For decades, the auto industry has been at the heart of American manufacturing, providing jobs for countless Americans and boosting local economies. From the invention of the automobile to the rise of modern assembly lines, American carmakers have led the field for many years. However, beginning in the latter half of the 20th centuries, American carmakers faced stiff competition from foreign car manufacturers with innovative models and production techniques. After years of declining auto sales, the industry was nearly destroyed by the recession of 2008. This book analyzes how the auto industry reached this point, tracing the causes of the crisis back to their roots.