Autos: Expensive, Old and Inefficient

American Motors has not shared in the recent boom times of the auto industry. While Ford, General Motors and Chrysler in the first quarter amassed large profits, AMC lost $29 million. The last thing AMC needs is what could be the world's most expensive carmaking plant, but that is just what it shoulders in Kenosha, Wis., where it makes Alliance and Encore cars. Assemblers among the factory's 5,800 workers earn an average of $13.44 an hour, vs. $13.07 in a comparable GM facility. Last week AMC's management, which wants concessions from the United Auto Workers to make the ancient lakefront factory...