Ronald Reagan Tours GM Project Saturn in Warren, Michigan on July 5, 1984

Words by President Reagan:

With the Saturn concept, as I’ve seen, General Motors is heading into the future not just with an idea of survival, but with an idea of triumph, and that’s the attitude that all American business should have. And I think we’re seeing more than that — more of that spirit that’s cropping up all over our country.

I’ve always had a faith that American business, working in cooperation with American labor, can meet and beat the combination [competition].\1\ (FOOTNOTE) And I say that I also speak from your standpoint; I think I’m the only one that’s ever held this job who is a lifetime union member — [laughter] — and six times president of my own union.

(FOOTNOTE) \1\White House correction.

And I have seen such miracles so far, and I feel like I’ve just been to the Pentagon — with the Chiefs of Staff over there, I can’t talk about that, either — [laughter] — so I can’t talk about all that I’ve seen.

But as inspiring as all of this and this great technological advancement that I’ve seen was that great advance that’s on that planning board over there. And I just — well, what I’ve seen has reaffirmed my faith in American business and American industry. And, my goodness, I can’t wait for the next summit meeting. [Laughter]

Note: The President spoke at 1:35 p.m. in Design Studio 3 at the center, after several briefings on the company’s Saturn project. Following his remarks, he was given the opportunity to test drive a prototype of the experimental automobile on the grounds of the center.      SOURCE: REAGANLIBRARY.GOV