PAST EVENT
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Washington, DC
On October 21, the Initiative on Business and Public Policy explored the government’s role in the struggling auto industry and their future relationship. Steven Rattner, former head of the Obama administration’s Task Force on the Auto Industry, delivered the keynote address. Read More
VIDEO
Barry P. Bosworth, August 06, 2009
President Obama recently signed a law adding $2 billion to the wildly popular "Cash for Clunkers" program that has given automakers a boost after months of declining sales. Barry Bosworth says despite the program’s quick uptake, there are probably better ways to help stimulate the economy.
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Howard Wial, June 05, 2009, The Los Angeles Times
Daniel J. Ikenson and Howard Wial finish their debate on the Los Angeles Times 'Dust Up' series by asking: how can the federal government simultaneously regulate General Motors, protect the taxpayers' interests as the company's dominant shareholders, and help the carmaker turn out products that people want to buy? Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Howard Wial, June 04, 2009, The Los Angeles Times
Given how far the demand for cars has fallen this year, would the failure of General Motors have put more stress on the industry, or just accelerated the "right sizing" that was already underway? In other words, was the company really too big to fail? In a three day Los Angeles Times 'Dust Up' series, Brookings scholar Howard Wial and Daniel J. Ikenson, associate director of the Cato Institute's Center for Trade Policy Studies, discuss the current state of General Motors. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Howard Wial, June 03, 2009, The Los Angeles Times
Should the federal government have spent billions to prevent liquidation only to have GM eventually file for bankruptcy? In a three day Los Angeles Times 'Dust Up' series, Brookings scholar Howard Wial and Daniel J. Ikenson, associate director of the Cato Institute's Center for Trade Policy Studies, discuss the current state of General Motors. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Douglas J. Elliott, May 29, 2009, The Brookings Institution
General Motors has filed for bankruptcy, and one of many questions is what will happen to its pension promises, which are underfunded by $20 billion. Douglas Elliott says GM is very likely to continue to shoulder the full obligations after restructuring, rather than passing them to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and taxpayers—for now. Read More
VIDEO
Martin Neil Baily, May 28, 2009
Auto giant General Motors announced that it's seeking to file for bankruptcy, which could result in one of the biggest Chapter 11 filings in U.S. history. Martin Baily examines the possible outcomes of this action saying GM lost its edge in the increasingly global and competitive auto manufacturing business.
VIDEO
Clifford Winston, May 19, 2009
In proposing higher fuel efficiency standards for new cars, President Obama has intervened in the private sector. Cliff Winston explains how consumer demand alone for fuel efficient cars was clearly not strong enough to drive the market in that direction. But, he warns of such unintended consequences as cars being less safe and driven more.
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Howard Wial, March 31, 2009, The Brookings Institution
President Obama has tasked General Motors with creating a credible model to succeed in the global market. But the president does not go far enough in transforming the U.S. auto industry, writes Howard Wial. He urges Obama to be more specific about the scope of federal assistance to communities suffering from plant closings and mass layoffs. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Susan Helper and Howard Wial, March 04, 2009, The Brookings Institution
Putting the U.S. auto industry on the high road to recovery will require more than a quick financial fix. Susan Helper and Howard Wial urge automakers and the government to address the underlying impediments to their long-term viability. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Pietro S. Nivola, February 25, 2009, The Brookings Institution
The United States has been largely unsuccessful in reducing its petroleum consumption by regulating the fuel economy of motor vehicles. Pietro Nivola proposes a move towards a comprehensive carbon tax, which could reduce gasoline consumption more effectively and curtail carbon emissions from other, more damaging sources. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Jason E. Bordoff and Pascal Noel, February 12, 2009, Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Jason Bordoff argues that the pay-as-you-drive proposal pending in the Washington State Senate is win-win: it saves most drivers money while also addressing climate change, lowering our dependence on oil, alleviating congested roadways, and reducing a range of other driving-related harms. What’s good for drivers, in this case, is also good for society. Read More
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Jason E. Bordoff, January 06, 2009, Detroit Free Press
The incoming administration needs to act quickly to stimulate our ailing economy. Jason Bordoff suggests that one way to stimulate the economy and prevent the collapse of the auto industry, tackle climate change and promote oil independence, is to offer “cash for clunkers”—drivers would be given vouchers toward the purchase of newer, more fuel-efficient vehicles, with the old vehicles scrapped to get them off the road. Read More
VIDEO
Gary Burtless, December 30, 2008
Senior Fellow Gary Burtless says the credit crisis has resulted in a serious domino affect for the auto industry where the consumer can’t borrow to buy cars and auto makers can’t borrow to stay afloat – this can have a profound impact on unemployment rates, he notes.
RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY
Howard Wial, December 12, 2008, The Brookings Institution
Emergency federal funds will keep General Motors and Chrysler solvent for a few more months but the automakers’ outcome is still uncertain. If plants are closed, a blow is struck to the regional economies of 50 metropolitan areas. Most are located in the Great Lakes region, but the loss of jobs and income would stretch to metros as far flung as Huntsville, AL; Ogden, UT; and Ithaca, NY. Read More