Hotdogs-apple pie-Chevrolet! These have been the symbols of America for nearly a century. But no more. As Bob Dylan sang, “The times they are a changing!”

General Motors was rock-solid for as long as anyone can remember. Though Chevrolet was not the top of the line, it became the car which typified 20th century America. “See the U.S.A. in your Chevrolet” was the clarion call most Americans could afford and which was the lower price alternative most enjoyed. Who could have believed even a few years ago that Chevrolet would be replaced with “See the U.S.A. in your Toyota or Kia!”

Reality has settled among us and now things that could never happen in America are happening. General Motors has declared bankruptcy and who knows if the domestic car industry can survive. My father worked for G.M. for nearly 25 years and swore by Chevrolet as his car of choice. Once he started to work for G.M. he never considered any other car, although he never did get to see much of the U.S.A. Some thought Chevrolet was too plain compared to other types, but he loved his Chevrolet.

New models will likely be smaller when the model is brought out, but it will not be the same. Part of our American culture represented in that square box type car will fade off into history and we are poorer for the exchange. It forces us to agree that we have become a one-world economy. The car of the future may have Chevrolet on the nameplate, but it will never be the same again. I miss the old buggy already!