It is looking like it will be a big week for Detroit. The nation’s automakers are due back in Washington to hopefully conclude their welfare pandering.

Congress tells us, if General Motors (NYSE:GM), Ford (NYSE:F) or Chrysler want any federal money, they had better be able to produce a strong plan to show how the cash infusion will save their companies.

Again, that is what Congress tells us.

In reality, we know the Big Three can show up with a plan scribbled down on a cocktail napkin and the money will be theirs. Washington is merely politicizing the whole ordeal. It is all but certain that a sizeable check will be written, but nonetheless, Detroit has to put on a dog and pony show to make all of us taxpayers feel better about the ordeal.

Part of the show is coming from Ford today. It announced it is discussing the notion of unloading its Volvo stake, one of the strongest brands in the company’s product portfolio. A few years ago, the brand was valued at several billion dollars. Today, however, analysts estimate Volvo is worth somewhere around a billion dollars.

Do you really think Ford is willing to take the hit? Or is this merely pandering that makes the company look like it is taking action before it heads to Washington this week?

One big, expensive chess match

Volvo is simply a pawn in Ford’s political chess game against Washington. It has absolutely no intent on unloading one of its strongest brands.

While these games are important for shareholders to watch, what is more important is watching what share price does during these so-called news events. Today’s news about Volvo barely moved share price.  Wall Street knows it is a sham.

We know Detroit will get its cash. We know Ford will remain the nation’s strongest automaker. And we know the debate surrounding the industry will continue for a long, long time.

In late October, when shares of Ford were trading for just about $2, I recommended buying shares of the company. After all, it was a chance to buy a Blue Chip company at penny stock prices.

Shares of Ford are still cheap, but they are selling for a 50% premium over my original recommendation. Take today’s news as an invitation to sell your shares for a profit.

Ford still has an opportunity to make significant long-term gains, but right now the risk outweighs the potential reward. It is best to lock in these significant gains and wait out the storm.

There are better ways to make money while Washington and Detroit play their games.

Source: Making money: Ford (NYSE:F) hands us 50% gain