Changes

The '''automobile''', or '''car''', was invented in 1885 by Karl Friedrich Benz, a German engineer. But it was [[Henry Ford]], an American, who made the automobile popular by mass-producing it on the world's first moving automotive [[assembly line]] in [[Detroit]], which became the "Automobile Capital of the World" by 1910.

The '''automobile''', or '''car''', was invented in 1885 by Karl Friedrich Benz, a German engineer. But it was [[Henry Ford]], an American, who made the automobile popular by mass-producing it on the world's first moving automotive [[assembly line]] in [[Detroit]], which became the "Automobile Capital of the World" by 1910.

The term "car" covers a wide variety of vehicles from "micro-city" cars to full sized body on frame pickup trucks.  For many they have become essential transportation. As an expensive status symbol they are widely [[Car color popularity|customizable]].   

The term "car" covers a wide variety of vehicles from "micro-city" cars to full sized body on frame pickup trucks.  For many they have become essential transportation. As an expensive status symbol they are widely customizable.   

The [[Recession of 2008]], extending into 2009, plunged the auto industry into chaos.  General Motors, long the dominant factor worldwide, lost tens of billions and entered bankruptcy in June 2009, as did Chrysler.  This led to government take overs of GM and Chrysler, but not Ford.  In the U.S. from 1970 to 2001, there were 760 cars and light trucks sold per 1000 drivers; in 2009 sales dropped to 400 per driver, and hundreds of factories and thousands of dealerships closed down, with hundreds of thousands of employees laid off.  The Japanese and European auto makers all lost billions of dollars, but none went bankrupt.

The [[Recession of 2008]], extending into 2009, plunged the auto industry into chaos.  General Motors, long the dominant factor worldwide, lost tens of billions and entered bankruptcy in June 2009, as did Chrysler.  This led to government take overs of GM and Chrysler, but not Ford.  In the U.S. from 1970 to 2001, there were 760 cars and light trucks sold per 1000 drivers; in 2009 sales dropped to nearly half that, and hundreds of factories and thousands of dealerships closed down, with hundreds of thousands of employees laid off.  The Japanese and European auto makers all lost billions of dollars, but none went bankrupt.

 

== Effect on societies ==

== Effect on societies ==

The automobile industry forced nations, starting with the [[United States]], to develop good streets and roads.  In the U.S. especially the industry created a vast network of new and used car dealers, repair shops, and [[gasoline|gas]] stations, not to mention GPS devices, [[motel]]s, drive-through windows, shopping malls, and many businesses catering to customers in autos.  The auto gave consumers a much wider geographical range, leading to the decline of isolated rural stores and the rise of small cities as regional market centers.  Automobiles enabled employees to commute to work without reference to [[bus]]es, [[tram|trolleys]] or [[train]]s, opening up the suburbs to settlement after 1945.

The automobile industry forced nations, starting with the [[United States]], to develop good streets and roads.  In the U.S. especially the industry created a vast network of new and used car dealers, repair shops, and [[gasoline|gas]] stations, not to mention GPS devices, [[motel]]s, drive-through windows, shopping malls, and many businesses catering to customers in autos.  The auto gave consumers a much wider geographical range, leading to the decline of isolated rural stores and the rise of small cities as regional market centers.  Automobiles enabled employees to commute to work without reference to [[bus]]es, [[tram|trolleys]] or [[train]]s, opening up the suburbs to settlement after 1945.

However, increased automobile use also added [[pollution]] to the air, led to a rise in injuries and fatalities in traffic accidents, took more land, and resulted in a rise in congestion on the roads.

However, increased automobile use has also added [[pollution]] to the air, led to a rise in injuries and fatalities in traffic accidents, took more land, and resulted in a rise in congestion on the roads. Although automobile fumes do cause an increase of smog in urban areas, they do not contribute to human-caused [[Climate Change]]. The [[Left]] generally opposes cars, claiming that they add to the issue of "[[Global Warming]]," while also claiming that those who do support cars are selfish and greedy. These arguments have been proven wrong on many occasions.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8Lo0ieyQtQ</ref>

The nation responded by motorizing its [[police]] forces and [[ambulance]] services.

The nation responded by motorizing its [[police]] forces and [[ambulance]] services.

* Willey and Rice concluded that during the fifteen years from the beginning of the Great War until the beginning of the Great Depression America underwent "a transformation of social habits" as a direct result of the widespread diffusion of the private automobile. Frederick Lewis Allen accused the automobile of accelerating the "revolution in manners and morals" underfoot in America in the nineteen-twenties.

* Willey and Rice concluded that during the fifteen years from the beginning of the Great War until the beginning of the Great Depression America underwent "a transformation of social habits" as a direct result of the widespread diffusion of the private automobile. Frederick Lewis Allen accused the automobile of accelerating the "revolution in manners and morals" underfoot in America in the nineteen-twenties.

* Eventually, the automobile became another mundane feature of modern life, with the [[auto showroom]], [[gasoline pump]], and the [[garage]] becoming fixtures in American life.  

* Eventually, the automobile became another mundane feature of modern life, with the [[auto showroom]], [[gasoline pump]], and the [[garage]] becoming fixtures in American life.  

* The trolley pushed the city outward to the suburbs. The auto provided an outlet for the suburbanite to venture outward farther into the countryside. [http://books.google.com/books?id=xtK10xWI8AQC&pg=PA1&lpg=PA1&dq=the+explosive+social+changes+brought+about+by+the+introduction+of+the+automobile&source=bl&ots=hKwPNmjrsC&sig=zk9RrBqt-R_CEHNp-7nQuSI0t7o&hl=en&ei=-_nKS-yvAsL48Aax1fD4BA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CBEQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q&f=false]

* The trolley pushed the city outward to the suburbs. The auto provided an outlet for the suburbanite to venture outward farther into the countryside. [https://books.google.com/books?id=xtK10xWI8AQC&pg=PA1&lpg=PA1&dq=the+explosive+social+changes+brought+about+by+the+introduction+of+the+automobile&source=bl&ots=hKwPNmjrsC&sig=zk9RrBqt-R_CEHNp-7nQuSI0t7o&hl=en&ei=-_nKS-yvAsL48Aax1fD4BA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CBEQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q&f=false]

== Manufacturers ==

== Manufacturers ==

==Industry trends==

==Industry trends==

The annual capacity of the industry is 17 million cars; sales in 2008 dropped to an annual rate of only 10 million vehicles made in the U.S. and Canada. All the automakers and their vast supplier network account for 2.3% of the U.S. economic output, down from 3.1% in 2006 and as much as 5% in the 1990s. Some 20% of the entire national manufacturing sector is still tied to the automobile industry.  The transplants can make a profit when sales are at least 12 million; the Big Three when sales are at least 15 million.<ref>Louis Uchitelle, "If Detroit Falls, Foreign Makers Could Be Buffer," [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/17/business/economy/17impact.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin ''New York Times,'' Nov. 16. 2008]</ref>

The annual capacity of the industry is 17 million cars; sales in 2008 dropped to an annual rate of only 10 million vehicles made in the U.S. and Canada. All the automakers and their vast supplier network account for 2.3% of the U.S. economic output, down from 3.1% in 2006 and as much as 5% in the 1990s. Some 20% of the entire national manufacturing sector is still tied to the automobile industry.  The transplants can make a profit when sales are at least 12 million; the Big Three when sales are at least 15 million.<ref>Louis Uchitelle, "If Detroit Falls, Foreign Makers Could Be Buffer," [https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/17/business/economy/17impact.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin ''New York Times,'' Nov. 16. 2008]</ref>

The "Big Three" (General Motors, Ford and Chrysler) have done poorly in recent years.  They have lost most of the market to imports and "transplants" (cars made in U.S. factories owned by foreign makes).  The first signs came when Volkswagen and Honda started importing cheap, well-made cars in the 1960s. Detroit convinced Congress to impose quotas, and the foreign companies responded by opening their own plants in the U.S.   

The "Big Three" (General Motors, Ford and Chrysler) have done poorly in recent years.  They have lost most of the market to imports and "transplants" (cars made in U.S. factories owned by foreign makes).  The first signs came when Volkswagen and Honda started importing cheap, well-made cars in the 1960s. Detroit convinced Congress to impose quotas, and the foreign companies responded by opening their own plants in the U.S.   

The Big Three had in recent years stressed expensive, fuel-guzzling SUVs and large pickups. They were much more profitable than smaller, fuel-efficient cars. When [[gasoline prices]] shot past US$4 per gallon in 2008, Americans stopped buying the big cars, and the Big Three saw their sales plummet.  The [[Financial Crisis of 2008]] played a role as no one was willing to loan GM the money to buy Chrysler. Consumer credit has tightened and it became much harder for people with average or poor credit to obtain a bank loan to buy a car, so sales fell further.  Stock prices fell as shareholders worried about bankruptcy; GM's shares fell to 1942 levels.  

The Big Three had in recent years stressed expensive, fuel-guzzling SUVs and large pickups. They were much more profitable than smaller, fuel-efficient cars. When [[gasoline prices]] shot past US$4 per gallon in 2008, Americans stopped buying the big cars, and the Big Three saw their sales plummet.  The [[Financial Crisis of 2008]] played a role as no one was willing to loan GM the money to buy Chrysler. Consumer credit has tightened and it became much harder for people with average or poor credit to obtain a bank loan to buy a car, so sales fell further.  Stock prices fell as shareholders worried about bankruptcy; GM's shares fell to 1942 levels.  

Intense debate in December 2008 focused on allowing bankruptcy or injecting billions more of federal aid in loans and buyouts; it would be in addition to a $25 billion loan Congress passed in September 2008 to assist in increasing fuel efficiency.  The Democrats in Congress supported president Bush's proposal to sue the fuel-efficiency loans to help with the immediate problem. It passed the House but Senate Republicans broke with Bush and it failed.  The opponents called for a bankruptcy that would allow GM to get out of its contracts to pay union members high wages, as well as generous pension sand medical benefits to retired workers.  Bush then acted unilaterally and decided to lend GM and Chrysler in [[Financial Crisis of 2008|TARP money]] on December 19. GM and Chrysler will got $13.4 billions in loans they can use to pay their suppliers.<ref>GM and Chrysler will receive $4 billion each when they sign the loan agreements with the Treasury. GM will have access to an addition $5.4 billion on Jan. 16 and another $4 billion on Feb. 17 provided that Congress has released the remaining $350 billion for the Treasury’s TARP rescue program.</ref> GM can receive another $4 billion in February, but by then the Obama administration will be in charge, and it is emphasizing the need for a long-range solution.<ref>David E. Sanger, David M. Herszenhorn and Bill Vlasic, “Bush Aids Detroit, but Hard Choices Wait for Obama,” [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/20/business/20auto.html?hp ''NewYork Times'' Dec. 19, 2008]</ref>  

Intense debate in December 2008 focused on allowing bankruptcy or injecting billions more of federal aid in loans and buyouts; it would be in addition to a $25 billion loan Congress passed in September 2008 to assist in increasing fuel efficiency.  The Democrats in Congress supported president Bush's proposal to sue the fuel-efficiency loans to help with the immediate problem. It passed the House but Senate Republicans broke with Bush and it failed.  The opponents called for a bankruptcy that would allow GM to get out of its contracts to pay union members high wages, as well as generous pension sand medical benefits to retired workers.  Bush then acted unilaterally and decided to lend GM and Chrysler in [[Financial Crisis of 2008|TARP money]] on December 19. GM and Chrysler will got $13.4 billion in loans they can use to pay their suppliers.<ref>GM and Chrysler will receive $4 billion each when they sign the loan agreements with the Treasury. GM will have access to an addition $5.4 billion on Jan. 16 and another $4 billion on Feb. 17 provided that Congress has released the remaining $350 billion for the Treasury’s TARP rescue program.</ref> GM can receive another $4 billion in February, but by then the Obama administration will be in charge, and it is emphasizing the need for a long-range solution.<ref>David E. Sanger, David M. Herszenhorn and Bill Vlasic, “Bush Aids Detroit, but Hard Choices Wait for Obama,” [https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/20/business/20auto.html?hp ''NewYork Times'' Dec. 19, 2008]</ref>  

In addition to the Big Three hundreds of large suppliers of parts are in financial crisis as well; most would go under if the Big Three go bankrupt.

In addition to the Big Three hundreds of large suppliers of parts are in financial crisis as well; most would go under if the Big Three go bankrupt.

[[Image:Toles2-18-09.jpg|thumb|280px]] The automobile industry is in desperate crisis, with General Motors and Chrysler, and numerous parts suppliers, on the verge of bankruptcy.  Ford is in better shape as are the "transplants" like Toyota and Honda that have factories in the U.S. If GM shuts down, however, many parts suppliers will also shut, forcing the end of most US auto production. Autos will still be imported from other countries, though at much higher prices.  GM and Chrysler were given $17 billion TARP funds in December on condition they present a turnaround plan by Feb. 17, 2009. In its plan GM will ask for access to an additional $16.6 billion in federal aid; otherwise will run out of money by March 2009. GM also said it would close 14 U.S. plants, and cut 47,000 global hourly, salaried jobs.  Bankruptcy, GM said, would cost the federal government $100 billion in losses, as well as the loss of 1.3 million jobs across the US, as plants and dealers close down operation.<ref>. For the GM plan see [http://www.treas.gov/initiatives/eesa/agreements/auto-reports/GMRestructuringPlan.pdf GM Plan of Feb 17, 2009]</ref>

[[Image:Toles2-18-09.jpg|thumb|280px]] The automobile industry is in desperate crisis, with General Motors and Chrysler, and numerous parts suppliers, on the verge of bankruptcy.  Ford is in better shape as are the "transplants" like Toyota and Honda that have factories in the U.S. If GM shuts down, however, many parts suppliers will also shut, forcing the end of most US auto production. Autos will still be imported from other countries, though at much higher prices.  GM and Chrysler were given $17 billion TARP funds in December on condition they present a turnaround plan by Feb. 17, 2009. In its plan GM will ask for access to an additional $16.6 billion in federal aid; otherwise will run out of money by March 2009. GM also said it would close 14 U.S. plants, and cut 47,000 global hourly, salaried jobs.  Bankruptcy, GM said, would cost the federal government $100 billion in losses, as well as the loss of 1.3 million jobs across the US, as plants and dealers close down operation.<ref>. For the GM plan see [http://www.treas.gov/initiatives/eesa/agreements/auto-reports/GMRestructuringPlan.pdf GM Plan of Feb 17, 2009]</ref>

In March 2009 GM reported that its auditors have raised substantial doubts about its ability to continue as a going concern, citing recurring losses from operations, stockholders' deficit and an inability to generate enough cash to meet its obligations.  GM has received $13.4 billion in federal loans, and the company is seeking a total of $30 billion from the government. During the past three years it has run up $82 billion in losses, including $30.9 billion in 2008. Bankruptcy appears likely.<ref>Nick Bunkley, "Auditors Raise Doubts About G.M.’s Viability," [http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/06/business/06auto.html?hp ''New York Times'' Mar. 5, 2009]</ref> The Obama Administration has apparently decided that bankruptcy would be a mistake, and will try to keep the Big Three in operation.  

In March 2009 GM reported that its auditors have raised substantial doubts about its ability to continue as a going concern, citing recurring losses from operations, stockholders' deficit and an inability to generate enough cash to meet its obligations.  GM has received $13.4 billion in federal loans, and the company is seeking a total of $30 billion from the government. During the past three years it has run up $82 billion in losses, including $30.9 billion in 2008. Bankruptcy appears likely.<ref>Nick Bunkley, "Auditors Raise Doubts About G.M.’s Viability," [https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/06/business/06auto.html?hp ''New York Times'' Mar. 5, 2009]</ref> The Obama Administration has apparently decided that bankruptcy would be a mistake, and will try to keep the Big Three in operation.  

Equally serious is the plight of the parts makers—who actually do most of the factory work that goes into cars. "The failure of a few key suppliers could have brought the entire industry to its knees," said the president of the Original Equipment Suppliers Association, where a third of the membership reported that it would face severe financial distress in the first quarter. The government is giving $5 billion in aid to this sector.<ref>Kendra Marr and Peter Whoriskey, "Auto Parts Makers Get $5 Billion Lifeline: U.S. Aid Boosts Hopes for the Entire Industry," [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/19/AR2009031901597.html?hpid=topnews ''Washington Post'' Mar. 20, 2009]</ref>

Equally serious is the plight of the parts makers—who actually do most of the factory work that goes into cars. "The failure of a few key suppliers could have brought the entire industry to its knees," said the president of the Original Equipment Suppliers Association, where a third of the membership reported that it would face severe financial distress in the first quarter. The government is giving $5 billion in aid to this sector.<ref>Kendra Marr and Peter Whoriskey, "Auto Parts Makers Get $5 Billion Lifeline: U.S. Aid Boosts Hopes for the Entire Industry," [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/19/AR2009031901597.html?hpid=topnews ''Washington Post'' Mar. 20, 2009]</ref>

On March 29 President Obama forced the head of GM to resign, and on March 30 issued a do-or-die ultimatum for the struggling industry, demanding strict financial standards that the carmakers must meet to get more government aid and declaring that their industry must survive because it is "like no other, an emblem of the American spirit." He demanded that Chrysler form a partnership with the Italian automaker Fiat within 30 days. He did not threaten Ford, which has not asked for federal aid.  He did not offer relief from the high mileage standards on which Detroit has consistently fallen behind Asian competitors. Obama asked Congress to offer cash subsidies for new car buyers, especially those who turn in old gas guzzlers (which will be scrapped). The stock market promptly plunged 3.6%.

On March 29 President Obama forced the head of GM to resign, and on March 30 issued a do-or-die ultimatum for the struggling industry, demanding strict financial standards that the carmakers must meet to get more government aid and declaring that their industry must survive because it is "like no other, an emblem of the American spirit." He demanded that Chrysler form a partnership with the Italian automaker Fiat within 30 days. He did not threaten Ford, which has not asked for federal aid.  He did not offer relief from the high mileage standards on which Detroit has consistently fallen behind Asian competitors. Obama asked Congress to offer cash subsidies for new car buyers, especially those who turn in old gas guzzlers (which will be scrapped). The stock market promptly plunged 3.6%.

In late April 2009 GM announced further downsizing that will reduce its American workforce to 38,000 union employees, compared with 395,000 at its peak in 1970.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/28/business/28auto.html?hp Bill Vlasic And Nick Bunkley, "G.M.’S Latest Plan Envisions a Much Smaller Automaker," '' New York Times'' April 27, 2009]</ref>

In late April 2009 GM announced further downsizing that will reduce its American workforce to 38,000 union employees, compared with 395,000 at its peak in 1970.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/28/business/28auto.html?hp Bill Vlasic And Nick Bunkley, "G.M.’S Latest Plan Envisions a Much Smaller Automaker," '' New York Times'' April 27, 2009]</ref>

===Bankruptcy for GM and Chrysler===

===Bankruptcy for GM and Chrysler===

Bankruptcy in practice in 2009 means continued operation for Chrysler and GM. If it involves totally shutting down, then bankruptcy of the Big Three would be very expensive to the economy as a whole and the federal government. It would mean loss of 240,000 very high paying jobs at the Big Three, a loss of 980,000 high-paying jobs at the suppliers and local dealers, and 1.7 million jobs throughout the economy.  It would cause a decline in personal income of $151 billion the first year, and $398 billion over three years.  The federal, state and local governments would lose tax revenue and spend on welfare programs a total of $156 billion over three years.<ref>CAR Research Memorandum. "The Impact of the U.S. Economy of a Major Contraction of the Detroit Three Automakers" (Nov 2008) [http://www.cargroup.org/documents/FINALDetroitThreeContractionImpact_3__000.pdf online edition]</ref>

Bankruptcy in practice in 2009 means continued operation for Chrysler and GM. If it involves totally shutting down, then bankruptcy of the Big Three would be very expensive to the economy as a whole and the federal government. It would mean loss of 240,000 very high paying jobs at the Big Three, a loss of 980,000 high-paying jobs at the suppliers and local dealers, and 1.7 million jobs throughout the economy.  It would cause a decline in personal income of $151 billion the first year, and $398 billion over three years.  The federal, state and local governments would lose tax revenue and spend on welfare programs a total of $156 billion over three years.<ref>CAR Research Memorandum. "The Impact of the U.S. Economy of a Major Contraction of the Detroit Three Automakers" (Nov 2008) [http://www.cargroup.org/documents/FINALDetroitThreeContractionImpact_3__000.pdf online edition]</ref>

A bankruptcy of the Big Three would not quickly benefit foreign makers.  The transplants would be severely hurt by the closing of parts companies like American Axle, Delco and Visteon they share with the Big Three, and their output would fall. There would be far fewer new cars for sale for years, and prices would soar. Eventually imports would come from abroad, but they would be much more expensive than current autos.  It takes years to build new plants, and in the current financial crisis there is no funding available for risky multibillion-dollar manufacturing ventures.<ref>Louis Uchitelle, "If Detroit Falls, Foreign Makers Could Be Buffer," [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/17/business/economy/17impact.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin ''New York Times,'' Nov. 16. 2008]</ref>

A bankruptcy of the Big Three would not quickly benefit foreign makers.  The transplants would be severely hurt by the closing of parts companies like American Axle, Delco and Visteon they share with the Big Three, and their output would fall. There would be far fewer new cars for sale for years, and prices would soar. Eventually imports would come from abroad, but they would be much more expensive than current autos.  It takes years to build new plants, and in the current financial crisis there is no funding available for risky multibillion-dollar manufacturing ventures.<ref>Louis Uchitelle, "If Detroit Falls, Foreign Makers Could Be Buffer," [https://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/17/business/economy/17impact.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin ''New York Times,'' Nov. 16. 2008]</ref>

===Chrysler===

===Chrysler===

The new Chrysler emerged from bankruptcy in June 2009. The old debts are nearly all gone (except some money it owes the governments of the US and Canada). In terms of ownership of the stock, the UAW union's health care trust has 55%, which it will try to sell as soon as possible on the open market. the American and Canadian governments have 8% and 2% respectively; and Fiat of Italy has 20%. Fiat's stake will grow to 35% after Chryster pays off its government loans.  The board of directors is more powerful and has nine members: three from Fiat, four named by the US Treasury, one by the Canadian government and one by the UAW. Actual control is held by Fiat.<ref>See [http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/11/business/11primer.html?ref=business Michelle Maynard, "Questions About New Chrysler? Here Are Some Answers", ''New York Times'' June 10, 2009]</ref>   

The new Chrysler emerged from bankruptcy in June 2009. The old debts are nearly all gone (except some money it owes the governments of the US and Canada). In terms of ownership of the stock, the UAW union's health care trust has 55%, which it will try to sell as soon as possible on the open market. the American and Canadian governments have 8% and 2% respectively; and Fiat of Italy has 20%. Fiat's stake will grow to 35% after Chryster pays off its government loans.  The board of directors is more powerful and has nine members: three from Fiat, four named by the US Treasury, one by the Canadian government and one by the UAW. Actual control is held by Fiat.<ref>See [https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/11/business/11primer.html?ref=business Michelle Maynard, "Questions About New Chrysler? Here Are Some Answers", ''New York Times'' June 10, 2009]</ref>   

All Chrysler factories are now shut down and will reopen after it sells the huge inventory it holds in lots around the country(especially from the closed dealerships). In a year or so Chrysler will be making and selling Fiats.

All Chrysler factories are now shut down and will reopen after it sells the huge inventory it holds in lots around the country(especially from the closed dealerships). In a year or so Chrysler will be making and selling Fiats.

When the domestic auto industry was largely nationalized in 1975, British Leyland was the holding company that controlled 40% of production.  It was renamed Rover; it went bankrupt in 2005, ending the era of mass production by British makers. The Chinese purchased the MG brand, while Jaguar went first to Ford and now to TATA Motors.

When the domestic auto industry was largely nationalized in 1975, British Leyland was the holding company that controlled 40% of production.  It was renamed Rover; it went bankrupt in 2005, ending the era of mass production by British makers. The Chinese purchased the MG brand, while Jaguar went first to Ford and now to TATA Motors.

The gentry who bought cars before 1939 found driving was easy on rural Britain’s smooth road surfaces in its generally mild weather. The rural roads are famously narrow and winding, so cars were small with stiff springs for good handling characteristics on them. High taxes on gasoline and crowded streets encouraged smaller, fuel-efficient cars in the cities.

The gentry who bought cars before 1939 found driving was easy on rural Britain's smooth road surfaces in its generally mild weather. The rural roads are famously narrow and winding, so cars were small with stiff springs for good handling characteristics on them. High taxes on gasoline and crowded streets encouraged smaller, fuel-efficient cars in the cities.

== Fuel ==

== Fuel ==

*Drag Racing

*Drag Racing

*Historical Racing

*Historical Racing

==Bibliography==

==Bibliography==

* Berger; Michael L. ''The Automobile in American History and Culture: A Reference Guide'' (2001) [http://www.questia.com/read/107064614?title=The%20Automobile%20in%20American%20History%20and%20Culture%3a%20%20A%20Reference%20Guide online edition]

* Berger; Michael L. ''The Automobile in American History and Culture: A Reference Guide'' (2001) [http://www.questia.com/read/107064614?title=The%20Automobile%20in%20American%20History%20and%20Culture%3a%20%20A%20Reference%20Guide online edition]

* Bonin, Huber et al. ''Ford, 1902-2003: The European History'' 2 vol Paris 2003. ISBN 2-914369-06-9 scholarly essays in English; reviewed in Len Holden,  "Fording the Atlantic: Ford and Fordism in Europe" in ''Business History '' Volume 47, #1 Jan 2005  pp 122–127   

* Bonin, Huber et al. ''Ford, 1902-2003: The European History'' 2 vol Paris 2003. ISBN 2-914369-06-9 scholarly essays in English; reviewed in Len Holden,  "Fording the Atlantic: Ford and Fordism in Europe" in ''Business History '' Volume 47, #1 Jan 2005  pp 122–127   

* Brinkley, Douglas G. ''Wheels for the World: Henry Ford, His Company, and a Century of Progress'' (2003) [http://www.amazon.com/Wheels-World-Company-Century-Progress/dp/B000BZ99PQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1198975451&sr=8-1 excerpt and text search]

* Brinkley, Douglas G. ''Wheels for the World: Henry Ford, His Company, and a Century of Progress'' (2003) [https://www.amazon.com/Wheels-World-Company-Century-Progress/dp/B000BZ99PQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1198975451&sr=8-1 excerpt and text search]

* CAR Research Memorandum. "The Impact of the U.S. Economy of a Major Contraction of the Detroit Three Automakers" (Nov 2008) [http://www.cargroup.org/documents/FINALDetroitThreeContractionImpact_3__000.pdf online edition]

* CAR Research Memorandum. "The Impact of the U.S. Economy of a Major Contraction of the Detroit Three Automakers" (Nov 2008) [http://www.cargroup.org/documents/FINALDetroitThreeContractionImpact_3__000.pdf online edition]

* Cooney, Stephen, and Breny Yacobussi, ''CRS Report for Congress, U.S. Automotive Industry: Policy Overview and Recent History'' (April 25, 2005) [http://ncseonline.org/NLE/CRSreports/05apr/RL32883.pdf online]

* Cooney, Stephen, and Breny Yacobussi, ''CRS Report for Congress, U.S. Automotive Industry: Policy Overview and Recent History'' (April 25, 2005) [http://ncseonline.org/NLE/CRSreports/05apr/RL32883.pdf online]

* Farber, David. ''Sloan Rules: Alfred P. Sloan and the Triumph of General Motors'' (2005) [http://www.amazon.com/Sloan-Rules-Alfred-Triumph-General/dp/0226238059/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226722306&sr=8-5 excerpt and text search]

* Farber, David. ''Sloan Rules: Alfred P. Sloan and the Triumph of General Motors'' (2005) [https://www.amazon.com/Sloan-Rules-Alfred-Triumph-General/dp/0226238059/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226722306&sr=8-5 excerpt and text search]

* May, George S. ed. ''The Automobile Industry, 1920-1980'' (1989), 520ppl comprehensive encyclopedia  

* May, George S. ed. ''The Automobile Industry, 1920-1980'' (1989), 520ppl comprehensive encyclopedia  

[[Category:Transportation]]

[[Category:Transportation]]

* Nevins, Allan and Frank Ernest Hill. ''Ford: The Times, The Man, The Company'' (vol 1, 1954); ''Ford: Expansion and Challenge, 1915-1933'' (1957); ''Ford: Decline and Rebirth, 1933-1962'' (1962), the standard history of the company and biography of Ford; [http://hdl.handle.net/2027/heb.94045 ACLS E-book vol 1]; [http://hdl.handle.net/2027/heb.94045 ACLS E-book vol 2];  [http://hdl.handle.net/2027/heb.94045 ACLS E-book for vol 3]

* Nevins, Allan and Frank Ernest Hill. ''Ford: The Times, The Man, The Company'' (vol 1, 1954); ''Ford: Expansion and Challenge, 1915-1933'' (1957); ''Ford: Decline and Rebirth, 1933-1962'' (1962), the standard history of the company and biography of Ford; [http://hdl.handle.net/2027/heb.94045 ACLS E-book vol 1]; [http://hdl.handle.net/2027/heb.94045 ACLS E-book vol 2];  [http://hdl.handle.net/2027/heb.94045 ACLS E-book for vol 3]

* Pelfrey, William. ''Billy, Alfred, and General Motors: The Story of Two Unique Men, a Legendary Company, and a Remarkable Time in American History'' (2006), on Billy Durant and Alfred Sloan [http://www.amazon.com/Billy-Alfred-General-Motors-Remarkable/dp/0814408699/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226722306&sr=8-9 excerpt and text search]

* Pelfrey, William. ''Billy, Alfred, and General Motors: The Story of Two Unique Men, a Legendary Company, and a Remarkable Time in American History'' (2006), on Billy Durant and Alfred Sloan [https://www.amazon.com/Billy-Alfred-General-Motors-Remarkable/dp/0814408699/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226722306&sr=8-9 excerpt and text search]

* Rae, John B.; ''American Automobile Manufacturers: The First Forty Years'' (1959) [http://www.questia.com/read/9693790?title=American%20Automobile%20Manufacturers%3a%20The%20First%20Forty%20Years%20(1959) online edition]

* Rae, John B.; ''American Automobile Manufacturers: The First Forty Years'' (1959) [http://www.questia.com/read/9693790?title=American%20Automobile%20Manufacturers%3a%20The%20First%20Forty%20Years%20(1959) online edition]

* Setright, L.J.K. ''Drive On!: A Social History of the Motor Car'' (2004), international overview; [http://www.amazon.com/Drive-Social-History-Motor-Car/dp/1862076987/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226722306&sr=8-13 excerpt and text search]

* Setright, L.J.K. ''Drive On!: A Social History of the Motor Car'' (2004), international overview; [https://www.amazon.com/Drive-Social-History-Motor-Car/dp/1862076987/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226722306&sr=8-13 excerpt and text search]

* Watts, Steven. '' The People's Tycoon: Henry Ford and the American Century'' (2005), major biography

* Watts, Steven. '' The People's Tycoon: Henry Ford and the American Century'' (2005), major biography

* Whisler; Timothy R. ''The British Motor Industry, 1945-1994: A Case Study in Industrial Decline'' (1999) [http://www.questia.com/read/23275008?title=The%20British%20Motor%20Industry%2c%201945-1994%3a%20A%20Case%20Study%20in%20Industrial%20Decline online edition]

* Whisler; Timothy R. ''The British Motor Industry, 1945-1994: A Case Study in Industrial Decline'' (1999) [http://www.questia.com/read/23275008?title=The%20British%20Motor%20Industry%2c%201945-1994%3a%20A%20Case%20Study%20in%20Industrial%20Decline online edition]

===Memoirs===

===Memoirs===

* Iacocca, Lee. ''Iacocca'' (1970) [http://www.amazon.com/Iacocca-Lee/dp/055338497X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226722176&sr=8-2 excerpt and text search], best-selling memoir by outspoken head of Ford and Chrysler

* Iacocca, Lee. ''Iacocca'' (1970) [https://www.amazon.com/Iacocca-Lee/dp/055338497X/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226722176&sr=8-2 excerpt and text search], best-selling memoir by outspoken head of Ford and Chrysler

* Sloan, Alfred. ''My Years with General Motors'' (1964), [http://www.amazon.com/Years-General-Motors-Alfred-Sloan/dp/0385042353/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226722306&sr=8-1 excerpt and text search] influential study of GM by its powerful head from 1923 to 1956.

* Sloan, Alfred. ''My Years with General Motors'' (1964), [https://www.amazon.com/Years-General-Motors-Alfred-Sloan/dp/0385042353/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226722306&sr=8-1 excerpt and text search] influential study of GM by its powerful head from 1923 to 1956.

==References==

==References==

* [[Henry Ford]]

* [[Henry Ford]]

* [[General Motors]]

* [[General Motors]]

* [[General Motors]]

* [https://www.carbibles.com/iconic-american-cars/ 20 most iconic American cars]

==External links==

==External links==

*[http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/05/20050516.html President Bush gives a speech on biodiesel]

*[https://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/05/20050516.html President Bush gives a speech on biodiesel]

*[http://www.gm.com/company/corp_info/global_operations/north_america/mexi.html General Motors Mexican operations]

*[http://www.gm.com/company/corp_info/global_operations/north_america/mexi.html General Motors Mexican operations]