Following the death of the charismatic Reuther, the low-key Woodcock was immediately thrust into national contract negotiations with with the "Big Three" auto companies and led the union through a bitter 67-day nationwide strike against General Motors, longest ever.

CNN: Former UAW President Leonard Woodcock dies

On Feb. 26, the previously low-profile company, which controls more than 400 office properties in second-tier cities and suburbs, was thrust into the limelight when Related Cos. and Corvex Management LP announced they had purchased nearly 10% of the company and offered to buy the remainder.

WSJ: Plots & Ploys: Long Live the Hotel Pennsylvania

The thrust of car-making technology is to reduce costs on low production volumes of less than 100, 000.

ECONOMIST: Luxury cars