That classic Jerry Reed song from the Smoky and the Bandit songtrack sums up where the Motor City and its legendary tool and die industry is heading these days.

After having a front row seat to the “Not Invented Here” syndrome for so long, I am optimistic that the time is now for new ideas from entrepreneurs.

There is a well-written article in the June 2009 issue of Wired magazine titled “Beyond Detroit”. This article speaks about how the Detroit Three must embrace innovation from startups in order to survive beyond the government loans and bankruptcy restructuring.

I have been waiting two decades for this. I see a stronger, consumer-centric American automotive industry emerging from the current state of disaster. But only if the Detroit Three leadership embraces outside ideas and technologies.

I have been an outside insider for a long time waiting for a shot. That time is now. This cowboy will put the hammer down and give it hell.