Why doesn't GM sell crack?

[ScrapMetal]

I read this today on an auto bloghttp://www.autoblog.com/catego...uring/

Basically it talks about how Toyota isn't selling any Tundras, so instead of sending all the workers home and closing down the plant, Toyota is using it's employees to help out in their community of San Antonio, TX, where the Tundra is built.

It reminded me of an essay I read in high school.http://www.michaelmoore.com/do....html

I don't like Michael Moore, but it's funny how American auto manufactures do close down plants here in the U.S. to save a buck, and Toyota, who is a Japanese company doesn't.

Please discuss.

[AZhitman]

Definitely a solid move on Toyota's part.

If the "Big Three" actually gave back to the community, Detroit wouldn't be the bunghole of America.

[nzmoman]

The Japanese work ethic living strong in America. Maybe its not all about that mighty dolla.

[Urabus GodofTraction]

GM Worker: Sorry guys, the union says we can't "clean, paint, and plant."

[Jesda]

GM ran a jobs bank for decades. When a plant idled, workers were paid to go do volunteer work, take care of their families, or just hang out.

Lets see what Toyota does when it has 5,000 paid employees who aren't contributing to the bottom line.

If I was a Toyota shareholder, I'd be pissed. This is a retarded waste of people who can otherwise do more productive tasks for other firms.

[srellim234]

I'm reminded of a move Mazda made in Japan years ago when the company was going under. Instead of layoffs they closed the plant, kept the workers on the payroll and sent them door-to-door to talk to people about their cars. The workers stressed that while the customer may not be looking for a car right now, the next time they did they wanted the person to consider Mazda.

Left them with a business card for the person to call when they were looking and assured them that they could call the worker to talk about the personal care and quality that would go into building their new car. It created a bond, putting a human face and assurances on the company for the consumer and put human faces and families in those cars for the workers.

It took a while, but eventually the company made it back. Sales recovered and the workers were motivated to improve quality. Very innovative idea and it actually did pay off for the company putting such a large "sales force" out on the streets.

[AZhitman]

Steve, I have an even better idea for GM:

Take all those employees who have nothing to do...

...send them out into the furthest reaches of the community to locate GM vehicles...

...and FIX THE **** THAT THEY DIDN'T BUILD RIGHT IN THE FIRST PLACE.

That'll foster some warm & fuzzy.

[Jesda]

It took a while, but eventually the company made it back. Sales recovered and the workers were motivated to improve quality. Very innovative idea and it actually did pay off for the company putting such a large "sales force" out on the streets.

Now THAT is freaking clever. <3 Mazda

[marlin29311]

Steve, I have an even better idea for GM:

Take all those employees who have nothing to do...

...send them out into the furthest reaches of the community to locate GM vehicles...

...and FIX THE **** THAT THEY DIDN'T BUILD RIGHT IN THE FIRST PLACE.

That'll foster some warm & fuzzy.

I think Ford should do the same...