Honda opens new U.S. plant as Detroit seeks bailout

"The politics around the transplants is nothing like the politics around the U.S. auto industry. Yet everyone recognizes they create jobs, they certainly add to economic prosperity in the U.S.," Cooper said. "But with the Big Three there is almost a symbolism attached to them, especially GM."

Cooper said it is too simplistic to say a bailout of Detroit is bad for the Japanese automakers -- because they, too, rely on suppliers that may go out of business if one of the Big Three fails. Besides, she said, the transplants seem to cope well even when the playing field is not level.

While the Big Three once dominated the U.S. market, their market share has declined to about 48 percent through October, compared to about 35 percent for Honda, Toyota and Nissan combined, according to industry figures.

In Greensburg, at least, that share may be poised to rise.

"Every car I buy will be a Honda from here on in," said Honda worker Brian Hopkins, 40, with a laugh.

In downtown Greensburg, realtor Melanie Hartman also celebrated the prosperity Honda has brought to her town. Home rentals are up, and she thinks sales will pick up in the spring when an additional 900 workers are set to begin at the plant.

"Our economy here is better than most of the country," said Hartman, who opposes a Detroit bailout.

"The American people still look at those Big Three as closer to their heart," she said. "The younger generation will go for the price and efficiency and (Honda) is what appeals to them. Then it will change."

(Additional reporting by David Bailey in Detroit; editing by Mohammad Zargham)