The Oil Drum

There was plenty of crying for them back in the 70s and eighties when imports started getting popular.  It even led to various regulatory disadvantages for the foreign manufacturers.  In the end this may have only been political as it didn't reverse the Big 3's first slide.

What is most interesting to me is that the importers were clearly making US inroads before the first oil crisis hit.  Even once it did occur, real fuel price driven growth among import sales didn't take hold until the second shock in 79/80.  

I don't have data for the current situation but I'd venture a guess that it looks similar to the 1970-1984 period.  Toyota alone has about 20% of the US market.  You're right Don, the Big 3 deserve no sympathy.  They learned nothing from their past mistakes and made few efforts to learn from their rivals.  They have repeatedly shown very little aptitude for relevant innovation (bigger engines, heavier trucks??) and business foresight. This is why no matter how much it may hurt the North American economy they must be allowed to die so that something better may take their place.

Good post...