Bailout Should Transform Detroit into 'Transportmaker'

"The Obama administration should ask the companies, as a condition of financial assistance, to begin shifting from being just automakers to becoming innovative 'transportmakers.' As Barack Obama’s new chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, recently said: 'You don’t ever want a crisis to go to waste. It’s an opportunity to do important things you would otherwise avoid.'"

"As transportmakers, the companies could produce vehicles for high-speed train and bus systems that would improve our travel options, reduce global warming, conserve energy, minimize accidents and generally improve the way we live."

"Now, the auto industry is asking for government money that promises, even with more fuel-efficient cars, to give us more of the same. Instead of supporting companies that want to put as many cars on the road as possible, we need a transformational strategy."

"As part of its loan package, the government should insist on the development of “transportmaker business plans” from the car companies, with specific timelines for developing more fuel-efficient cars. The companies should also provide detailed plans to transform some of their factories into research and manufacturing centers for the development of light-rail cars and high-speed trains and buses."