Automakers Shift Into High Gear

It's exciting to see America's Big Three automakers finally realize that by working together they can achieve goals they only thought about in the past ((Business, Dec. 13)). It would serve their best interests -- and those of corporate America -- if they would consult with the blue-collar workers at all levels to help make a turnaround happen.

Bob Bilow Watertown, New York

There is no doubt that American-made cars are improving in quality. There is also no doubt that when it comes to a new $20,000 car, the Japanese offer a far superior product. But the U.S. should not be afraid of foreign competition. Hard work and perseverance should put American-made products back on top by the year 2000.

Douglas B. Levy New York City

Detroit may boast about its increasing share of the U.S. auto market, but the real benefits will come when exports increase. American automakers need to learn one more lesson from the Japanese: how to build from the ground up a car tailored to the needs of the world's other great markets and bring home the bacon.

Mark P. Hirsh New York City

The Europeans and Japanese are still miles ahead of Detroit in technology, aesthetics and ergonomics. Most of the cars coming out of Detroit look like cheap knock-offs of better-made foreign models. The bottom line is that the Big Three still can't build good cars. They don't have to; they'll always have the customer with the buy-American mentality to fall back on.

Bill Ceccotti Oradell, New Jersey

When you travel to Mexico, you will notice on the back window of Ford cars a sticker that reads el futuro de mexico es hecho en mexico, which translates, ''The future of Mexico is made in Mexico.'' If America intends to survive as an industrial power, its motto should be, ''The future of the U.S. is made in the U.S.''

Fay Malissa Philadelphia