was sitting in the DMV auto inspection line, hoping my 1990 Plymouth Laser would make it through one more inspection. Other people in the line complained about how slow it was moving. They're laying people off here too, one guy explained. And those layoffs, as in every city and state in America, are due to lowered tax revenues due to growing unemployment and the deepening recession.
As I sat idling in the DMV line I knew that, even if it passed inspection, my old car (which has no air bags or anti-lock brakes), was putting more carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the air than it did when it was new. I realized that my frugality in nursing along this old car (which has served me well) was not only likely to kill me, it was helping to kill the planet and the economy.
Amazingly, my old Plymouth passed. But I drove to work that morning grateful to have a job to go to--and resolved that it was time to buy a new car. And the car will be made in the U.S.A.
Don't get me wrong. I didn't make the decision out of altruism. Like most Americans, I really enjoy getting a new car. Some of my green friends try to pretend they don't need a car. But they all have at least one, maybe more. And most of us--even the greenest of greens--really enjoy driving a new car, especially when circumstances push them over the edge. Many of my friends with kids who have left the nest, for example, have been thrilled to graduate back from their minivan to anything that doesn't feel like driving a bathtub. Like them, I had just handed myself the excuse to start car shopping.
As many of us who can, let's pledge to buy a new, fuel efficient car made by the UAW.
Let's also pledge to buy a house custom-designed by an architect registered in a US state. :-)
May 18, 2009 6:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Give me a break. How do we know which cars are manufactured in America?
Maybe you should read this article from Edmunds.
http://www.edmunds.com/advice/buying/articles/119995/article.html
Even if you "buy American" you know that some of GM's or Ford's profits will go to building plants overseas.
And made by UAW workers? Why? Why not a BMW that's made in Spartanburg, SC?
May 18, 2009 9:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
I have driven American built cars my whole life, but I will never buy another car produced with UAW labor. Unions like the UAW are a huge reason nothing is built in here at home anymore, they demand more and more until the industry breaks. Unions had their place in history; they were once a good thing, but now it is just a money grubbing political organization. For me it is not about the workers, they deserve to be paid a fair wage but all this garbage of retiring early and getting lifetime medical. Yes, in an ideal world it would be nice. People are living longer than ever and running up higher and higher medical bills with each passing year. It's no wonder the auto industry is on the brink. My next car will be made in America but not by the UAW. Honda, Toyota, and Kia all have plants here in America and employ American workers. Why is a union workers job worth more than a non union workers job?
May 23, 2009 1:11 AM | Reply | Permalink
This is not a bad idea for reviving the US economy, it's also not a new one. If there will be an act forcing us to buy American cars, that will only create a precedent. In a few years we may be forced to buy only US products. It's a free market and I think it's a good think that it stays that way.
Car rental Raleigh manager.
May 22, 2010 7:23 AM | Reply | Permalink
It is not expensive if you compare to the price of imported cars here. Tax is incredibly high. Car rentals such as Fox Car Rental here may own more luxurious cars as driven by market demand, you know. And I don't see any need of subsidies from Gov. They better use the money for something else.
July 2, 2010 3:24 AM | Reply | Permalink
Before Obozo was elected he said he would bring jobs back home.We can see how serious he was by the continuation of jobs being lost.Just because Bush was a globalist doesn't mean that all conservatives are too or that we agreed with him.
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July 11, 2010 12:00 AM | Reply | Permalink
If we all do this together, we can make American cars cool again - and give American companies the time to invest in a new generation of fuel-efficient competitive automobiles.
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November 1, 2010 12:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
The decline in auto parts sales have greatly contributed to the fall of the automative market in North America, so sad they have to stop the production of some iconic brands from GM.
December 3, 2010 12:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
Car leasing is increasing in popularity as people become more aware of the many advantages it offers. Know exactly what your car lease will cost thanks to fixed monthly costs and a low initial deposit. Just hand the car back at the end of the lease without the hassle of having to sell it. A Bmw car leasing deal might be perfect if you are looking for that big powerful car you always dreamed of.
January 19, 2011 10:53 AM | Reply | Permalink
I will gladly join your pledge because even though I knew the UAW workers make efficient cars, with an Easy Saver card I bought a really smart BMW. Even it's a little rusty it still works perfectly.
January 29, 2011 8:10 AM | Reply | Permalink
I am glad about this initiative and I support it. It`s time for us to think about the future of this country and make what we can as consumers to support the industry. I recently bought from a car shop that had conversion Vans for sale a beautiful van for me and my family, so we could travel and see amazing places and landscapes from this country. The car is manufactured in America, works very good, and my kids love it very much. Let`s buy cars and other things made in US to revive the US economy.
February 13, 2011 1:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
Today's many automotive industries working on fuel efficient cars, which are more demand in future. Because fuel prices is increase day by day, at that time most of consumer are attracted to fuel efficient cars like hybrid or electric cars. Ford F 150 is one of best model produced by ford. Ford F 150 is new hybrid technology of pickup trucks.
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February 23, 2011 12:21 AM | Reply | Permalink
The workers from the car industry were badly affected by this recession. I have a friend who sells BMW auto parts. In the past six months he was forced to change no less than three jobs. Something must be done because we should preserve our traditional jobs and values.
March 10, 2011 9:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
I for one prefer German cars.. Dressed up in a fancy dress I feel better in a Mercedes than in a Dodge, though if it's a 1915 Dodge that is a different situation, since those things are jewels. I understand it how buying locally can push our economy back over the surface of the water so to say, but sometimes you have to accept that someone else is better at building a certain item.
March 22, 2011 8:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
lol, I actually agree. When buying a new car I tend to be selfish; I think about what car I like the best, what car I will feel the best in, look the best in... Whenever I spend money on anything it's to satisfy myself; not to support a cause. I also like German cars too; luxury all the way.
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April 1, 2011 11:39 AM | Reply | Permalink
Today's more competition between automotive industries. BMW gets good response than GM. Because BMW is known for expensive & luxurious automaker industries in the world.
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March 24, 2011 4:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
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March 29, 2011 10:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
I hope this recession will soon be over. I once talked with a friend who works at a used car dealers Ft Lauderdale and he told me he signed the UAW petition. In spirit of solidarity I want my new car to be a Ford.
April 4, 2011 3:36 AM | Reply | Permalink
I really don’t think this pledge will make any difference. The recession is spread worldwide. We are not the only ones fighting it. We just have to be smarter than the others. I have always dreamed about opening an auto shop and start a business with some car dealers Manchester NH here at home. It is time for the small businesses to bloom.
April 5, 2011 10:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
The problem is that there is no car that is completely made in the U.S. As you can see with GM, even with cars which are American, they still rely on foreign parts; that's part of globalization. Also, some foreign companies, such as Honda, have plants in the United States.
Los Angeles Honda
April 6, 2011 2:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
Excellent read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on that. And he actually bought me lunch because I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch!
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April 10, 2011 4:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think everyone should take this pledge. This will not only save your money but also save the environment. if people started this thing then other will also take the initiative. Roger has taken this step, now its our turn.
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April 12, 2011 2:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
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April 15, 2011 12:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
I was browsing the Des Moines dealerships website when I found your website here. This pledge is indeed something that could have a positive outcome, but we also have to think about people who struggle to buy a car. They will buy the cheapest and more reliable one. If that is built in America, well, score one for the Big 3, but if not... tough luck.
April 21, 2011 6:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
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April 22, 2011 7:24 AM | Reply | Permalink
I was just browsing a donate car website when I found your article here. I guess that such a pledge can bring nothing but benefits for the US car industry and economy. Let's hope that many people will do that.
April 25, 2011 2:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
James is right.If all people start buying american things then the economy will rise.I found this days a website about good cars Miami used cars and I thought it would be nice to share it with you.If people will stick together then they will be able to do everything they want.
April 26, 2011 9:19 AM | Reply | Permalink
That's a bit amusing really... the economy must be sustained by it's people but not in this manner. I know politicians tell us to be faithful in the system but solidarity is a thing of the past really... people have been lied to and they want action now... this is not post world war II crap when people just ate it...
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April 27, 2011 1:43 AM | Reply | Permalink
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April 28, 2011 5:22 AM | Reply | Permalink