Wait Until Next Year: 2007 mostly has been a downer for Detroit. Next year looks better

摘要

THIS YEAR HAD ITS UPS AND DOWNS: UP for Honda, BMW and a few others, but down for Detroit. After a great first half, Toyota has been taking some lumps, too. Total U.S. sales will run about 16 million for 2007, the worst year since 1998. Back then GM had 29.4% of the market and Ford 24.7%. What a difference a decade makes! But enough about yesterday, what about next year? Signs are mixed. You know the bad stuff. The housing market is awful and that sinks construction. Loans are tough to get and the weak dollar will push up prices on foreign-made cars; oil prices are hitting record highs and consumers are nervous about bad news they hear on many fronts. Some seers say a storm is coming while others think one already has arrived.