I worked for a Ford subsidiary for over 6 years but found that the graduates get the cream of the promotions so long as they are prepared to keep relocating every 2-3 years. I wasn't, so I left almost three years ago,

Best benefit was the staff discount on cars - up to 3 a year, but you had to hold onto each for 9 months. Once you bought one car you could get discount on parts too - surprisingly, they didn't seem to mind me buying Sierra bits "for" the wifes Escort!

Now work for GM (I know, I'll get my coat!) and the expression "Same shit, different shovel" could have been written for this situation.

More and more car makers are using agency staff, on fixed term contracts so they have no trouble downsizing, and they keep their names out of the press when jobs have to go. There are employment agents who specialise in filling these roles, but remember that people in these jobs don't get the benefits.