GM's IPO generated great excitement among investors, and it drew attention to how much the auto industry has changed. Less than 60 years ago, on Jan. 17, 1956, Ford Motor had its own IPO -- the largest in history up to that time. Back then,U.S. industrial might was the envy of the world, and American cars sat atop the automotive pyramid.
Autoworkers laid off from a General Motors plant in Orion Township, Mich., have until the end of the day Tuesday to decide whether to take jobs at the automaker's Lordstown assembly plant, some 250 miles away in neighboring Ohio.
Vehicle sales have been less than stellar in recent months, disappointing some analysts. But the industry is gradually improving in a broad trend that is benefiting nearly all automakers -- including the Big Three, which have returned from the brink.
If the recession and subsequent high employment proves anything, it's this: The scarcity of jobs hasn't made workers any smarter. Just-fired CNN anchor Rick Sanchez is a good example. Unfortunately, he's hardly the only one.
