In today's uncertain economic times, it would be refreshing to see the media use their influence to expound on the strengths and the positive impact the domestic auto industry has on the North American economy. With the financial crisis in the U.S. only beginning, the impact on the Canadian economy could be huge. The domestic auto industry has been side-swiped by a credit crisis it did not create.
With tens of thousands of Canadian jobs hanging in the balance, I take extreme exception to your Nov. 26 editorial cartoon. The quality of our vehicles is not at issue as the regular contributors to the Wheels section of your newspaper can attest. To perpetuate the myth that "made in Detroit" means inferior quality is not only irresponsible, it is unjust and simply not true. That's not just my opinion, it is the opinion of many of the auto journalists and experts across North America from J.D. Power organization to writers for Motor Trend and like publications, AJAC and more.
As a proud General Motors dealer in Toronto for over 40 years, my livelihood depends on a successful future for GM. As much of your advertising revenue is derived from the "Big 3" and their dealers, yours is too. I'm for GM. Hope you are too.
Marvin Starr, President, Marvin Starr Pontiac Buick Cadillac GMC
If your cartoonist took the time to read the 2008 J.D. Power customer satisfaction survey he would find that 11 domestic car and truck brands scored above the survey's "industry average," compared with only three Japanese brands; 13 brands sit below the industry average – 2 of them domestic, 7 Japanese, 1 Korean and 1 German. So 11 of 13 domestic car brands, or 85 per cent, scored above the industry average, while 7 of 10 Japanese brands, or 70 per cent, scored below average. I do not work in the auto industry, but I still think your newspaper owes an apology to the men and women who work hard evey day to turn out vehicles that can, and do compete with the world's best. I expect the newspaper to which I subscribe to base editorial content on fact, not on a 20-year-old stereotype.
Kevin Hodges, St. Catharines
If more of us bought products made here, the economy would be better. How dare you slam your friends and neighbours who are employed by these companies. Their stress levels are already are at a maximum. Individuals who support that cartoon should be careful what they wish for as their job may be next.
Sharon Smith, Embro
Behind the veil of humor and free speech, you have managed to malign a large percentage of Canadians and Americans alike who have contributed immensely to the economic well being and prosperity of both of our countries. I take exception to the implication that Canada is better served by Chinese interests that have repeatedly violated public trust with impunity – toxins in baby's milk, lead paint in toys, tainted pet food, etc.
The old adage "You get what you pay for" has never rung truer. If you are so fond of China's sociopolitical model perhaps you should give it a try, but be prepared to sacrifice the free speech thing upon which your company and job are based.
Michael Borowitz, Niagara Falls
This cartoon was beneath your standards. I do not work in the auto industry, but live in a community that depends on it. While there are certainly issues in the industry that must be resolved, and there must be innovation and change for it to survive, quality is not a key issue. You should be providing insight for your readers on real issues, not regurgitating news from 20 years ago.
Larry Skelly, Whitby
The Big 3 are fighting for their lives and you are spreading false information that they only build junk. Our economy is in the tank and they are directly and indirectly responsible for pouring billions of dollars into our economy and taxes to our government. I worked at the GM Oshawa plant for 35 years, retiring in 2004. You have done a disservice to the domestic auto industry and you should print an apology.
Pat Drumm, Courtice
While some might find humour in this cartoon, I feel that it reinforces a incorrect negative image, at a time when everyone should be using their brains and not their emotions. The problems in the auto industry are not due to the quality of products being built, nor the gas mileage. The problem has been caused by the recklessness and greed of the financial institutions, whom the governments are bailing out. The reason people are not buying vehicles, either domestic or foreign, is that loans are not available from the financial institutions because of the sub-prime mortgage debacle.
Bill Wilson, Woodstock
Amused but disappointed to see the cartoon. The message creates a bias in readers' minds. Let the customers decide themselves and experience the Detroit quality. Many bought Big 3 cars in the past and were disappointed, but many more are very satisfied with their purchase of newer models. Please be part of solution not part of problem, I have high regard for my local newspaper and I buy the Toronto Star and not the Shanghai Times.
Azhar Choudhry, Toronto
I am a Star subscriber and I was offended by this cartoon. If people stopped buying GM, Ford and Chrysler our economy would be devastated. I do not want that for my community and my family.
Julie Muirhead, Toronto
I have many relatives and friends losing jobs in this downturn. Please be more considerate in your editing before going to press; many people are suffering and there is no humour in losing one's livelihood.
Tom Cavan, London, Ont.
At GM we believe in continuous improvement in our processes. A continuous improvement idea for your paper would be to run cartoons that help the industry rather than kick us when we are down.
Mary O'Neil, Windsor
I had a career in the auto industry and although I am no longer part of the mainstream, I keep myself very well informed. The domestic car makers are making the best quality products on the face of the Earth, with the most competitive pricing. It is high time the media started to talk about what they are doing right instead of this relentless tearing them to shreds.
Dwight Hargrove, Brighton
The Star is better than this.
D.J. MacKay, Toronto
Should GM not receive the repayable loan (not a bailout) it is seeking, the number of people left unemployed will be staggering. I guess they won't be able to buy your paper then either.
Michele Mijac, St. Catharines
Congratulations on the editorial cartoon. It was right on. I've had about six GM vehicles over the years, each worse than the last, and I'd be a fool to buy another one after all the problems.
William M. Vance, Toronto
