The H2 Infrastructure: What Needs to Happen Next

The timer has been reset for Detroit — precious billions to spread around for a couple months until the new administration assumes power and rolls up the sleeves for the real work on how to keep the doors open and keep building cars dreamed up by American-based companies. Detroiters across the region are sighing in relief this weekend as the Bush admin choked up the cash. It’s a metaphor for the strung out family member that gets a little extra just because it’s... Read More

Season’s Greetings: Mercedes at Bar Boulud

A festive red Mercedes-Benz GL350 caught passerbys attention on Broadway and 62nd Street on a balmy December Monday in front of Bar Boulud in New York City. The occasion was Mercedes-Benz annual press luncheon inside the casual bistro, where about 50 journalists and company reps converged to talk a tiny bit of shop and toast the season. While the mood was more anticipatory than in year’s past with the economic swings hitting automobile and media companies this week, guests... Read More

Congressmen, Why Don’t You Drive a Chevy Malibu?

Senators, please. Or, like they say on the mean streets, put your money where your mouth is. Stop hating on American cars, especially when it’s clear you don’t drive them. If you did, you would see that the myth that Americans don’t make American cars is that — an unfortunate longstanding myth. Indeed, American car companies know how to make a decent family car. In fact, American car companies make some really good family cars. And while these cars are... Read More

Detroit, I Want to Come Home

John Simpson originally published this piece in the editorial section of the Michigan Chronicle. He shares his sentiments and struggles with his hometown Detroit on GoTryke.com. For decades, the city of Detroit was synonymous with African American Pride. It was a city, unlike many other cities, where you could see other black folks. Folks just like you and me, in positions of power. In positions traditionally reserved for whites. Detroit had black mayors, black police chiefs... Read More

Their Side of It: The Ford Story

Though the healthiest of the U.S. automakers, Ford makes the case for government support on this new micro site. True to form, Ford has been relying on longterm planning established over the last two years. They have been open with their vision in an effort to change public perception. For several years, Ford has invited journalists on embargoed annual visits to Detroit to unveil a strategy as a mandate for stronger product, and more recently a green approach with regular regional... Read More

What to Do at Britney’s Birthday Bash

We couldn’t pass up the tempting invitation to Britney Spears’ 27th birthday at Tenjune. The street surrounding the club was a zoo fitting for the release of her new album — Circus — complete with stilted figures. We arrived early to avoid the guest list rush and were soon joined by an eager group of Britney’s crew, label executives and lucky guests. Sipping on fruity cocktails, watching a contortionist pretzel and a yellow boa writhe, the hours flew.... Read More