Originally Posted by Lenny2

I understand where Kristin is coming from but I don't think she used the right words to express her dismay with the current state of our industry.

Is the automobile industry dying?
Nope, far from it, it's growing every year both in the industrialized and the emerging nations.
However if you work for Ford or GM (or own stock in them) it probably FEELS like the automobile industry is dying because a big chunk of your profits are going to other people who weren't even in the industry back in your hey day. Also now you have to fight hard for every single customer and give them an amazing deal in order to get their business, rather than saying "here's the car you want it or not?"
Ford and GM think the business is dying but Toyota and Honda think the business is booming.

If you started in this business back when it was super easy to make a buck (think 1998 and before) then you probably think it's shit now.
If you started in this business 2 years ago and you're still around, then you probably think this business is great.
It's all a matter of perspective (and whether your business model is that of GM or of Toyota)

I think the better question is "What have people done to make millions in other industries that were experiencing a similar business cycle?"
And then do that!