2007 GMC Acadia

Synopsis

For the last quarter of the 20th century women executives were on the rise. Whether it was driven by politics, the mood of the country or merely more opportunity, more and more women became decision-makers in corporations around the country. They even managed to infiltrate the oldest "boys club" of all -- the U.S. automotive industry, especially the Big Three.

As they say, that was then and this is now. In the last few years there has been an exodus of top-level female auto executives who have left the industry, and it doesn't look like downsizing is the only reason. It appears that many are abandoning the auto industry for a better life, both professional and personal.

On this week's Autoline Detroit, Anne Doyle, a former Ford executive and industry consultant, shares her insight into this alarming loss of automotive talent and the implications for the future for its executives, products and sales.