Wheels of Change - The US Auto Industry of the 1950s

The 1950's auto industry was a fascinating and unique period in USA economic history. Transitioning from a seller's to a buyer's market following the post-war economic boom, the automobile market in the USA was marked by tremendous changes inside and out of the industry. New automotive massed-produced technologies such as automatic transmissions, overhead valve V-8 engines, air conditioning, power breaks and other accessories competed for buyers' attention along with new makes (hardtops and station wagons in particular), annual styling changes and new model lines. New marketing techniques were also developed in the face of rising consumer demands, new communication technologies (especially television), and a growing middle class with increasing cash to spend, as well as a growing need for transportation as millions moved from the cities to the expanding suburbs.

In this game players take on the roles of the independent auto makers Studebaker, Packard, Nash, Hudson, Kaiser-Fraser, and Willys-Overland and try to survive and hopefully even grow during this turbulent decade. The rules and card play cover the actions of the "Big Three", as well as national events that impacted the overall economy and automobile industry. A variant adds an additional player to take on the role of the Tucker Automobile Company. Players must allocate resources to marketing, product development, new technologies, dealerships and their various car lines (luxury, family, sport, and economy models) and live/adapt with the results.