Honda exec red-flags Detroit 3 aid.(News)

Byline: Harry Stoffer

A proposal that would give tax credits to the Detroit 3 for researching fuel-saving technology - even if they don't have taxable income - is "covert protectionism,'' a top Honda executive says.

"It creates a very unlevel playing field'' for import-brand automakers, said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co.

Contrary to common assumptions, Mendel said, the Japanese government does not subsidize Honda research. U.S. incentives for energy-saving technology should be available to all automakers, "not just a few,'' he told Automotive News.

Industry help?

The tax credit proposal is part …