American Divisions of the Big 3

Episode: 0070
How America Grew through its Divisions and why most are gone

    The American Auto Industry has gone through a lot of changes over the years.  With new divisions to fill in gaps in their lineup, to shuttering complete divisions who have lost their way.  They made it through both the British and Asian invasions.  For now it looks to be on good times, but changes are on the way for some of our beloved divisions, as we transition to an alternative fuel future.
     Who will survive and who will perish?

​    Back in the early days of the American automotive industry, there were many different companies vying for a piece of the market.  Soon enough people like William C. Durant started to see that a unified company with many divisions separate from each other, could be used to hit every pay scale of the industry.

    By the end of World War II and the dirty thirties, the industry was slowly changing into a new market.  During the war some companies fell, as there was not a big market anymore and others were too expensive during the 30's to last.  But during the 50's the market hit a boom and everyone wanted a new vehicle.  This lasted until the 60's, when the first slow down in the market started.  Some companies began to merge together or consolidate their divisions.

    Now into the 70's and 80's, the market began to drastically change and so did the companies.  Company image began to disappear as the market became a roller coaster.  By the 90's the market began to stabilized and with it an outreach for help for world technology came in.  A few new companies joined each of the three (3), but this would not last forever.

    Today each company has trimmed their divisional fat, but the market is yet again changing.  What does the world have in store for the current divisions of the three (3)?  We know, but you will have to listen to the podcast to find out!

Everett J.
​#autolooks