Vision of Ford without the UAW

The increase in automation is the answer to auto production in the US; it requires less payroll and benefits.

Good for starters but there's more to it. Cars need to be simplified, adopt the new engines and new materials, and be less expensive.

All along with more fuel efficient vehicles.

Ford has the best SUV hybrid of any of the US mfrs. The Escape is no 1 for its class. Its a great little car.

The thing that Detroit and Dearborn Need is D_E_S_I_G_N. The sequence for design to production is too long and the designers need some creativity shoved up their asses. (That includes several new engine lines). Robots are neat but they need to be programed by the meat computer

When it works, though, it can be a job saver for those still working at the auto plants. Japan uses a lot of robotics, and they seem to still make quality stuff.

The electric drivetrain may be the answer you're looking for. The electric motor is much simpler than the ICE.

There is a version of a hybrid that uses an ICE to charge the batteries, that would allow you to have an entirely electric drivetrain, but still retain the flexibility of a hybrid vehicle.

I don't think the auto companies are in favor of a less complicated vehicle. The simpler the autos become, and the fewer parts are used, the less profit there is in parts.

What you want is that EESTOR super capacitor and then a carbon fibre car with electric motors on the wheels and no transmission.

we use robotics in just about every form of manufacturing assembly and painting and etc.
I was watching a tour through the MARTIN Guitar Co, and they use robots to apply the various coats of lacquers . That keeps the lacquering constant.

Nice.