How would you save the auto industry?

Crandall, a urban planner and landscape architect, said he was recently laid off and spends his days driving to interviews in his 1993 Toyota Celica.

"Even last night, I was looking at cars and didn't even bother going to any American company," he said. "Honda and Toyota are known as the most fuel-efficient and not many American cars can come close."

James Arseneau, owner of a commercial van dealership in Elmhurst, Ill., said that's only part of the problem. He said November was his second-worst month in 20 years.

His solution: Woo potential buyers.

"You can make these factories as green and modern as possible," Arseneau said. "But if they don't sell vehicles it will all be a waste. Help out the buyer, who then helps out the dealer, who then helps out the manufacturer. Give a 10 percent refund, not tax break, to U.S. customers who buy an American vehicle, both used and new. So if a customer buys a $30,000 Ford, either new or used, they will receive a refund of $3,000 along with all the deals from the dealer and manufacturer. You have to get people buying again. Fixing the plants won't get people to buy now."

Other readers and their ideas:

• "The American auto industry is an integral part of our economy and should be saved. But they have to be willing to tighten their belts and do business in a way that is profitable. They must protect their commitments to retirement and pensions plans while increasing productivity. ... Run lean and efficient production plants like Toyota and Honda. Let us save the auto industry, but help us be confident that you are willing to change with the times so we can support you in sales and loans and buying stock."
  — Stephen P. Sanders, La Verkin, Utah
• "They need to structure bankruptcies to promise service and warrantees and parts. Any rescue funds should only go for new, innovative, high-mileage, safe vehicles; not to subsidize business as usual."
  — Tom Nelson, Canaan, Maine
• "The companies need to get a better grip on what's going on and aim their products to the consumers. The auto industry needs to reinvent itself in a more positive manner. There should be a point that the auto industry become more green in their thinking and think out of the oil companies' box. Maybe a hybrid that uses compressed air technology and small gas engine or electric motor should be included."
  — Daniel R. Cunliffe, Florida
• "We should require any company receiving federal aid to file for bankruptcy protection, then void all existing union contracts and fire top executives. Ensure any business plan is viable, and if so, provide whatever funds are necessary to get them 'over the hump.' "
  —Art Conover, Doylestown, Pa.
• "They should be completely streamlined. i.e., Ford should manufacture trucks, Cadillac should produce luxury sedans, Buick should produce mid-size economy cars, etc. The America car companies produce far too many makes and models — less is more and definitely more "green."
  — Melissa Quesenberry, Florida
• "Establish a "$5,000 tax credit on new Big Three purchases through next year and make interest on loans on vehicles tax deductible. I work at a GM dealership and we need to move cars."
  — Wayne Leach, Greenwood, Ind.
• "All top and mid-level executives should take a 50 percent salary cut. No golden parachutes and no bonuses now and in the future. Government should allow interest on vehicle purchases and other personal property to be tax deductible. There should not be any reservation clauses or other hidden perks allowed in the proposal."
  — Daniel L. Byers, Nunica, Mich.

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