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Jim Camp on Auto Bailout Part II

Following is an interview by OurBlook with James Camp , business book author and founder and president of Camp Negotiation Systems .

Jim Camp, Camp Negotiation Systems General Motors now wants another $16.6 billion in federal assistance. How should the government respond?

JC: If I were in charge in Washington, I would have to answer with a few questions, starting what has changed? What is the mission and purpose? What is the driving force for the required change? What has management done to clarify its vision for the future? How viable is GM if it has a plan? Where is labor going to make the changes? How will they rid themselves of entitlements? The list could go on.

GM also wants $6 billion in aid from Germany, Britain, Sweden, Thailand and Canada. How should those countries respond?

JC: See above.

Chrysler wants another $5 billion from the federal government. What should the answer be?

JC: See above.

The U.S. gave GM $13.4 billion in "loans" last fall and Chrysler $4 billion. What did the taxpayers get for their money?

JC: Life support for a relatively few employees for a short period of time.

It may be that both companies receive the additional money. Would it make more sense for the government to simply order $16.6 billion worth of the most fuel-efficient cars from GM and $5 billion worth from Chrysler and give them, say, to members of the military as a new benefit (apportioning some of these orders to Ford to be fair) rather than let GM and Chrysler shut down more factories and lay off more workers?

JC: To me a brilliant idea. Unfortunately it makes too much sense for Washington.

Is there anything else you'd like to say about this second round of the proposed auto bailouts?

JC: Fire the leadership, fire the boards of directors, replace them with leaders outside the auto industry. Ordering cars and trucks for all the members of the military is a great idea ... just be sure to include the National Guard. Give every high school in the country a new driver's ed automobile. None of which will happen.

Jim Camp is author of "NO: The Only Negotiating System You Need for Work and Home" (Crown Business, www.startwithno.com ), the revised and updated version of his critically acclaimed business book, "Start with No." Founder and president of Camp Negotiation Systems, he's coached individuals, corporations and governments worldwide through hundreds of successful negotiations. His negotiation model is taught in MBA programs from Harvard to NYU.

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