US car makers predict bleak 2008

摘要

After years of bankruptcies, slowing production and a continuing consumer shift away from North American branded automobiles, industry watchers are predicting that 2008 could be the worst year in a decade for auto manufacturing. Michigan-based consulting group CSM Worldwide predicts North American car makers will produce 15.8m cars and light trucks in 2008, down from 16.2m in 2007 and a high of 17.7m in 2000. "I've seen estimates as low as 14.5 million, if we actually go info a national recession," says Richard Newsted, president of Meridian Automotive, a supplier to the car industry based in Michigan. "I think it'll be a difficult year for everyone."