California may not be the most car-friendly state in the union, but California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger voiced his support for the Detroit automakers on Monday. Schwarzenegger made his remarks at the opening session of the Society of Automotive Engineers convention.
Schwarzenegger is not known for being a supporter of the Big Three, but said he was in favor of more government funding to keep the Detroit-area automakers up and running. “We all need to help Detroit,†he told The Detroit News. “Right now; they are going through some painful times.”
“Detroit is going to be back,” he added.
Schwarzenegger also voiced his support for a government-backed ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program. Several countries in Europe – such as Germany and Europe — have already begun such incentive programs, with new car sales responding favorably. In fact, Germany’s program has seen some automakers realize a 40 percent spike in new car sales.
But despite the governor’s support, California remains one of the biggest thorns in the Big Three’s side. California – along with 13 other states – is currently lobbying the EPA for the right to mandate its own emissions regulations. If California gets its way, it could cost the Big Three millions to meet the patchwork of regulations.
