Perception is still a problem for the Detroit Three, despite the fact that their factories have improved remarkably, says a veteran auto analyst.

“It seems that they really hate us out there; It’s like everybody bought a 1976 Volare--and they’re still mad about it,” said James Harbour, a widely respected industry expert, referring to the homely Plymouth.

Harbour, a former Ford and Chrysler worker who rose to the executive ranks, is one of the most candid and well-known experts in the car business. Speaking at a breakfast in downtown Detroit to promote his new autobiography, Factory Man, he offered blunt assessments of the state of the industry.

Most notably, he finds that General Motors and Ford to have a sound manufacturing base--in stark contrast to 30 years ago.

“Today . . . Ford and GM are on par with Toyota, without exception,” he said.

But Chrysler’s future is murkier, according to Harbour. “I don’t know how they can survive,” he said.

The straight-shooting analyst first rose to prominence nearly 30 years ago with the Habour Report, which has become one of the most authoritative updates on auto manufacturing.

He also sounded off on the role of government, saying Europeans and Asians are much more supportive of their car industries.

“We have done everything we can to kick the automobile manufacturing in the ass,” Harbour said.

He does see a silver lining if the market can return to a level of at least 15 million in annual sales, noting that car companies have done a solid job of cutting costs. Then, he optimistically says the auto business will be “like minting money.”

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