But also notable, Iacocca used his megaphone to complain about EPA regs and Volcker’s interest rate policies…all while proactively restructuring his business to adapt. It put Detroit - and Chrysler in particular - better positioned to compete with the onslaught of Japanese competition. - ThreadSky

horadam.bsky.social • 3 days ago

But also notable, Iacocca used his megaphone to complain about EPA regs and Volcker’s interest rate policies…all while proactively restructuring his business to adapt.

It put Detroit - and Chrysler in particular - better positioned to compete with the onslaught of Japanese competition.

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horadam.bsky.social•3 days ago

Today’s parallels are clear. Detroit kicks and screams about EPA regs and California’s EV mandate, but these are the policies that have dragged them forward on global competitiveness.

It ensures that, if we are moving into a second “Malaise,” there’s a path to recovery vs. an insurmountable climb.

horadam.bsky.social•3 days ago

While we’re tinkering at the edges trying to find ways to keep people buying oversized trucks and producing huge margins for the OEMs, I suspect the gravitational forces of higher interest rates, tariffs (particularly on aluminum + steel), and insurance costs are going to drag down those segments.

horadam.bsky.social•3 days ago

The investments OEMs have been making on batteries and electric drivetrains, as well as their more recent seriousness on EV charging infrastructure, ensures they’ll be able to pivot when they run out of runway in the current paradigm.

The correction will be painful, but it’s not hopeless.

horadam.bsky.social•3 days ago

Anyhow, here’s the book. Looks to be long out of print (and frankly, it’s not amazing), but I’m sure folks can find it used if they look for it.

cheetodusty.bsky.social•2 days ago

Thanks for this, lifelong Detroiter who has been marinated in auto culture and happenings all my life- we just take this stuff as background, motor city people have a certain kind of native intelligence about this industry that we take for granted all others know

nathanielbullard.com•2 days ago

I am now fascinated by this very particular 80s book cover style

crittendenauto.bsky.social•3 days ago

I've found one copy of this book in all my travels to used book sales.

His autobiography, on the other hand... 😄

dennieedwards.bsky.social•3 days ago

One caveat is the current administration actually wanting to drag us back from progress and innovation. While we already see some automakers capitulating, those that stay the course and forge ahead are going to be much better off when (hopefully) this regime passes.

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