

Did Japan back then pay their assembly line workers the equivalent of $5k USD/year (in today’s dollars) and have nearly no worker protections? Not a rhetorical question; I just don’t know. Seems like Japan had a better standard of living back then compared to Chinese workers now, so I would guess their workers were compensated and treated better.
Not defending US auto corps (or any corp for that matter). The regulatory capture in the US is insane, and workers aren’t treated as well as most of the rest of the first world.
More like $200k in total comp (but I suppose if the stock rockets like 5x after you’re hired, it can end up being $400k). Senior positions can make > $400k/yr in total comp. Some companies have back-loaded vesting schedules so they can get rid of you before the majority of your options vest though.