A majority of Americans, according to a new poll, want the government out of the auto business ASAP.
While the protestors have yet to take to the street, chanting and waving banners proclaiming, “U.S. Out Now,” a new study suggests that a vast majority of Americans want the country out of the auto business as quickly as possible.
More than half of those surveyed by the automotive research firm, AutoPacific, said both General Motors and Chrysler should have been allowed to fail. An even larger percentage feels the government’s involvement in running the two companies will not result in their producing the right cars and trucks for the market.
“People believe the government should get out of the auto business as soon as possible,” said AutoPacific President George Peterson. “They certainly do not believe that government involvement will result in cars and trucks that Americans will want to buy.”
Using the firm’s “VehicleVoice,” an Internet-based survey panel, to poll over 900 American drivers, AutoPacific found 81% want the government to sell off its stake in GM and Chrysler as quickly as possible.
And while some environmental activists have been hoping the Obama Administration would use its new leverage to promote a shift from fuel-hungry trucks to gas-stingy passenger cars, a full 48% of the study’s respondents said they don’t expect the government to prod the makers to focus on fuel efficiency.
Nearly two-thirds of the respondents said they disagree with the premise that having the government in charge of GM and Chrysler will result in cars and trucks American buy.
Meanwhile, 54% said GM should have been allowed to fail, while 58% feel that way about Chrysler.
The smaller maker’s restructuring plan is currently on hold as the Supreme Court considers whether it shoudl review the proposed takeover by Fiat. Even if Chrysler and its Italian partner ultimately get a green light, AutoPacfic reports 47% of its survey group believe Fiat products will not sell well in the U.S., and even with the help of Fiat, 43% expect Chrysler will still fail within the next five years. On the positive side, just 18% expect Fiat vehicles to be well received, while 13% believe the Italian maker can save Chrysler.