But for domestic auto makers, today's decision was a defeat.
The three domestic auto makers set truck sales records for April.
The large domestic auto makers were among the biggest beneficiaries because they used foreign parts.
Between them, the domestic auto makers lost $1.85 billion in the first quarter because of weak sales.
The domestic auto makers have done much to cut costs and improve quality in the seven years since the last big downturn.
The domestic auto makers later abandoned the plan for many reasons, including the Administration's doubts.
The domestic auto makers are caught in a classic bind.
It is a problem, in fact, for all domestic makers, who have lost a whole generation of buyers to Japanese vehicles.
The Soviet Government is the only domestic maker of blades.
The domestic auto makers have faced slumping sales for more than a year.