David Shepardson / Detroit News Washington Bureau
Detroit -- Car-loving California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has long been at odds with Detroit's Big Three automakers, on Monday embraced the struggling industry, endorsed additional government assistance to domestic automakers and even offered to film a commercial for U.S auto companies at no charge.
"Detroit is going to be back, and Detroit is a leading force in the car industry and worldwide," he said at the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress at Cobo Center. "Right now, they are going through some painful times. For anyone who says, 'Leave them here, don't help them' is a huge amount of nonsense talk because the fact of the matter is we all need to help Detroit."
Schwarzenegger -- who once drew so much scorn in Michigan he prompted a billboard that read: "Arnold to Michigan: Drop Dead" -- praised automakers and suggested that a compromise on national fuel efficiency standards was possible. He drew applause when he used one of his trademark lines from his series of "Terminator" movies: "The car industry is saying, 'I'll be back.' "
The California Republican, who owns 12 cars and flew to Detroit in his private plane -- at the SAE's expense -- also praised SUVs and the Hummer brand, urging GM not to sell it but to improve the technology.
Schwarzenegger compared the domestic auto industry to the Austrian skier Herman Maier, who wiped out in the 1998 Olympics, but recovered to win two gold medals in later races.
"This is the way it will be in the car industry. Yes, they are wiped out. Yes, they are down," Schwarzenegger said.
He offered to film a commercial for free to endorse U.S. cars.
"I want to help this industry get back on its feet as quickly as possible, and I want to do my share," he said.
He called for a government "Cash for Clunkers" program to get gas-guzzlers off the highways and spur new auto sales. Congress is considering a number of programs to give up to $4 billion in cash vouchers in exchange for turning in older, less-efficient vehicles.
"The car companies need help right now, and I think that they should get the help," he said.
"I think Washington should come in and be a partner in this. I think the taxpayers don't mind if you do that -- if you do it the right way."
The Republican governor said he was "very proud of Detroit" for working with the government. "We should not be at the mercy of the Middle East," he said, criticizing the United States for not having an energy policy.
California and 13 other states have sought a waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency to impose a 30 percent cut in tailpipe emissions by 2016.
Schwarzenegger didn't directly answer a question about whether California would compromise on slightly lower tailpipe emission requirements if they were made across the country, but he seemed to open the door to one.
"I think it is terrible for the car industry to have each state have their own regulations. We went in that direction simply because there was no leadership in Washington. Now, I think with the Obama administration, there is hope. I think they are interested in adopting our standards," Schwarzenegger said.
"I think all the states should do that. It's more clear for the car manufacturers that they only have to make one engine rather than for each state, adopting and adjusting to all those different regulations."
A self-described car lover, the governor said he converted two Hummers -- one to hydrogen and one to biofuel -- with General Motors Corp.'s help.
After a 30-minute question and answer session, Schwarzenegger toured the show. He sat in a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, looked over a Ford Fiesta and eyed a number of Honda motorcycles and advanced vehicles. He also checked out a Hummer that had been converted to electric power.
Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm praised Schwarzenegger's comments, calling them "very positive."
"He is supportive of the technologies that we are focused on here in creating jobs that will help lead the industry to fuel efficiency and to less greenhouse gas emissions," Granholm said. She praised his offer to film an ad. "We would take any offer from anyone who is willing to create demand for the American auto industry."
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