I see your point about tariffs, and I agree that it could work - for the automakers.  For the overall health of the nation though, I am against protectionist policies like that.  Such a policy would drive up the cost of foreign-made cars, making them less affordable and less attractive than US offerings, true.  That hurts consumers though, who only want to buy the best car they can at the best price.  If the Detroit automakers are to succeed, they need to do it because they produce a competitive vehicle at a fair price, not because the government mandates it.