Detroit Area Economy Worsens As Big Three Automakers Face Dire Crisis

DEARBORN, MI - NOVEMBER 21: The Ford Motor Company, World Headquarters, also known as the Glass House stands outside of Detroit on November 21, 2008 in Dearborn, Michigan. As car and truck sales have plummeted across the country, large inventories are building at dealerships and factories. The Big Three U.S. automakers, General Motors (GM), Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler LLC, failed after appearing this week in Washington to receive money after asking the government for federal funds to curb the decline of the American auto industry. The city of Detroit, home to the Big Three, would be hardest hit if the government allows these auto makers to fall into bankruptcy. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)