More perspective offered on Arkansas ties to auto industry

On Nov. 20, The City Wire posted a story about how what is happening to the U.S. auto industry will eventually be felt in the Fort Smith region — with or without a federal bailout of the big three automakers.

A bailout remains uncertain and there are many educated guesses as to what a bailout might include. Loan guarantees? Bankruptcy protections? Some have suggested a bailout package could be a cross between a bankruptcy and a bailout. Talk about your weird hybrids coming out of Detroit.

Congress has sent the CEO’s of the big three automakers (General Motors, Ford Motor Co., and Chrysler) back to Detroit until they can come up with a plan on how they restructure their ailing companies with federal help.

The Arkansas News Bureau, owned by Las Vegas-based Stephens Media, posted a story Friday (Nov. 28) about how the auto industry is linked to Arkansas jobs.

The story, by reporter John Lyon, notes that Arkansas is home to about 70 auto-industry related operations with an annual combined revenue of $47 million.

The story also provides perspective from the state’s trucking industry: “There is no question that if one or more of our auto manufacturers filed bankruptcy or otherwise ceased business, that it would have tremendous ripple effects on manufacturing and distribution companies throughout the country, including Arkansas,” said Lane Kidd, president of the Arkansas Trucking Association, which represents trucking companies statewide, many of which transport vehicles and parts across the nation.