New automobiles, for example the Thunderbird, were more capable of meeting customer demands than previous models, such as the Model A and Model T. The most popular models recent ones were more innovative than the first ones. Manufacturing was becoming more and more advanced, as were vehicles. The assembly lines produced more than a hundred thousand vehicles. Having the newest car was very popular, which actually had a positive impact on car sales. Ford Motors led its industry, alongside General Motors. However, the U.S. economy was not yet at its peak, which meant businesses were struggling. Rising oil and car fuel prices have also had an impact. The Ford Motor Company needed to be innovative and produce more fuel-efficient vehicles. In 2008, President Bush of the United States provided financial aid to help automakers, like Ford Motors, from collapsing. Unlike General Motors, Ford was able to grow positively because in 2009 its sales and market share increased. After a few years, Ford flourished and became very successful in the automobile sector.