Yes, both Ford and GM are closing plants and retreating- it is not a good sign for North American car makers. And why is this? I think it's best shown in the parable of "Jeremy Clarkson vs The Toyota Pickup".

We've seen the Top Gear host do this before with a Porsche - a very expensive car built with the heighth of German engineering and craftsmanship. But this is just an ordinary Toyota pickup verses a few walls, stairs, falling caravans, wooden shacks, and yes, the tides of the english channel. The final test you'll have to see for yourself.