North American manufacturers have really focused on product, launching a wide variety of new and exciting model offerings. In the end the consumer wins, in terms of choice, product quality and affordability.

Who is going to gain market share in future? When we polled those in the industry 70 percent of respondents said Asian manufacturers, and 51 percent said European would gain. Only 20 percent said North American manufacturers would gain,

North American manufacturers have really focused on product, launching a wide variety of new and exciting model offerings, ... In the end the consumer wins, in terms of choice, product quality and affordability.

I think they have some very difficult challenges over the next three years. The silver lining is if they continue to reduce costs and strive for flexible manufacturing, they can see a return to profits even without the sales levels of 2000. But the Asian brands and European brands aren't sitting still either.

It was the best year as far as vehicles produced and sold, probably one of the worst in terms of corresponding profitability.

We are seeing the convergence of improved economic conditions, the leveling off of sales incentives and the huge amount of new vehicle launches scheduled over the next few years all playing a factor.