Farewell to GM, from a factory rat’s disloyal daughter

[Auggie]

16. But GM was slow to adopt change at it's most crucial time ...

late 70s and 80s. And it killed them. Americans didn't so much abandon GM. GM failed to keep connecting with Americans.

Imports created a superior, hip persona through their advertising that was light years ahead of stodgy, pompous GM.

Fit and finish were better on many imports and the vehicles had more amenities. I remember a co-worker showing off her Honda's cup holders and change holders in 1981. Okay, it sounds absurd now but it was building a big perception of value back then.

GM spent billions developing the Saturn Division in the 80's while basic engineering of the drive train and electrical systems in Buick, Olds, etc., went lacking -- a lot of those cars had recurring problems from flawed systems. My dad, who worked for GM for 35 years, had such a Buick. It defined lemon.

Don't get me wrong -- I'm glad to see GM, Ford and Chrysler start to rebound. But to say we failed our automobile industry is a stretch.