KIRKSVILLE, MO -- The House of Representatives passed the 14 billion dollar emergency loan package for the struggling American automakers, but it’s still unclear if the Senate will do the same.
In Kirksville, Lovegreen Ford says their sales have dropped about 30% since last year. That’s about the national average.
Most foreign automakers have seen a similar decrease in U.S. sales over the past year.
Bill Lovegreen says they haven’t made any layoffs and the owner says he’s hopeful the bailout will pass.
“I think the American people really do want American people to build American cars in America. Right now we’re dealing with a perception issue because people aren’t sure which way it’s going to go,” Owner Bill Lovegreen said.
Lovegreen says their warranty costs have decreased significantly which is a sign that the cars are more reliable than ever.
He says sales are the worst they’ve ever been. “It’s one of those valleys we don’t want to see very often. We’ll get through it, but it’s a challenge,” Lovegreen said.
Both Chrysler and General Motors say they might have to declare bankruptcy before the end of the year if the bail out doesn’t go through. Ford is in slightly better shape.
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