The UAW killed Detroit. It was an mugging that went bad.
The UAW is greedy, and greed ultimately destroys whatever it touches, but the US government let its own auto industry down by failing to combat unfair import/export regulations imposed by the foreign competitors. Foreignors limited Detroit's production by placing heavy taxation on U.S. imports; America failed to respond in kind. While other nations were busy protecting their national interests, America was committing economic suicide by dismantling its own sense of nationalism so it could be replaced with multiculturalism and globalism. Both parties are guilty of this 'Americide' and it doesn't appear it will end anytime soon.
The UAW wasn't the only factor, but they sure as heck pulled the trigger.
5.56mm