"Big 3" - Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and Chrysler - were all headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. Born between 1903 and 1928, they dominated the automotive industry in the U.S. for decades, until they became complacent. In the 1970s, they began to lose share of better quality, more cost foreign imports. By 2008, they balance, and two required the federal government help to stay afloat. For three years, surprisingly, Big 3 turned to increase competitiveness in quality, design and value. Ford, Alan Mulally, CEO Ed Whitacre GM and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne took different approaches to guide their respective companies and improvements in product design, quality and price competitiveness, leading to increased sales, solid profitability and positive cash flow. From October 2010 to October 2011, GM, Ford, Chrysler, and the sales volume increased by 1.8%, 6.2% and 27%, respectively. GM and Ford reported strong earnings and better-than-expected sales, and agreed to pay bonuses union workers as part of a new contract. Big 3 are gaining market share-Ford is now convenient outselling Toyota Motor Corporation in the U.S. after falling behind in 2007. Many saw the "Big 3" turn as evidence that unions manufacturing can be revived by a strong, bold leadership on several fronts and improving relations Union. "Hide
by William W. George Source: Harvard Business School 10 pages. Publication Date: November 17, 2011. Prod. #: 412072-PDF-ENG
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