Question about the auto industry??

[maseman]

GM, Ford and Chrysler are all hurting. But won't people need cars in the future? Cars and trucks are designed to last about 5 to 8 years before they start deteriorating depending on how much they are driven. Are people no longer going to buy any new cars? I know it is a slow down now but what about in one year or 18 months from now?

Second question is if people are significantly going to slow down buying new cars isn't that going to really help dealerships with used car/truck sales? That is even more profitable for them then selling new ones. Plus it seems the after-market care market such as tires, brakes, oil changes, tune-ups plus full-fledged auto body/engine shops will be a booming business with so many old vehicles to fix.

I guess I am looking for some silver lining to the big three going down the toilet.

(If you saw this in GDP...sorry. I meant to post in GD.)