Knowing and understanding the industry and compettitive situation in which a firm is currently competing or wishes to enter, is a critical aspect of strategic management. Part of this anaylsis includes a description of the industry. These questions should be answered regarding the U.S automobile industry. How large is this industry? Sales? What exactly does this industry look like in repsect to the number of compettitors and their size/market share? What is the industry structure? Are there strategic groups in this industry and what are they? What, if any, distribution channels characterize this industry? What are the key success factors ( what must a firm have to succeed in this industry?)