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A look back at 51 years of top stories.

Article Excerpt
Following is the list of winners of the Story of the Year designation since Automotive News inaugurated this annual feature in 1953:

1953: Fire destroys General Motors Hydra-matic plant in Livonia, Mich.

1954: Reduction of "phantom-freight'' charges.

1955: (tie) Senate hearings on auto trade practices. Attainment of supplemental unemployment compensation by the UAW.

1956: GM's five-year dealer franchise.

1957: The rise in imported-car sales.

1958: Enactment of the price-sticker law.

1959: Compact cars introduced by Ford Motor Co., GM and Chrysler Corp.

1960: Chrysler's conflict-of-interest problems.

1961: Antitrust actions filed against the Big 3. GM accused in Los Angeles discount-house rhubarb; Ford's acquisition of Electric Autolite properties questioned; Chrysler charged with pressuring dealers not to dual with Studebaker.

1962: Future of the franchise system: Los Angeles antitrust suit against GM viewed as threat to franchise.

1963: GM wins criminal antitrust suit growing out of Los Angeles discount-house situation.

1964: Record truck sales and the first 8-million-car year.

1965: "The Year of Records:'' All-time highs in sales and production of domestic cars and trucks.

1966: Safety: Congress holds hearings; bills are passed; Dr. William Haddon appointed safety czar; proposed standards for 1968 models announced.

1967: Labor: 61-day strike costs Ford Motor 500,000 cars; Big 3 workers...

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