has degraded into a series of contrived brands, most with little identity, and bland, overlapping product lines
I somewhat agree with you, the difference between a Yukon and Escalade is only in the headlights. But what’s more iconic an Escalada or a Highlander?
Fifteen years ago management struck a deal with unions that made it all but impossible to close auto plants or lay off workers without incurring massive costs. GM also agreed to cushy retiree benefits that put it at a severe disadvantage.
Are you saying that workers don’t need job security, benefits, good pay?!? The problem with the automakers, farmers, service and almost any other industry came after the US markets became open to the world, wihout any preconditions. I am all for competition, as long as it’s on the same playing field. A worker in the US gets paid $5K and one in China gets paid $50. In the real world these two must meet somewhere and it’s not going to be in the middle, considering China has 1 billion work-force and US has about 100 mill. Add to this Inidia, South Korea, Latin America and you got yourself an enourmous disadvantage to the US worker.