The Rebel was positioned as the high-volume seller in the independent automaker's line of models.

Another small independent automaker also sought to reduce manufacturing costs toward the end of its existence.

On one level, the nation's two independent automakers are moving in opposite directions.

This battle decimated the remaining independent automakers in their search for customers.

Packard's successful development of its own automatic transmission was unique; no other independent (non-Big Three) automaker managed such a feat.

The "frantic 1953-54 Ford/GM price war" devastated the remaining "independent" automakers.

The "frantic 1953-54 Ford/GM price war" had a devastating impact on the remaining "independent" automakers.

Also in mid-1949, Packard introduced its Ultramatic automatic transmission, the only independent automaker to develop one.

American Motors ended its history as an independent automaker in 1982 when controlling interest in the company was purchased by France's Renault.

This provided great opportunities for new, small independent automakers who could develop new cars more rapidly than the huge legacy automakers.