Shifting Gears: The U.S. Auto Industry from 1950 to 1980

This chapter traces the decline of the U.S. automotive industry between 1950 and 1980, particularly in Michigan, as Japanese manufacturers gained market share through innovative production techniques. It highlights the failures of American companies to adapt to changing consumer demands and their struggles against rising competition amidst economic crises. The discussion further examines the impact of protectionist policies and the global shifts in manufacturing, questioning whether these changes were influenced more by market demands than by policy decisions.