It's even worse, because GM actively sabotaged, in some cases by buying and then dismantling, competitors ( in a larger sense), "streetcars" (trams/light rail). They literally forced cities to move to buses they provided, and service deteriorated and made cars necessary for everyone. And the governments just sat there and watched, and effects are still there today in the US.

furriers?

Probably farriers, who specialize in horse shoes.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farrier

He meant furries. It's a little known fact that before the internal combustion engine, furryism was much more popular due to the greater availability of horsehair for costumes. Notable furries included Kenneth Grahame of Wind in the Willows fame and by all accounts, King Edward VII, who was sent a Russian Bear costume by his cousin the Tsar. UwU.