Hamilton-Wenham Public Library

The sack of Detroit, General Motors and the end of American enterprise, Kenneth Whyte

eng

Includes bibliographical references and index

index present

non fiction

The sack of Detroit

bibliography

1194869497

Kenneth Whyte

General Motors and the end of American enterprise

"A provocative, ground-breaking history of the downfall of the American auto industry from the widely praised author of Herbert Hoover: An Extraordinary Life in Extraordinary Times"--, Provided by publisherIn the 1950s America enjoyed massive growth and affluence, and no companies contributed more to its success than automakers. Their leadership was revered, their methods imitated, and their brands synonymous with the nation's aspirations. By the end of the 1960s Detroit's profits had evaporated and its famed executives had become symbols of greed, arrogance, and incompetence. No company suffered this reversal more than General Motors, which found itself the target of a Senate hearing on auto safety that publicly humiliated its leadership and shattered its reputation. Whyte uncovers the story of innovation, politics and business that led to this shift, one that is still felt today. -- adapted from jacket

American berserks -- All roads lead to Detroit -- Bursts of untamed idealism -- The plague of the twentieth century -- The rise of the honkers -- Savior sans tailfins -- "This means taking on Detroit" -- Head of the clan, at sea -- "I intend to be a crusader" -- Something stupid -- Anarchy on wheels -- Exposed -- Playing a losing hand -- Kill shot -- No defects, no negligence -- The death of Alfred P. Sloan -- The end of Detroit -- Avoidable deaths -- The end of American enterprise

adult