The well-publicised troubles of Nissan Motor, which is closing five car plants and chopping 21, 000 jobs to stave off bankruptcy, have made it acceptable for even profitable firms to announce pre-emptive cuts of their own.

ECONOMIST: The worm turns

Meanwhile, the Ford Motor Company, which didn't get a government bailout, is closing some of its dealerships but at a much slower rate.

NPR: Watchdog Criticizes Handling Of Auto Dealerships