[Detroit Free Press via @Justin_Hyde]

That's good news for Detroit given today's bad...err... awful... news. Although after Wagoner's remarks earlier, we're hoping there will be an industry to save after he's inaugurated. Full remarks from Detroit's personal Jesus below:

The news coming out of the auto industry this week reminds us of the hardship it faces – hardship that goes far beyond individual auto companies to the countless suppliers, small businesses and communities throughout our nation who depend on a vibrant American auto industry. The auto industry is the backbone of American manufacturing and a critical part of our attempt to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. I would like to see the Administration do everything they can to accelerate the retooling assistance that Congress has already enacted. In addition, I have made it a high priority for my transition team to work on additional policy options to help the auto industry adjust, weather the financial crisis, and succeed in producing fuel-efficient cars here in the United States. I have asked my team to explore what we can do under current law and whether additional legislation will be needed for this purpose.

Preach it.

Friends,

Because I am married to the great governor of Michigan, I have had the chance to be a fly on the wall (generally a quiet and unobtrusive one) during meetings with executives from Toyota. These Toyota execs are like those I have gotten to know from Fortune magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For," in that they get totally fired up when they start talking about the culture in their companies. The Toyota folks and the great company folks know that "culture beats strategy" every time. They have strategies to achieve results. But they know and constantly verbalize that the only way you get results is through people. For these folks it's not just that people are the necessary means, but that people are ends in themselves. It's not just that the employees are there for the company's success, but at some really deep level, they believe the company is there for the employees' success. So they pay attention to people. They have a "what" of results they're pursuing, but they pay primary attention to the who and to the how.

"...do we need the first gentleman, husband of the governor who ostensibly will "go anywhere and do anything" to create jobs, opining right now on the blockbuster leadership techniques of the foreign archrival kicking Detroit's collective behind?"

Say what? Gov's hubby gushes over Toyota's way [Detroit News]

Related:
Dan Howes: "Top GOP Leaders To Big Three: Drop Dead" [internal]

...for that facility on Tuesday). Hmm, methinks it's a good start at workforce diversification — but Michigan's going to have to do a helluva lot more to reverse the thousands of jobs already lost at the Big 2.5. Still, at least it may mean we can reign in our extreme jealousy over our West Coast editor being the only one able to get his hands on a quiet-as-deep-space supercar for a test drive. – Ray Wert

Granholm going after jobs [Freep]

Related:
Separated at Birth: Lotus Elise and Tesla EV Roadster; The Great Traffic-Law Controversy: Tesla Tagged With Ticket; First Hunnert Tesla Roadsters Sold; Mechanical Resonance: The Tesla Motors Press Intro, Complete With Governator [internal]

Ford Chairman Receives Call From Bush (bottom of the article) [NYT]

Related:
Calling all Cars: Toyota Develops Cell Phone for Japan [internal]

"take some time this Friday to meet with our auto leaders to learn first hand about their efforts and how even a minimal amount of federal attention will help sustain this vital link in America's manufacturing economy."

Bush, Big 3 to sit down [Detroit News]

Related:
Dan Howes: "Top GOP Leaders To Big Three: Drop Dead"; Breaking! Prez Bush Sez Not Snubbing Big Three, But No Meeting's Planned [internal]

"To reach that goal [1,000 biofuel pumps by 2008], the governor announced a $250,000 grant program to help service station owners defray the costs of installing or converting infrastructure at public service stations to provide ethanol and biodiesel fuel to Michigan consumers."

Well, it sure as hell ain't much — and it actually leverages funds from the U.S. Department of Energy. Still, it's a creative way to address the issue — and in all honesty, we're just glad to see at least one public servant's out there trying to help a few of the nation's largest employers. We'll even bet she won't hesitate meeting with the Big Three's bosses, either. Full press release is after the jump.

Governor Granholm Announces Goal of 1,000 BioFuel Pumps by 2008; Announces $250,000 Grant Program

Second round of grants to help defray costs

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that the state of Michigan will work to have 1,000 biofuel pumps by 2008 to make ethanol and biodiesel fuel more accessible to Michigan motorists. To reach that goal, the governor announced a $250,000 grant program to help service station owners defray the costs of installing or converting infrastructure at public service stations to provide ethanol and biodiesel fuel to Michigan consumers. This is the second round in a series of grants being made available by the state.

"Michigan is moving aggressively to increase production and use of both ethanol and biodiesel fuels," Granholm said. "Ethanol and biodiesel production facilities are coming on line. We've cut taxes on the purchase of these fuels, and now, thanks to this grant program, we will greatly expand access. Expanding access and use will help reduce the cost of gas for all of us."

Five ethanol plants are already in production in Michigan, with two more under construction. Two biodiesel plants are also beginning production, with another plant in the works. In addition, the legislative package signed by the governor in July cut the gas tax by 36 percent for the purchase of ethanol and 20 percent for biodiesel.

Granholm said that Michigan's investment in alternative energy production and use will benefit consumers in the long-run as increased use of ethanol and biodiesel helps reduce the demand for foreign oil. In the short-term, Granholm said the state is doing everything in its power to protect consumers at the pump, including doubling the number of inspections this year to ensure that consumers are receiving the quantity and quality of gasoline they are paying for. The governor said that President Bush could provide short-term relief, as well, by capping outrageous oil company profits.

"It's time for President Bush to stand up for Michigan citizens and cap big oil's outrageous profits," said Granholm. "That will provide our citizens immediate relief from high gas prices, while our long-term solutions take route and end our dependence on foreign oil once and for all."

Legislation signed by the governor in July called for the creation of this program to increase the number of retail outlets throughout the state that provide ethanol and biodiesel to fleet owners and the public.

To implement the grant program, the state is seeking proposals from 501(c) (3) nonprofit corporations for state projects to provide incentives to service station owners to convert existing pumps or install new ethanol and biodiesel pumps. Ethanol and biodiesel are clean burning fuels that can be made from renewable resources grown in Michigan. Most ethanol is made from corn, and biodiesel is made from vegetable oils and waste grease. Over the last two years, rising oil prices and an increased number of biofuel production facilities in the U.S. have helped reduce the price difference between petroleum fuels and bio-based alternatives.

Today's announcement is the second phase of the grant program. In July, NextEnergy received a $62,500 grant to provide the first round of grants to service stations. The initial grants are expected to be awarded in September.

"This program will greatly expand the availability of ethanol and biodiesel to consumers throughout Michigan," said Bob Swanson, director of the Department of Labor and Economic Growth, which will oversee the program. "Michigan farmers will benefit through increased demand for corn and soybeans, Michigan citizens will enjoy cheaper gas prices and a cleaner environment, and Michigan's economy will be strengthened through increased investment in infrastructure and a decreased reliance on foreign oil.

Funding for the Biofuel Infrastructure Incentive Program was made available through a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (www.energy.gov). The program will be administered by the Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG) Energy Office, (www.michigan.gov/energyoffice) in cooperation with the Michigan Strategic Fund.

# # #

Related:
George W Bush: Bad For Cars, Good For Motorcycles [internal]

"I urge you to grant a meeting as soon as possible to our domestic automobile industry leaders to resolve critical issues and avoid serious harm to our nation's manufacturing sector and overall economic prosperity."

Tho' the declaration bold, and the motives sound — we doth doubt the message will fall on any but the deafest of ears. What sayeth the rest of Lady Granholm's penned letter to King George? Why, thou dost only need to jump the page to seeth for yourself.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 5, 2006

Granholm Calls on President Bush to Meet with Domestic Automotive Leaders

LANSING - In a letter to President Bush, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today called on the President to stand by his word and meet with Michigan's automotive leaders.

"While the companies continue to transform themselves, their leaders are eager to meet with you to discuss many issues that would lead to a better way of maintaining America's superior position in the design, production and sales of 21st century cars and trucks," Granholm wrote. "I urge you to grant a meeting as soon as possible to our domestic automobile industry leaders to resolve critical issues and avoid serious harm to our nation's manufacturing sector and overall economic prosperity."

Granholm said it remains critical that domestic automotive leaders have the opportunity to meet with the President to discuss the changes needed to retool the industry for a globally competitive marketplace. Despite continued postponement of the meeting from the White House, the Big Three have made tremendous strides in recent months to return to profitability.

Priority issues to the industry include pension and health care legacy costs, and unfair trade practices, such as the theft of intellectual property. Domestic automakers have also focused on the issue of renewable fuels by announcing plans to produce of vehicles equipped to use E-85 ethanol instead of gasoline.

"I am sending this letter to President Bush following a weekend of record-high gas prices," Granholm said. "By working with our manufacturers to develop and promote alternative energy options, the Bush administration can be a key partner in our efforts to reduce gas prices across Michigan and the country."

# # #

Related:
Disassociatin' With Dubya: Detroit Automakers Disowned by Prez; In The George W Bush League, Are There Four Strikes?; Mr. Automaker Goes To Washington [internal]

The one positive we gas guzzlers can think of about gas prices is the fertile ground it provides for politickin' — for midwestern Governor and federal electeds alike. That's why we totally loved the "behind the scenes" story the WaPo's throwing down today on the big Dem gas price presser yesterday. You've probably seen it cause it was on like every news show last night (and above) — and the same point was made on those very same news shows (as made above) — Dems walked to the gas station on Capitol Hill and railed against the big bad Republicans. And you know, that makes sense, cause everyone knows about the Republican cabal against low gas prices. Problem is, how did the Senators get home from the presser? Acha! Ironically they were driven — but in what type of vehicle? Now that's a good question. The WaPo has the answer — and not wanting to give too much of it away, let's just say the irony is dripping like sweet, sweet crude. But real irony would be the lack of a mention about the President's presser excursion earlier in the day — but fear not, our Wonky Washington sister/brother/senator has all the ironic'n oily details.

Going a Short Way to Make a Point [WaPo]
Irony Not Lost on Pool Reporter [Wonkette]

Related:
News Flash: Oil Still Expensive [internal]

Has anyone gone out and tried to fill up today? If you're in the Midwest, you're paying anywhere between $2.80 and $2.99. Even Michigan's auto-friendly Governor Granholm has launched an online petition to send to President Bush asking him WTF is going on. On the West Coast, we've heard prices are approaching $3.00 (or $4.00 in Beverly Hills...but that's mostly due to the TomKat family's fleet of Ford's used the other day). Out on the East Coast, prices hit $3.00 a gallon — that is if you can find any gas to fill up with — as reports of gas-less stations are sifting up from local media outlets. All of this gets us thinking maybe there is more we could be doing, especially with Earth Day tomorrow. Well, at least the Main Stream Media is all over this. CNN has the touching story above of a man pawning his watch for gas — to run his 1991 Jaguar.

Green Driving - Boost Your MPG [AOL Autos]
Gas Outage at Some Local Pumps [6abc.com]
Sign Now to Lower Gas Prices! [State of Michigan]

Related:
More on gas prices [internal]

Can't the General get a break? First, you had The Prez postulatin' US automakers are more Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm's problem than a national one. Next, Commerce Secretary Guttierez in Detroit earlier this week basically tellin' the Detroit Economic Club "hell no" to providing help to US automakers. Now, the Bush administration looks to be getting one of those election-year green thumbs, and considering a push for higher fuel-economy standards for SUV's and sports-utes. Uh Oh.

According to today's Wall Street Journal, the change in regulation is currently under review by the White House Office of Management and Budget and could be issued next week by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).

We'd be remiss without providing the best line of the Journal story:

"some questioned whether the administration would hit GM at a time when the company is facing significant financial troubles."

Wait a second. Someone is seriously wondering if a politician will put politics above policy and if so...mind if we get a word with them? Cause we totally have this bridge we've been meaning to sell over in Brooklyn.

Big SUV's May Face Tougher Fuel Standards (subs. req.) [WSJ]
Commerce chief touts free trade, competitiveness [Freep]

Related:
Disassociatin' With Dubya: Detroit Automakers Disowned by Prez [internal]

So our boy Ray-Ray, an unabashed fan of Governor Jennifer Granholm (and a former Granholm administration employee), has taken umbrage at a Detroit News piece that suggests that Wixom's being shuttered because of high taxes. Ray points out the incentives offered Ford to keep the plant open, and then goes on to point out that almost every vehicle on Wixom's docket wasn't selling. Well, except the GT, but of course, that wasn't exactly a source of massive profit for the Blue Oval. It's an interesting read. And as Sweet Peet D. would say, "Product, Product, Product."

Why Ford Left $115 Million on the Table [DetroitWonk]

Related:
Pre-Formal-Announcement Ford Restructuring Dirt! [Internal]

Our boy Ray hipped us to this exchange between our illustrious president and the DetroitWonk's former sugarmomma, Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, who like Ahnuld, is foreign-born and once appeared on The Dating Game. And no, she wasn't that kinda sugarmomma. He usta work for the Gov, so stop thinkin' dirty. Anyway, 'nuffs on the Gov, because the real words here come from the scion of Bush 41's errant empire, via JennyJenJen, via the Freep: "She also said she spoke of the state s auto industry but said the president told her, I can t make your automakers profitable. [Emphasis added.] Dude, seriously, George. We mean really. We know it's an obvious statement to make, but here goes nothin': Fuck you.

Bush tours Auburn Hills plant [Detroit Free Press via DetroitWonk]

Related:
Dubya Goes Green: Bush Pushes Tax Credits for Hybrids [Internal]