End of an Era

General Motors, GM, GMC, once the largest producer of automobiles in the world. Now teetering on the brink of government imposed bankruptcy. Times have changed.
During its heyday, GM was a leader in design and reliability. After starting out as the holding company for Buick in 1908, it started adding brands, Oldsmobile, Cadillac, Oakland(Pontiac's predecessor) and lesser names that have vanished, it grew to include the production of airplanes and locomotives. It's market share grew as well as its overseas operations. During World War II,
its domestic and British products fought against the products of Opel, its German subsidiary.
After the war, it was swept up in the post war boom. Suburbs grew and the demand for more cars spurred growth, both in products and management levels. With the dawn of the 1960's, GM started to have problems with initial quality. Ralph Nader attacked the Chevrolet Covair in his book Unsafe at Any Speed. Problems with handling and suspension were eventually rectified, but it was too late. More of new launches followed in the Corvair's tracks, the Vega, the Citation, the mid-sized sedans of the mid 1980s.
One bright spot was the introduction of the Saturn nameplate. It was a good, competent car, the only problem was it was slightly outdated by its rivals at introduction. With the launch of the second round of models it decreased the gap, but then through the lack of updating and new models it languished until the Aura sedan. The Aura was based on an Opel product and is also the base for the new Malibu. While heading in the right direction, the overall poor health of GM has doomed the brand name.
Acquisitions of Saab and Hummer were not as beneficial as hoped. Rather than Saab's innovation infusing the GM line, it was to become nothing more than a reworked Opel. Europeans will not pay premium prices for a mid range car. The Hummer line was the victim of the gas price increase and lack of product range. While the new models double the mileage of the original, it is still less than 20 mpg. Both brands will either be sold or discontinued like Oldsmobile's fate almost 10 years ago.
With the issues facing GM and its suppliers, the ripples will effect companies nationwide. Parts suppliers will have reduced orders leading to cutbacks. Not all of the suppliers are in the Rust Belt, and almost all areas will be effected by the restructuring of GM. Dealers will also feel it as brands vanish.
If your job or community is highly reliant on the automotive industry, maybe it is time to explore other employment opportunities. Jobs in travel and hospitality can be found on job.travel. Positions range from front desk clerks and waitstaff to executive level in corporate offices. Don't wait for the inevitable to strike, finding a job is much easier when you already have one.