FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Well, I wouldn't worry too much about SNL. Everyone knows that it is garbage, is useless, and is lead by an idiot.

That being said, The Big 3 has a serious image problem. Yes, you are right, the big 3 shows up consistently on J.D. Power standings. However, poor business decisions by the executive management over the last 30 years has put them in a very compromised position, one which allows them very little margin for error. The pension packages and union legacy contracts don't help. Neither do overpaid executives showing up in Washington on private jets, asking for 'free money'.

I'm not a Detroit insider, but here is what I would propose to "fix" the Big Three:

1) fire all of the executive management, including the board of directors.

2) inform the retirees that they will need to contribute monthly to their health care costs. Unfortunately, efficiencies that were not present 40 years ago are in place at GM, resulting in fewer worker bees supporting a growing retiree base whose life expectancy is longer now than it was 40 years ago. It may not be fair to the retirees, but it is necessary. There was a lot of free lunches over the years for them, but this one needs to stop now.

3) address the union contracts, and let them know they have two choices: 1) renegotiate the contracts or 2) take your chances in bankruptcy, and see hundreds of thousands of union jobs disappear.

4) pare down the number of models. Toyota, as a company, has 19 unique modes. Chevrolet, as a division of a company, has 21. There are numerous models that need to go.

5) STOP skimping on quality materials!! A personal axe to grind for me, as I am appalled at the difference between the quality of interior plastics that Toyota uses vs. Big Three. Once steps 1-4 are implemented, you will be able to invest a few dollars more in QUALITY components. It is the little things that make a difference in the 'feel' of a car.

6) Pay ONLY for performance, and make that the company mantra. Everyone needs to have skin in the game in order for it to work, and the last thing you want as CEO is some selfish, arrogant clown like Nardelli pulling down huge money for horrible performance. Why he was hired is anyone's guess, but this can't happen again. It's time for everyone to step up their game, because this is going to require an "A" game every day of the week.

Just my 2 cents. I feel your anger, though. While I am tired of everyone taking shots at the Big Three, I am also tired of the Big Three acting like it is 1964 all over again.