The Last Independent Automaker

Take a wild ride through history as nostalgia and great cars combine in this uniquely American story of grit, innovation, and hard work. THE LAST INDEPENDENT AUTOMAKER is a documentary series featuring six half-hour episodes that detail the unlikely rise and tragic fall of American Motors Corporation (AMC). Through more than 40 exclusive interviews with CEOs, engineers, designers, salespeople, journalists, factory workers, and labor union members, THE LAST INDEPENDENT AUTOMAKER is a deep, unvarnished look at the inner workings of a car company. Since its inception, the automobile industry has been a mirror of America, reflecting our collective past through the cars we build and buy. At half the size of its competitors, AMC had to innovate to survive with breakthroughs in fuel efficiency, rustproofing, air conditioning, and four-wheel drive. When the nation confronted the air pollution, traffic fatalities, and energy crises caused by our love affair with the automobile, AMC engineers and designers met these problems head-on with solutions that still influence how vehicles are manufactured and marketed today. Through personal interviews and stories, viewers also learn how AMC factories provided a pathway to the middle class for thousands of immigrants and people of color. Compared to larger automakers, it offered more opportunities for women and minorities, including the youngest and the first Jewish CEO to lead a major U.S. car company. The series traces AMC's history through more than four decades and tells its story through hours of lost film archives combined with thousands of historic photographs and new 4K footage of gorgeous classic cars. Each episode focuses on a different period, weaving together the drama of a cutthroat industry packed with big personalities and iconic cars. The series climaxes as the cumulative storm of economics, mismanagement, and betrayal brings everything crashing down.

Sun, Oct 19 4:31 P.M. The Odd Couple     NH Explore (11.2)

American Motors' unlikely management team launches a quirky new car to fight the growing wave of foreign imports in the U.

Sat, Oct 25 8:30 A.M. The Pacer     NH Explore (11.2)

American Motors Corporation spends a fortune developing a futuristic new car called the Pacer.

Sun, Oct 26 4:31 P.M. The Pacer     NH Explore (11.2)

American Motors Corporation spends a fortune developing a futuristic new car called the Pacer.

Sat, Nov 1 8:30 A.M. The Alliance     NH Explore (11.2)

As the auto industry becomes increasingly diverse, Gerry Meyers becomes the youngest CEO of any American car company.

Sun, Nov 2 4:33 P.M. The Alliance     NH Explore (11.2)

As the auto industry becomes increasingly diverse, Gerry Meyers becomes the youngest CEO of any American car company.

Mon, Nov 3 4:31 A.M. The Alliance     NH Explore (11.2)

As the auto industry becomes increasingly diverse, Gerry Meyers becomes the youngest CEO of any American car company.

Sat, Nov 8 8:30 A.M. The Betrayal     NH Explore (11.2)

Despite award-winning new products, American Motors Corporation struggles to make a profit, frustrating its partnership with French automaker Renault.

Sun, Nov 9 4:31 P.M. The Betrayal     NH Explore (11.2)

Despite award-winning new products, American Motors Corporation struggles to make a profit, frustrating its partnership with French automaker Renault.

Mon, Nov 10 4:31 A.M. The Betrayal     NH Explore (11.2)

Despite award-winning new products, American Motors Corporation struggles to make a profit, frustrating its partnership with French automaker Renault.

Sat, Nov 15 9:00 A.M. The Missionary     NH Explore (11.2)

The U.S. car market booms in the wake of World War II, until a price war between Ford and Chevrolet decimates competitors.

Sun, Nov 16 4:30 P.M. The Missionary     NH Explore (11.2)

The U.S. car market booms in the wake of World War II, until a price war between Ford and Chevrolet decimates competitors.

Mon, Nov 17 4:30 A.M. The Missionary     NH Explore (11.2)

The U.S. car market booms in the wake of World War II, until a price war between Ford and Chevrolet decimates competitors.

Sat, Nov 22 9:00 A.M. The NOW Cars     NH Explore (11.2)

The NOW Cars: After saving American Motors, president George Romney launches a career in politics.

Sun, Nov 23 4:30 P.M. The NOW Cars     NH Explore (11.2)

The NOW Cars: After saving American Motors, president George Romney launches a career in politics.

Mon, Nov 24 4:30 A.M. The NOW Cars     NH Explore (11.2)

The NOW Cars: After saving American Motors, president George Romney launches a career in politics.

Sat, Nov 29 9:00 A.M. The Odd Couple     NH Explore (11.2)

American Motors' unlikely management team launches a quirky new car to fight the growing wave of foreign imports in the U.


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