Auto Bailout Fallout Continues

If you were not a fan of the bailouts of the auto companies and their union pension funds, it seems you’re not alone. Fifty-four percent of Americans say they are less likely to buy a General Motors car because the federal government is the auto maker’s majority owner.

A new national telephone survey, conducted by Rasmussen Reports, found that 27% of Americans say they or someone they know has avoided buying a GM car because of the bailout and government take over.

The bailout story has been helpful to one of the Big Three U.S. automakers however. Ford, who did not seek a government bailout, has gained the support of 55% of Americans who are more likely to buy a Ford car based on this reason. In fact 18% say they or someone they know has bought a Ford car simply because the company did not take any bailout funding. ◆