Apology Sought From American Car Makers

With all the apologies requested from Japan for Pearl Harbor and from the United States for Hiroshima, it’s time the chief executives of the U.S. auto industry apologize to the American public, and especially the American auto worker, for losing the No. 1 spot to Japan.

The auto makers should apologize for the lemons they sold us in the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s and for the large salaries they collect for heading losing companies. One in particular who should apologize: Lee Iacocca, a CEO who took a million-dollar salary increase last year when his company lost more money than ever.

The critics of Japan should learn from Japanese CEOs. If they headed a losing company like Chrysler they would resign or take a pay cut--on a salary already below those of U.S. auto executives. So, Lee, don’t blame the Japanese for your incompetence.

LEE BRANDT

Burbank