Charles Gibson joined the Action News team for a special Automotive Town Hall Meeting to discuss the future of the auto industry in Michigan. The one-hour town hall meeting focused on critical issues facing the American automotive industry including health care and foreign trade practices.

The program featured Action New anchor Stephen Clark and Editorial Director Chuck Stokes. The studio audience included blue and white collar auto workers, auto suppliers, laid-off workers, auto engineering students and auto company retirees.

Click here to watch video of the Automotive Town Hall Meeting

Click here to watch the post-show webcast
with Chuck Stokes and a pannel of audience members

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow: Debbie Stabenow made history in 2000 when she became the first woman from the State of Michigan elected to the United States Senate. She has become one of Michigan’s most influential and accomplished leaders, leading the fight on jobs and manufacturing issues, and becoming the Senate’s “go to” person on the issue of health care and prescription drugs.



GM Chief Economist G. Mustafa Mohatarem: G. Mustafa Mohatarem has been chief economist of General Motors since 1995. He serves on GM's Public Policy Center and its European advisory and corporate risk management committees. The economics team he heads assesses worldwide economic developments and provides advice on economic policy and competitive issues.



Chrysler VP of Communications Jason Vines: Jason Vines was appointed Vice President - Communications for the Chrysler Group in 2003. He is responsible for Chrysler Group Corporate and Product Communication worldwide, as well as Internal Communication.





Ford VP of Communications Charlie Holleran: Charlie Holleran was appointed Ford Motor Company's vice president and chief communications officer in June 2004. In this position, Holleran is responsible for devising and implementing a wide range of communications strategies for all of the company's external and internal audiences. He also leads the Company's global Public Affairs staff, which has the responsibility for developing and executing Ford's internal and external communications.


U of M's Center for Auto Research - David Cole: David Cole is the Chairman of the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He was formerly Director of the Office for the Study of Automotive Transportation (OSAT) at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. He has worked extensively on internal combustion engines, vehicle design, and overall automotive industry trends. Dr. Cole received his B.S.M.E., M.S.M.E. and Ph.D from the University of Michigan.


Union Leader Buzz Hargrove, President CAW: Buzz Hargrove became the National President of the Canadian Auto Workers trade union in 1992. He also serves as a Vice-President on the executive committee of the Canadian Labour Congress. In 1998, he co-authored the book Labour of Love: The Fight to Create a More Humane Canada with Wayne Skene.




UAW Legislative Affairs - Alan Reuther: The Legislative Department of the UAW represents the interests of workers on Capitol Hill. In addition to lobbying members of Congress, the department works closely with National CAP and other departments to inform, educate and mobilize UAW members around legislative proposals that affect their lives.