Most large automakers have their own research and development departments.

General Motors is the largest automaker, with a share of 24.6 percent.

Still, a large automaker can burn up huge amounts of cash quickly.

Other large automakers, including Ford, have also watched their market shares shrink.

That's why two years ago, we stood by the auto industry and kept some of our nation's largest automakers from being sold for parts.

Of the large American automakers, Chrysler was the most at risk in the 1980's.

The two largest American automakers are expected to announce the elimination of at least 15,000 jobs this week.

The company, which is the world's largest automaker, provides health care benefits to 1.1 million Americans, including workers, retirees and their families.

The country's five largest automakers sold 377,947 vehicles last month, up from 315,019 a year earlier.

It was the only large automaker to report a rise in sales last month, with an increase of 6.5 percent.