For most of the history of American Motors Corporation (AMC) it was driven by a desire to set itself apart from the Big Three (GM, Ford and Chrysler). Though it tried many approaches, it was most successful when it promised vehicles that were economical to purchase, own, and operate. Its demise came from insufficient capital to meet the growing governmental requirements and rapidly shifting demands of the consumer.
American Motors Corporation (AMC) was an American automobile company formed on January 14, 1954 by the merger of the Nash-Kelvinator Corporation and the Hudson Motor Car Company. At the time, it was the largest corporate merger in U.S. history, valued at $198 million ($1.44 billion in 2006 dollars).
Declining sales and a fiercely competitive auto market in the United States forced AMC to seek a partner in the late 1970s, which led to a tie-up with France's Renault in 1979. The arrangement lasted until March 2, 1987, when American Motors was purchased by the Chrysler Corporation, which discontinued the use of AMC and Renault brand names in the United States.
The Jeep line was continued, as well as some of the models under the Eagle marque.
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The original American Motors Logo, used from 1954 until 1970
The second American Motors Logo, used from 1970 until 1987