As the already-battered U.S. auto industry struggles to keep its doors open during the growing economic recession, the financial and workforce value of ergonomic car pushers will become increasingly important. Doom and gloom seem to headline news about the auto industry.In a bid to prop up troubled domestic automakers, governors from six states heavily invested in the auto industry — Michigan, Ohio, Delaware, Kentucky, New York and South Dakota — petitioned the U.S. Treasury and Federal Reserve for help. “The auto industry; their network of suppliers, vendors, dealers and other businesses; and the communities that rely on those businesses face unimaginable challenges — challenges we urge you to help address,” the governors wrote.Over the past decade, U.S. automakers have been fighting a losing battle against tough competition from foreign car companies, particularly Honda and Toyota. Faltering automakers General Motors and Chrysler are talking merger in order to stay alive, though financing could present a major stumbling block. Although tens of thousands of jobs would be lost in a merger, industry experts agree that a merger is preferable to the even greater disaster that would occur should either company collapse.But automakers aren’t the only ones feeling the pinch. U.S. auto dealers are also struggling; and particularly in areas glutted with dealers, many are being forced to scale back or close their doors. Nationally, new car sales are down 13% from last year, with sales expected to continue dropping as people cut expenses and harbor their cash during the impending recession. The National Automobile Dealers Association has asked President Bush to consider issuing refundable consumer tax credits for new car and truck purchases or instituting a program that would entice consumers to upgrade their vehicles.The bottom line is that all players in the auto industry, from monster auto makers to small-town dealers, are going to have to make their operations leaner and meaner. Turning to ergonomically-designed, fuel-smart car pushers specifically designed for the automotive industry can reap significant savings. Ergonomically-designed car pushers are proven to reduce expensive musculoskeletal injuries and their attendant medical, insurance and workers compensation costs. And ergonomic equipment allows a single worker to accomplish a greater workload, increasing production efficiency and reducing personnel costs. Battery and electric-powered car pushers also saves big bucks in fuel and maintenance costs compared to diesel or gas-powered car pushers. Studies show that ergonomic equipment pays for itself in a single year. After that, it’s all gravy!To find out how an ergonomic car pusher can improve your bottom line, talk to the experts at DJ Products.