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Obama: Free trade agreements will boost US auto industry

President Barack Obama addresses an audience of auto workers at the GM Orion Assembly Plant, as South Korean president Lee Myung-bak (wearing a Detroit Tigers baseball cap) looks on.
(photo by Steve Carmody/Michigan Radio)
President Barack Obama addresses an audience of auto workers at the GM Orion Assembly Plant, as South Korean president Lee Myung-bak (wearing a Detroit Tigers baseball cap) looks on.

 In southeast Michigan today, President Obama said free trade agreements passed this week by Congress will lead to more jobs and more economic opportunities.   

Obama and South Korean president Lee Myung-bak toured GM’s Orion assembly plant.   Obama says the new South Korea trade agreement should boost U.S. auto sales in Asia. 

"Well you know, if Americans can buy Kias and Hyundai’s from Korea…then I know Koreans should be able to buy some Fords and Chryslers and Chevys…that are made right here in the United States of America," Obama said, drawing hearty cheers from an audience of auto workers.   

President Obama shared the stage with the new Chevrolet Sonic, a subcompact designed in South Korea.

 

 

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.