You see VK...I really am investigating and trying to learn but gotta stop for today, HOWEVER wanted to share something.

My first thought about this GM thing was WHY NOT FORD....WHAT DO THEY DO DIFFERENT.

I went to the Detroit Free Press website and lo and behold there is an article there today concerning the same thing...

"How Ford stays one jump ahead"

http://www.freep.com/article/2009033...one+jump+ahead

Not a real detailed article but three comments struck me and when I return this evening will check more on it....

ONE WAS..

"This year, Ford also has made major strides -- ahead of its rivals -- with the UAW and with its debt holders.

"I think it really speaks to the relationship we do have" with union leaders, Bill Ford said, "that we could do this without a gun to their heads ... absent any external pressure, i.e. the government."

AND...

"Mulally said one of the most important decisions that the company made to get to this place -- where Ford is increasingly calling itself "different from GM and Chrysler" -- was setting the Toyota-like goal several years ago to be best in class, not just competitive."

AND FINALLY...

"But they also are dead serious, especially about keeping Ford free from the political influence with which General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC are now contending."