And for 2012, I do solemnly resolve ...
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Resolutions we may -- or may not -- hear for 2012:
Alan Mulally, Ford Motor Co. CEO: Even though Boeing never sold luxury aircraft, I will embrace the idea of a luxury brand for Ford and wholeheartedly commit to making Lincoln a success.
Dan Akerson, General Motors CEO: Like a presidential candidate, I'll mind my tongue and be diplomatic. No more dancing on the grave of the inferior and obviously doomed Lincoln.
Scott Painter, TrueCar CEO: I'll buy a flak jacket.
Ray LaHood, U.S. secretary of transportation: I'll let the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration start to speak for itself. No more hogging the microphone, especially while I'm driving.
Angela Merkel, chancellor of Germany: I will accept that Opel is stronger as part of General Motors than it would be as an independent automaker and support policies in line with that view.
Tamara Darvish, vice president of DARCARS Automotive Group and co-author of Outraged: How Detroit and the Wall Street Car Czars Killed the American Dream: Next time I'll try writing a romance novel, and I'll name the vampire Steven Rattner.
Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Chrysler/Fiat: Now that things are under better control, I'll cut back my workweek to 23/7, stop making off-the-cuff sales predictions and buy a red sweater to celebrate.
Bob King, president of the UAW: I'll keep trying to organize a transplant, keeping in mind that when a UAW member goes to a dealership it should be to buy a car or have one serviced, not to walk a picket line.
Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota Motor Corp.: With any luck, I'll be able to stop apologizing and spend more time on the racetrack.
Martin Winterkorn, chairman of Volkswagen Group: I'll be more sensitive, caring and giving in all my relationships -- and sell VW's stake in Suzuki Motor.
Osamu Suzuki, chairman of Suzuki Motor Corp.: The next time I have a tiff with an automotive partner, I'll see a marriage counselor.
