The Last Independent Automaker
The Last Independent Automaker
The Last Independent Automaker covers the rise and fall of American Motors Corporation, a car company that employed hundreds of thousands of people and built millions of vehicles from 1954 to 1987.
Where to Watch The Last Independent Automaker • The Last Independent Automaker
6 Episodes
- The Missionary
E1The MissionaryThe U.S. car market booms in the wake of World War II, until a price war between Ford and Chevrolet decimates competitors. American Motors Corporation is created through the merger of two smaller companies. To survive in an age of conspicuous consumption, president George Romney boldly bets the company's future on a new niche: economy cars. - The NOW Cars
E2The NOW CarsAfter saving American Motors, president George Romney launches a career in politics. His successor takes AMC upmarket, but struggles to capture young baby boomers who want faster, sportier "muscle cars." In response, the company makes big changes to its products and public image. - The Odd Couple
E3The Odd CoupleAmerican Motors' unlikely management team launches a quirky new car to fight the growing wave of foreign imports in the U.S. Despite his colleague's protests, CEO Roy Chapin Jr. buys the lackluster Jeep Corporation, leading AMC into the burgeoning four-wheel-drive market. A sudden oil shortage rocks the industry but boosts small car sales. - The Pacer
E4The PacerAmerican Motors Corporation spends a fortune developing a futuristic new car called the Pacer. But things fall apart when its radical engine design can't pass government pollution regulations, and customers are disappointed with its mediocre gas mileage. Meanwhile, internal politics tear the company apart as two men jockey for the CEO suite. - The Alliance
E5The AllianceAs the auto industry becomes increasingly diverse, Gerry Meyers becomes the youngest CEO of any American car company. To build a new fuel-efficient car, he partners AMC with French automaker Renault. But a disastrous national recession and second oil crisis threaten to destroy the partnership before the new car is ready.
