This was in 2006, and I think it says quite a bit about the fundamental problem the US automakers find themselves in.

Upon closing 14 factories, Bill Ford let us in on the new plan: "From now on, our cars will be designed to satisfy the customer, not just fill a factory."

To be fair, Ford seems to being doing the best job of the three. But the admission that customers were the #2 ( or lower) priority until 2006 speaks volumes.