Obama does victory lap for American auto industry

President Barack Obama landed in MI shortly after noon today and prepared for a day of celebrating the resurgence of Detroit and the domestic auto industry.

In an advisory Sunday, the White House said Obama during his trip will see “the remarkable progress made by the city, its people and neighborhoods”. On hand to greet the president were Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan; U.S. Rep. John Conyers, D-Detroit; and Wayne County Executive Warren Evans.

The Obama administration provided an additional $57 billion in taxpayer support and assembled an automotive task forced that helped to shepherd the two automakers through Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Americans bought almost 17.5 million cars and trucks, up about 6 percent from 2014 and higher than the previous record of 17.4 million set in 2000, according to figures from sales tracker Autodata.

Weeks before Obama took office Congress rejected an auto loans package after many Republicans and some Democrats opposed it.

“Some said it was too late to turn things around”. The meeting followed Obama’s order on Saturday for federal aid for the state and local response efforts in Genesee County, which includes Flint. “Critics said it was a “road to socialism, ‘ or a ‘disaster” waiting to happen”.

During his speech, Obama praised the strength of the auto industry in Detroit, and the quality of the vehicles.

It’s unclear what parts of Detroit Obama will visit.