Book Log 2010 #62: Crash Course by Paul Ingrassia

While the recent economic instability nearly wiped out at least two of the Detroit Three, the problems faced by GM, Ford and Chrysler have long historical roots, which long-time industry journalist Ingrassia displays with great clarity in this book. The picture that emerges is one where management, divorced from the rank and file and, in some cases, reality, made a litany of bad decisions, which compounded to put the companies into dire straits. The union contribute in equal measure, as their constant drive for benefits out of line with rationality and consistently combative relationship with management helped to create an environment where jobs weren't tied to performance, to the point where members didn't even have to work to collect nearly all of their pay (the Jobs Bank concept may be one of the singularly worst ideas ever).

While the history is interesting and quite instructive, the end sections on recent events help to clear up what was, at times, a confusing process. Both the government and Ford come out as winners, the former for helping the industry survive as a whole, and the latter for being the one automaker who didn't take any money.

A good book for people interested in the industry, and probably a better book for people who don't know as much but are looking for a clear overview of how the auto industry went into meltdown.