I’m not so sure what to make of this. Ford, Nissan and Tesla Motors are rumored to be in line for government loans in order to develop “green” technology.

Dozens of auto companies, suppliers and battery makers have sought a total of $38 billion from the loan program. Ford has asked to receive $5 billion in loans by 2011, but it was unclear how much money the automaker would receive. Nissan has applied for an undisclosed amount of assistance, while Tesla has sought $450 million.

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The loans were designed to help the auto manufacturers meet new fuel-efficiency standards of at least 35 miles per gallon by 2020, a 40 percent increase over current standards.

While they are not “bail out” loans I still feel a bit odd about this, especially since Ford had been pushing the whole “we don’t need loans” concept since last fall. It’s the “little engine that could” feeling. I want them to make it and even though this loan isn’t a bail out, per se, the fact they went to the bar for a drink is a wee bit disappointing to me.

Public appearance is a killer- the AIG execs having large parties right after receiving bailout money, the automotive CEOs taking private jets to beg congress for money, Eliot Spitzer getting nailed for… getting nailed…   Well, how about this one for you – the UAW owns and operates a Golf course and Lakeside retreat valued at roughly $39 million.  Better yet, the properties lost $23 million in the last 5 years.

This makes me wonder… where does the UAW leadership get off saying they will fight the White House on terms of the Auto Bailout simply because the White House demanded the firms cut worker compensation to be on par with other Auto Makers.

In agreeing to provide federal assistance to General Motors and Chrysler, the White House demanded the firms cut worker compensation to the levels paid at the U.S. divisions of Toyota, Nissan and Honda. But Ron Gettelfinger, president of the United Auto Workers, said earlier this week that he would seek to remove the wage-reduction provision of the loan, calling it “an undue tax on the workers” who have already made “major” sacrifices for the benefit of the auto industry. 

You don’t think the $23 million dollars lost in the last 5 years is an “undue tax on the workers”, do you Ron?  

As with my comments in the past, I want to be very clear – I have no problem with UAW workers but with their Officers.  If the UAW was truly concerned about the health of the organization, and the workers under their care, why not act like it?  

Why?  Because, as with the auto loans, it is easier to have someone pay for your problems….