http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs. ... /812290327

Auto crisis felt in Mexico, too
And bailout money is unlikely to go across the border.

By Alexandra Olson
of The Associated Press
MEXICO CITY — The U.S. auto bailout lifts the threat of imminent collapse from plants that have been a steady source of jobs in Mexico. But the rescue, backed by American taxpayers, is likely to slow investment in Mexico's auto industry, one of the fastest-growing in the world.

Lured by low labor costs, Detroit's automakers have been critical to an industry that now makes up 3 percent of Mexico's gross domestic product and accounts for a fifth of its exports. The 13 plants run by Ford, Chrysler and GM account for more than 50 percent of Mexico's auto production.

While nothing in the $17.4 billion U.S. government loan package prohibits it, expansion outside of the United States using taxpayer money would most likely lead to a huge backlash.

[color=blue]“They really need this money, so my guess is that they will try to stay away from making new investments in Mexico in the short term because it would look very bad,â€