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I like American cars. And I would do nothing to hurt the U.S. auto industry.

Growing up in the Midwest, people don't drive Porsches and Ferraris. They drive Fords and Chevys. And so even if you have the opportunity to buy a more expensive car, it doesn't occur to you because it's not what you relate to.

People who think it doesn't matter who owns our auto industry are flat wrong.

Folks, you're the reason that the automobile industry is back. Whether it was the wage freezes, the plant closures, folks, you sacrificed to keep your companies open. Because of your productivity, the combined auto companies have committed to invest another $23 billion in expansion in America.

It has seemed, at times, like American carmakers think car buyers are so blindly loyal that they will keep coming back - despite the sticker shock - for crummy cars that guzzle gas, fall apart too soon, and cost too much to repair.

Buying a car used to be an experience so soul-scorching, so confidence-splattering, so existentially rattling that an entire car company was based on the promise that you wouldn't have to come in contact with it.

I believe the auto industry is a competition of human resources, competition of funding, competition of technology - and the competition is international.

I have a lot of respect for the auto manufacturers. They make a product people live inside - and can die inside - so they are held to very high standards.

Indian car buyers have not really been exposed to customer care in a competitive environment.