CENTRAL OHIO -- The U.S. Senate said no to the multi-billion-dollar auto-bailout deal.
Ohio Senators George Voinovich and Sherrod Brown voted yes on the $14-billion loan package to save General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler from filing bankruptcy.
The auto-bailout deal fell apart. The Bush Administration may use bank rescue funds to save the Big 3 from imminent collapse.
How does this impact Central Ohioans and their families?
NBC 4's Tanya Hutchins reported on at why it matters to you.
Matilda Zamora recently bought a new Buick Park Avenue.
"The car is a need, especially for older people. We need a good car," Zamora said.
Zamora was one of 10 customers Haydocy has sold to this week. Overall, dealership sales are down 50 percent, and GM planned to cut production of 250,000 vehicles.
"When GM has a cold, we have pneumonia. When GM is on life support, we barely have a pulse," Chris Haydocy said. Haydocy is the president of Haydocy Automotive.
GM's vice president sent a letter to all dealerships Friday that said auto companies and dealers must be prepared to make the meaningful concessions necessary to become viable.
Howard Stepp worked for GM for 30 years and is giving back now. He purchased a vehicle at Haydocy Friday.
"They fed me for 30 years, and they're still feeding me," Stepp said.
Haydocy said it's an emotional time for all dealers.
"It's every dealer across the country. Without a GM, there's no long-term future," Haydocy said.
Friday, GM said it will temporarily close 20 North American factories, some for the entire month of January. GM said normal production would have been about 750,000 cars and trucks in the first quarter of the year. That'll be reduced by a third.
All automakers are facing deep cuts in production.
Honda will be producing 39,000 less cars and trucks than it originally planned, at least through the fiscal year ending March 31.
On days when there's no production, workers still will be able to go into the plant for training or maintenance or they can take vacations with or without pay.
Shelly Worstell works for Honda's office support but has friends in production.
"From what I've heard, they're not overly concerned, but yes, it is a concern. It's gonna concern you," Worstell said.
Honda didn't say when nonproduction days will take effect but did say adjustments will be necessary to deal with lower demand.
Workers were glad Honda has performed so well in the past -- unlike the Big 3.
Haydocy remained hopeful the tide would turn soon.
"Optimistic that there's some degree of wisdom in D.C. and they take the right steps to protect the engine that has been driving the economy for the last 100 years," Haydocy said.
The good news: Lenders are approving car loans, and customers are driving off the lot in brand-new cars.
Dealerships just need more customers like Zamora.
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