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The old term "America's automobile industry" has become a contradiction. Today's automobile industry is global – and ever changing.
The 1970's, 80’s, and 90's brought a whole new generation of fuel and safety regulations, and a rapid-fire succession of mergers, acquisitions, and buy-outs. American Motors disappeared. 'Chrysler' became 'Daimler Chrysler.' Ford bought Jaguar. Honda, Toyota, and other well-known international brands built factories in the United States. These so-called 'transplants' began employing thousands of non-union workers, posing a major challenge to the powerful United Autoworkers Union (UAW). Meanwhile, low interest rates leading into the new Millenium spurred record-level sales. But now, economic uncertainty, continual union contract negotiation, and worldwide concern over fuel prices are producing a new sense of urgency throughout the industry.
Sound legal, tax, regulatory, environmental, transactional, labor and employment, and governmental advice and planning have never been more important for those engaged in this complex field of business. At Carlton Fields, we bring together attorneys in every applicable area of practice to assist our clients in the automobile industry in steering clear of problems and staying focused on the straight road ahead.
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