2. The Car Czar
Advisor to President Obama
Roger Penske for Car Czar!
The buzz: President-elect Obama wants to name a "car czar" who would "have the authority" to aid the companies and push for reforms. First name to surface as a potential candidate was Daniel Tarullo, a Georgetown University law professor who is very well versed on the workings of the industry.
Motor Trend endorses: Roger Penske. He's a mega-dealer/race team owner, two businesses that are seriously feeling the pain of the global recession. He's also United States importer for Daimler's smart cars, a brand with an eco-friendly, fuel-efficient image. More important, Penske is a gasoline-in-the-veins car guy who's also a crackerjack businessman.
Issue: Penske is said to lean toward conservative Republicanism.
Why that's not important: First, Obama's pledge to take government beyond politics. And Penske has worked with Democratic governments before. He's worked with Detroit politicians to organize Super Bowl XL and help revitalize the city.
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