Chrysler’s world headquarters is the largest employer in Auburn Hills. The 4.4-million-square-foot office complex sits on 500 acres. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Diners at the Country Kitchen in Auburn Hills are served huge plates of eggs and hot roast beef sandwiches. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Country Kitchen waitress Dawn Hammock, shown with short-order cook Froilan Padilla, had moved to Michigan three years ago from her native Florida when the car industry was on better footing. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Many of the stores in Auburn Hills are empty or up for lease. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Auburn Hills, like most towns in Michigans Oakland County, was built on cars. Now many retail spaces in the town center stand vacant, and those that are open have few if any customers. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Auburn Hills, like most towns in Michigans Oakland County, was built on cars. At night, fewer than 20,000 people go to bed here, but during the day, when Chrysler is at work, the population soars to nearly 60,000. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Auburn Hills once thrived as Chryslers headquarters. Now the Detroit suburb is trying to wean itself from the auto industry. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
