The Autobots decided to split their forces for a better reaction time against Decepticon attacks. They constructed a secret base under Sparkplug Witwicky's new garage in New York City. There was a smaller, more urban oriented task force stationed there.
The secret base was pretty boring, as far as Decepticons go, but in New York City there is always plenty to do. At one point Tracks and Blaster participated in tracking a stolen car ring. They became friends with a street character named Raoul. Raoul helped them discover that the Decepticons were convincing underworld thugs to steal cars for the Stunticon program. Only five units made it out of the factory before the Autobots trashed it.
The Protectobots were busy as well. These newly constructed Autobots primary function was to assist the humans who suffered because of the Decepticons. To increase their Defensive capabilites, they could merge into Defensor. There was always a fire to fight or a crisis that required their special skills.
Powerglide also had a great time zooming in between the skyscrapers. Of all the places on Earth, New York City was the most like Cybertron. One time he prevented Ramjet, Thrust and Dirges abduction of a corporate CEO. Megatron never got the Superfuel formula that she wore around her neck, thanks to Powerglide.
When Megatron began his cleansing of the Earth, New York was not a safe place to be. The Decepticons began to topple skyscrapers, and just randomly blow things up. Before the Autobots knew what was happening, Devastator damaged Hot Spot badly, and destroyed Inferno, while they were fighting a fire. Thrust blew half of Powerglides wing off, and chased him right into the Extensive Enterprises building. Seaspray was sunk in the East river by the Battlechargers. Grapple and Hoist were blown apart by Blitzwing.
When it was all over, the small Autobot squad saved the city. Then the tragic news came........
Dealing with the death of Optimus Prime
