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Story:
U.S. Carmakers Restructure to Stay Alive, 05/08/06
1.General Motors and Ford are cutting their workforces and closing manufacturing plants in the United States. How many people will they lay off and how many plants will they close? 2. How do economists think the layoffs and plant closures will impact the economy? 3. How much do U.S. car companies spend on employee benefits? 4. What is GM's new initiative and how could it help the environment? Discussion Activity (more research might be needed): 1. Research the General Motors Corporation and Ford Motor Company. What car brands do they produce? 2. Do a quick scan of the nearest parking lot—compare the number of cars from American companies to foreign companies. What did you find? Do you think you'd find similar results in other parts of the country? Explain. 3. The turnarounds of Nissan and Mazda have been credited, in part, to new cars. After researching alternative fuels, alternative materials, and "concept cars," select one feature for a new car that could help GM or Ford return to profitability. Determine how much it would cost or save per car to add this feature. 4. "...If you own something, you have a vital stake in the future of our country. The more ownership there is in America, the more vitality there is in America, and the more people have a vital stake in the future of this country." -- President George W. Bush, June 17, 2004 In an "ownership society," citizens have the option to invest in retirement accounts and health care accounts that they will own and control, entrepreneurs and small businesses receive tax benefits, and more people own their homes. Research the "ownership society," then debate how it might affect America in the short term and 50 years from now. Write a 300-500 word essay on either of these topics providing clear examples. Send your completed editorial to NewsHour Extra (extra@newshour.org). Exceptional essays might be published on our Web site. |