Ottawa -- In his article on Ford's new flexible-manufacturing plant in Chicago, Greg Keenan correctly points out that Ford has fallen behind Toyota in manufacturing technique (Ford's Chicago Plant Gets Flexible As Firm Chooses A Different Road For Its Survival -- Aug. 19). He might have added that Ford, like GM and DaimlerChrysler, has also fallen behind in product as well.

Toyota surpassed Ford in sales this year. It may just be a coincidence, but Toyota models are among the most fuel-efficient and least polluting vehicles on the market. It is clear that environmental responsibility and success go hand in hand at Toyota.

Let's hope the politicians in Ottawa and Queen's Park keep that in mind and demand efficient, low-emission vehicles in return for the hundreds of millions in tax dollars they will be handing out to Ford and GM.