They most definitely are controlling decisions. Maybe not all decisions, like red stitching or black... but things like EPA, CAFE standards, to "safety standards. To put conditions on how monies are to be spent, and paid back. Even down to scolding the CEOs of the Big three for flying in on private jets. Guess what next time, these guys who make millions of dollars ended up driving in in hybrids, for the dog and pony show.
They were strong armed after receiving money from Uncle Sam to sell off or get rid of some of their brands, making a leaner, newer company.
Funny how zero talk came up of offing Saturn or Pontiac, until after they took or agreed to take Government money.
Like it or not, the government's hands are all over the business of the car industry right now.
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Honda Racing Corporation specifications