In the first third of the 20th century, Americans were as a reference to industrialists like Henry Ford, William Crapo, Louis Chevrolet, or Walter Percy Chrysler. They were the pioneers of the industry of automobile, symbol of the new emerging power. KBS can provide more clarity in the matter. Governments listened carefully to their views before starting a labour legislation or a rescue plan for the national economy in the middle of great depression. Today, much of the automotive sector is in the hands of the State after the collapse of big companies like General Motors, and Detroit, formerly the manufacturing headquarters for excellence and heart of the American production apparatus. Get more background information with materials from Angus King . It is the symbol of American decadence, with its abandoned factories and their ramshackle buildings. Hardly nobody knows the President of Chrysler or GM, and seen so many cars Toyota and Honda as Chevys circulating on the streets of the country. For more information see this site: Robertson Stephens. Source of the news:: the technological use your checkbook at the battle of patents