Auto Corporation "Formula" for Survival

[Red Flag 1]

December 15, 2008 edition of Autoweek, http:/autoweek.com, is reporting that Honda has withdrawn from Formula one for next year. CEO Takeo Fukui is expecting economic recovery to take some time. Honda will save an estimated $300 million by canceling it's F-1 program. Ferrari's Stefano Domenicali called Honda's move, "a lightening strike in a clear sky". Honda's US based motorsports is expected to continue in 2009.

Also making cuts will be Audi. Audi has had a nine year investment in the American LeMans Series (ALMS). Audi announced that for the 2009 season, it will particpate in two races only; those being Sebring on 3/22/09, and The 24hrs of LeMans.

The Autoweek Staff article also mentions Toyota and Renault making deep cuts as well in their F-1 racing programs.

IMHO, the above changes by major/global auto manufacturers makes the "Big Three" from Detroit look like pure idiots. I like the procative planning to face the economic times we live in. I do not appreciate the tap-dancing for money we have seen lately by the Big Dumb Three! Compare the messages to the world by the auto industry, forigen and domestic.

My $.02.


RF 1

[greenberetTFS]

Originally Posted by Red Flag 1

December 15, 2008 edition of Autoweek, http:/autoweek.com, is reporting that Honda has withdrawn from Formula one for next year. CEO Takeo Fukui is expecting economic recovery to take some time. Honda will save an estimated $300 million by canceling it's F-1 program. Ferrari's Stefano Domenicali called Honda's move, "a lightening strike in a clear sky". Honda's US based motorsports is expected to continue in 2009.

Also making cuts will be Audi. Audi has had a nine year investment in the American LeMans Series (ALMS). Audi announced that for the 2009 season, it will particpate in two races only; those being Sebring on 3/22/09, and The 24hrs of LeMans.

The Autoweek Staff article also mentions Toyota and Renault making deep cuts as well in their F-1 racing programs.

IMHO, the above changes by major/global auto manufacturers makes the "Big Three" from Detroit look like pure idiots. I like the procative planning to face the economic times we live in. I do not appreciate the tap-dancing for money we have seen lately by the Big Dumb Three! Compare the messages to the world by the auto industry, forigen and domestic.

My $.02.


RF 1

Good point,The big 3 are a joke...............

GB TFS

[Richard]

Great insight into how the 'Big 3' run their business.

Richard's $.02