Four years after the $85 billion auto bailout and a global recession that shook automakers that escaped a near-death experience, U.S. automakers are focusing on making vehicles people want to buy and drive.
Fortunately for most automakers, those are the SUVs, pickups and cars that are the most profitable.
On Monday, the first press day of the North American International Auto Show, automakers showed next-generation cars, SUVs, pickups and concepts. Automakers rolled out upscale models with more technology, better safety features and bolder styling.
Chrysler Group LLC unveiled a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee — including a diesel version — and refreshed Patriot and Compass crossovers. Ford Motor Co.'s Lincoln unit showed off a MKC concept — a small luxury SUV — with a big upgrade in materials from the Escape. And General Motors Co. publicly introduced its next-generation of full-size pickups, the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra.And not to be ignored, the European and Asian automakers displayed strong new products, too.
U.S. automakers and most foreign automakers are making solid profits — at least in North America.
The industry is expressing optimism about boosting U.S. sales in 2013, though automakers still face struggles in Europe.
Detroit's Big Three automakers have improved their cost structures. And with a battle over fuel-efficiency regulations decided through at least 2017, they are focusing on the business of selling cars and trucks.