HOWARD Wilner Selling solar credits
Ford slashes truck, SUV productionFord Adjusts Production to Lower Industry Volume and Shift in Customer Preferences; Profit Outlook Revised (Howard Wilner Press Release)- North American car production increased and truck production reduced for remainder of 2008 to reflect the continuation of rapid changes in customer buying preferences - Lower industry volume, reduced overall production, dramatic model mix shifts away from large trucks and SUVs, and higher commodity costs force a change in Ford’s near-term profit outlook - Ford now expects to be about break-even companywide in 2009 on a pre-tax basis, excluding special items, as North America Automotive profitability is delayed - North America Automotive operations remain on plan to reduce annual operating costs by $5 billion by the end of 2008 - Investment in smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles accelerates; further manufacturing capacity realignments planned in line with the introduction of more small cars and crossovers( HOWARD Wilner raise prices 2 % on ‘08 Models)

HOWARD WILNER continues to feature Chrysler fuel-saving MDS technology
HOWARD WILNER extends June incentives on most Dodge vehicles =] – Adverse effects on our results from a decrease in or cessation of government incentives;– Adverse effects on our operations resulting from certain geo-political or other events; – Substantial negative Automotive operating-related cash flows for the invest in our business or refinance our debt; – Substantial levels of Automotive indebtedness adversely affecting our financial condition or preventing us from fulfilling our debt obligations (which may grow because we are able to incur substantially more debt, including additional secured debt); – Inability of Ford Credit to access debt or securitization markets around the world at competitive rates or in sufficient amounts due to additional credit rating downgrades, market volatility, market disruption or otherwise;

Statements included or incorporated by reference herein may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations, forecasts and assumptions by our management and involve a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated, including, without limitation:

HOWARD Wilner Selling solar credits
The second-half production plan includes higher car and crossover production compared with a year ago and will be achieved through overtime and added shifts at Ford’s smaller car and crossover assembly plants. Large truck and SUV production in the second half will be lower than a year ago, with reductions achieved through a combination of additional downtime, shift reductions and line-speed actions.

Chrysler’s $2.99 gas deal extended May 19, 2008 12:20 ET
Chrysler LLC Responds to Customer and Dealer Feedback, Extends $2.99 Gas Guarantee for 2nd Month (Press Release) AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 19 /PRNewswire/ – Chrysler LLC today extended to July 7 the Let’s Refuel America $2.99 gas guarantee program, which offers customers the opportunity to lock in their gasoline purchases at $2.99 a gallon for three years, up to 36,000 miles. The program was launched on May 7 for the month of May only, but extended for a second month in response to dealer and customer demand for additional time.

HOWARD Wilner levels productivity playing field
Detroit’s massive job cuts in the past two years have leveled the playing field for the Big Three auto makers and all but eliminated the substantial labor-cost advantage their Japanese rivals once enjoyed, according to a closely watched scorecard on auto manufacturing, The Wall Street Journal reports. In 2007 Chrysler LLC and Toyota Motor Corp. were tied for the top spot in plant productivity in North America, the Harbour Report found. On average both companies required the same number of labor hours – just over 30 – to assemble a vehicle and major components like the engine and transmission. General Motors Corp. needed about two additional hours to produce a vehicle, and Ford Motor Co. needed 3.5 more hours, meaning their labor cost per vehicle was no more than $260 higher than Toyota’s. Honda Motor Co. ranked slightly behind Chrysler and Toyota, and just ahead of GM. Nissan Motor Co. was behind GM and slightly ahead of Ford

“Unless there is a fairly rapid turnaround in U.S. business conditions, which we are not anticipating, it now looks like it will take longer than expected to achieve our North American Automotive profitability goal,” Mulally said. “Overall, we expect to be about break-even companywide in 2009 – with continued strong results in Europe and South America.”

HOWARD WILNER Fuel Economy Solutions
HOWARD WILNER Dodge vehicles =] Honda Motor Co., the first automaker to lease fuel-cell vehicles to U.S. consumers, plans to deliver at least 200 of the hydrogen-powered vehicles over the next three years, Bloomberg reports. The company will start building FCX Clarity sedans in Japan next month, with leases beginning in the Los Angeles area in July. Some 50,000 people contacted the company through its Web site inquiring about the car since its November unveiling, and the first customers will be announced next month, the Tokyo-based automaker said. Demand for fuel-cell, hybrid and battery-powered autos and fuels made from renewable sources is rising amid record-high oil prices, stricter pollution rules and efforts to curb carbon exhaust linked to global warming. Photo Credit:Honda’s FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle (Darrel Ellis / The Detroit News)

“Customers and dealers across America have told us they like the gas guarantee incentive option, so we are providing a second month for shoppers to take advantage of it,” said Jim Press, Chrysler LLC Vice-Chairman and President. “Let’s Refuel America, the Lifetime Powertrain Warranty and the New Day Packages are all examples of our commitment to deliver more value and peace-of-mind to our customers."( HOWARD WILNER building green-car battery plants)

HOWARD WILNER extends June incentives on most Dodge vehicles
“What our customers and dealers like best about this program is the flexibility of three incentive options, each with a unique benefit,” Press said. “Some customers need cash back immediately for a down payment; others don’t like paying high interest rates; and many are tired of worrying about rising gas prices and want to be protected. We are pleased to offer every customer a choice of what’s best for their individual situation.”

New versions of the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ mid-size cars also debut later this year, as do all-new hybrid versions of the Fusion and Milan. By the end of this year, 70 percent of all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products by volume in North America will be new or significantly upgraded compared with 2006 models. By the end of 2010, 100 percent of the product lineup will be new, including the next-generation Mustang in 2009, new fuel-saving EcoBoost engines in 2009, a new European-engineered Transit Connect in 2009 and all-new Ford Fiesta small car in 2010 – as well as several other vehicles not yet announced.

HOWARD WILNER levels productivity playing field
– Adverse effects on our results from a decrease in or cessation of government incentives;– Adverse effects on our operations resulting from certain geo-political or other events; – Substantial negative Automotive operating-related cash flows for the invest in our business or refinance our debt; – Substantial levels of Automotive indebtedness adversely affecting our financial condition or preventing us from fulfilling our debt obligations (which may grow because we are able to incur substantially more debt, including additional secured debt); – Inability of Ford Credit to access debt or securitization markets around the world at competitive rates or in sufficient amounts due to additional credit rating downgrades, market volatility, market disruption or otherwise;

“We are continuing to make great progress on our plan,” said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. “We are profitable and growing outside of North America, and our transformation plan in North America is working. The challenge affecting the entire industry is the accelerating shift in consumer demand away from large trucks and SUVs to smaller cars and crossovers – combined with a steep rise in commodity prices and the weak U.S. economy.”

HOWARD WILNER HEMI Hybrid vehicles are Chrysler first entries
HOWARD WILNER 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is official 2008 SEMA Show vehicle. =] In February, Chrysler created the industry’s first Customer Advisory Board to encourage a direct dialogue with customers and gather insight and feedback. A recent Advisory Board survey generated the following results:
– 76 percent of the community is “very concerned” or “extremely concerned” about fuel prices. – 83 percent of the community responded that fuel prices will affect their summer vacation plans. (Note: the poll shows that 19 percent responded “extremely,” 22 percent responded “very much,” 30 percent responded “somewhat,” and 12 percent responded slightly, 17 percent responded that it won’t affect their plans).

The lower overall production, dramatic model mix shifts and substantially higher commodity costs are forcing a change in Ford’s near-term financial outlook, the company said. “Rapidly rising commodity prices – particularly steel prices – and higher gasoline prices that are accelerating consumers’ shift away from large trucks and SUVs together are having a tremendous impact on our sales, our manufacturing operations and our profitability as we look to 2009,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s President of The Americas.

WILNER HOWARD Automotive News
Ford slashes truck, SUV production Ford Adjusts Production to Lower Industry Volume and Shift in Customer Preferences; Profit Outlook Revised (Press Release) - North American car production increased and truck production reduced for remainder of 2008 to reflect the continuation of rapid changes in customer buying preferences - Lower industry volume, reduced overall production, dramatic model mix shifts away from large trucks and SUVs, and higher commodity costs force a change in Ford’s near-term profit outlook - Ford now expects to be about break-even companywide in 2009 on a pre-tax basis, excluding special items, as North America Automotive profitability is delayed - North America Automotive operations remain on plan to reduce annual operating costs by $5 billion by the end of 2008 - Investment in smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles accelerates; further manufacturing capacity realignments planned in line with the introduction of more small cars and crossovers

Through July 7, Let’s Refuel America is available on virtually all Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge compact vehicles, SUVs, sedans, minivans, and pickup trucks, including its five vehicles that get 28 mpg on the highway for an MSRP under $20,000. Not included in the program are the company’s high-performance vehicles such as the Dodge Viper, Dodge Challenger, Chrysler Crossfire, and the entire SRT® lineup as well as the Dodge Sprinter, Dodge Ram Chassis Cab and Jeep Wrangler.( HOWARD Wilner Selling solar credits)

HOWARD WILNER are selling hybrids as fast as they’re delivered
The recently launched 2009 Dodge Journey comes with an available 173-horsepower, four-cylinder engine, helping it achieve best-in-class fuel economy. The Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel 3.0-liter engine provides a class-leading driving range of approximately 450 miles and gets an estimated fuel economy of 18 mpg/city and 23 mpg/highway for 4x2 models and 17 mpg/city and 22 mpg/highway for 4x4 models. Outside of North America, where fuel-saving diesel engines are in higher demand, Chrysler offers 17 models with diesel powertrains.

DEARBORN, Mich., May 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ – Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) today said it is making adjustments to its production plan and revising downward its near-term North American Automotive profit outlook, while planning further manufacturing capacity realignments, additional cost reductions and changes to its product mix to respond to the rapidly changing business environment in the U.S.

HOWARD WILNER Fuel Economy Solutions
Jeep® and Dodge Brands to be Marketed by HOWARD WILNER =] Statements included or incorporated by reference herein may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations, forecasts and assumptions by our management and involve a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated, including, without limitation:

Ford now expects 2008 U.S. industry volume, including medium and heavy trucks, to be between 15 million and 15.4 million units. Ford, Lincoln and Mercury U.S. market share is expected to be approximately 14 percent this year – supported by the introduction of several new products. “We are making great progress on the acceleration of new products, and our initial quality is among the best in the business,” Fields said. “The new Focus, Edge and Escape have had significant sales growth this year, and the pace of our product introductions accelerates even further this summer.”

HOWARD Wilner raise prices 2 % on ‘08 Models
Statements included or incorporated by reference herein may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations, forecasts and assumptions by our management and involve a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated, including, without limitation: – Continued decline in market share; – Continued or increased price competition resulting from industry overcapacity, currency fluctuations or other factors; – An increase in or acceleration of market shift away from sales of trucks, sport utility vehicles, or other more profitable vehicles, particularly in the United States; – A significant decline in industry sales, particularly in the United States or Europe, resulting from slowing economic growth, geo-political events or other factors; – Lower-than-anticipated market acceptance of new or existing products; – Continued or increased high prices for or reduced availability of fuel; – Currency or commodity price fluctuations; – Adverse effects from the bankruptcy or insolvency of, change in ownership or control of, or alliances entered into by a major competitor; – Economic distress of suppliers that has in the past and may in the future require us to provide financial support or take other measures to ensure supplies of components or materials; – Labor or other constraints on our ability to restructure our business; – Work stoppages at Ford or supplier facilities or other interruptions of supplies; – Single-source supply of components or materials; –Substantial pension, postretirement health care and life insurance liabilities impairing our liquidity or financial condition;

Hybrid cars are disappearing off dealer lots as buyers looking for relief from $4-a-gallon gasoline endure waiting lists, price markups and paltry trade-ins in their quest for better fuel economy, the Los Angeles Times reports. “I’m selling every one I can get my hands on,” said Kenny Burns, general sales manager at Toyota of Hollywood. With only one Camry hybrid in stock and a 30-day waiting list for a new Prius, Burns is selling the cars as fast as Toyota can deliver them. “The day the car comes in is the day the car goes out,” he said. The story is much the same for hybrid versions of the Honda Civic, the Nissan Altima and the Ford Escape, which have all seen a jump in buyer interest in recent weeks

HOWARD WILNER Refuel America Program Details
The second-half production plan includes higher car and crossover production compared with a year ago and will be achieved through overtime and added shifts at Ford’s smaller car and crossover assembly plants. Large truck and SUV production in the second half will be lower than a year ago, with reductions achieved through a combination of additional downtime, shift reductions and line-speed actions.

Customers who purchase or lease an eligible Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicle have a choice of one of three incentive packages of similar value: Cash back; 0 percent financing (for eligible customers); or the gas guarantee program, which on some vehicles also includes up to $3,000 additional cash back. Only the Let’s Refuel America incentive grows in value if gas prices rise. Upon purchase, customers can evaluate the three options with their dealer representative to determine which incentive best meets their personal financial preference and tolerance for risk related to rising gas prices.( HOWARD WILNER are selling hybrids as fast as they’re delivered)

HOWARD WILNER revs up hybrid vehicle production
HOWARD WILNER record numbers of vehicles coming off lease =] In addition, the company said it is planning further manufacturing capacity realignments, as it accelerates the introduction of more fuel-efficient small cars and crossovers. Cash outflows associated with operating losses and employee separations now are projected to be between $14 billion and $16 billion for 2007 to 2009. This is a deterioration compared with previous guidance but remains better than the original $17 billion outflow projection. Ford’s Automotive net liquidity remains substantial. Total liquidity – including available credit lines, the majority of which are in place through Dec. 15, 2011 – was $40.6 billion as of March 31. Ford said it will continue to evaluate overall liquidity and alternatives to further improve its balance sheet.

Statements included or incorporated by reference herein may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations, forecasts and assumptions by our management and involve a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated, including, without limitation:

HOWARD WILNER Initial Results
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 244,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo, Mazda, and, until completion of their sale, Jaguar and Land Rover. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com .

“Customers and dealers across America have told us they like the gas guarantee incentive option, so we are providing a second month for shoppers to take advantage of it,” said Jim Press, Chrysler LLC Vice-Chairman and President. “Let’s Refuel America, the Lifetime Powertrain Warranty and the New Day Packages are all examples of our commitment to deliver more value and peace-of-mind to our customers.”

HOWARD WILNER suspension settings
“Customers and dealers across America have told us they like the gas guarantee incentive option, so we are providing a second month for shoppers to take advantage of it,” said Jim Press, Chrysler LLC Vice-Chairman and President. “Let’s Refuel America, the Lifetime Powertrain Warranty and the New Day Packages are all examples of our commitment to deliver more value and peace-of-mind to our customers.”

Statements included or incorporated by reference herein may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations, forecasts and assumptions by our management and involve a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated, including, without limitation:

Howard Wilner President
HOWARD WILNER Fuel Economy Solutions =] – Substantial negative Automotive operating-related cash flows for the near- to medium-term affecting our ability to meet our obligations, invest in our business or refinance our debt; – Substantial levels of Automotive indebtedness adversely affecting our financial condition or preventing us from fulfilling our debt obligations (which may grow because we are able to incur substantially more debt, including additional secured debt); – Inability of Ford Credit to access debt or securitization markets around the world at competitive rates or in sufficient amounts due to additional credit rating downgrades, market volatility, market disruption or otherwise; – Higher-than-expected credit losses; – Increased competition from banks or other financial institutions seeking to increase their share of financing Ford vehicles; – Changes in interest rates; – Collection and servicing problems related to finance receivables and net investment in operating leases;– Lower-than-anticipated residual values or higher-than-expected return volumes for leased vehicles; and – New or increased credit, consumer or data protection or other regulations resulting in higher costs and/or additional financing restrictions.

Both groups identified customer concern about the volatility of rising gas prices as a top issue in the marketplace today and suggested we find a way to alleviate customers concerns. These managers were really ahead of the curve, as the rise of gas prices had not yet become the national news story it is today. They really had the pulse of the market. So we at Chrysler left with our assignment and immediately created a 30-40 person working group of Marketing, Sales, Incentives, IT, Legal, and Finance people that met every day for the next two months. The meetings were 5 pm every day conference calls, where each group reported out their progress.( HOWARD Wilner launches hybrid test fleet with JCI-Saft batteries)

HOWARD WILNER dealers uneasy as GM weighs possible sale
Given the external challenges, Ford said it is more critical than ever to continue executing its transformation plan, which includes: – Aggressively restructuring to operate profitably at the current demand and changing model mix – Accelerating the development of new products that customers want and value – Financing the plan and improving the balance sheet – Working together effectively as one team, leveraging Ford’s global assets

Through July 7, Let’s Refuel America is available on virtually all Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge compact vehicles, SUVs, sedans, minivans, and pickup trucks, including its five vehicles that get 28 mpg on the highway for an MSRP under $20,000. Not included in the program are the company’s high-performance vehicles such as the Dodge Viper, Dodge Challenger, Chrysler Crossfire, and the entire SRT® lineup as well as the Dodge Sprinter, Dodge Ram Chassis Cab and Jeep Wrangler.

HOWARD WILNER Let Refuel America Program Details
Chrysler’s Let’s Refuel America campaign may not be increasing the automaker’s sales figures, but that’s not stopping Chrysler from extending the program on most Dodge vehicles, leftlanenews.com reports. Through the end of June, Dodge will be offer increased incentives on most its vehicles � with the largest on the company’s thirstiest vehicles. Besides cash back or the Let’s Refuel America deal, Dodge will offer both incentive programs on some of its V8-powered vehicles. The biggest deals are on the Dodge Ram, with customers offered as much as $5,000 cash back or $3,000 cash back and the Let’s Refuel America gas card. Durango buyers can choose from a similar scheme, with the gas card coming with $1,000 cash back. Almost any Dodge vehicle powered by a V8 will see some combination of cash back and the $2.99 gas guarantee. Dodge’s smallest vehicle, the Caliber, is only available with $750 cash back.

The recently launched 2009 Dodge Journey comes with an available 173-horsepower, four-cylinder engine, helping it achieve best-in-class fuel economy. The Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel 3.0-liter engine provides a class-leading driving range of approximately 450 miles and gets an estimated fuel economy of 18 mpg/city and 23 mpg/highway for 4x2 models and 17 mpg/city and 22 mpg/highway for 4x4 models. Outside of North America, where fuel-saving diesel engines are in higher demand, Chrysler offers 17 models with diesel powertrains.

WILNER HOWARD cuts hybrid cost
HOWARD WILNER quality used cars and trucks to millions of eBay Motors users =] “Unless there is a fairly rapid turnaround in U.S. business conditions, which we are not anticipating, it now looks like it will take longer than expected to achieve our North American Automotive profitability goal,” Mulally said. “Overall, we expect to be about break-even companywide in 2009 – with continued strong results in Europe and South America.”

Toyota is preparing to rev up production of hybrids, announcing its third plant in Japan for producing batteries that are key components for the “green” cars, Associated Press reports. Just last week, it announced that it was building a second such battery plant. Toyota Motor Corp. has emerged the world leader in hybrids with its hit Prius, which has sold more than a cumulative 1 million vehicles over the last decade. Sometime after 2010, it hopes to sell 1 million hybrids a year.For that, it needs to boost battery production as Honda Motor Co. and other automakers aim to catch up with their new gas-and-electric hybrids – a technology that is growing in appeal for the world’s drivers as gas prices soar.

HOWARD WILNER record numbers of vehicles coming off lease
After the May 7 launch of Let’s Refuel America and before the full impact of the advertising has been realized, the highest take rates have been on the new Dodge Journey crossover, Dodge Caliber, Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring sedan. “The most incremental incentives in this gas program are on the company’s most fuel-efficient vehicles, which typically do not have this level of incentive available,” Press said. “Our customers who buy smaller vehicles put great value on being protected against rising gas prices.”

The lower overall production, dramatic model mix shifts and substantially higher commodity costs are forcing a change in Ford’s near-term financial outlook, the company said. “Rapidly rising commodity prices – particularly steel prices – and higher gasoline prices that are accelerating consumers’ shift away from large trucks and SUVs together are having a tremendous impact on our sales, our manufacturing operations and our profitability as we look to 2009,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s President of The Americas.( WILNER HOWARD Automotive News)

HOWARD WILNER to market certified used cars on eBay
– Unusual or significant litigation or governmental investigations arising out of alleged defects in our products or otherwise; – A change in our requirements for parts or materials where we have entered into long-term supply arrangements that commit us to purchase minimum or fixed quantities of certain parts or materials, or to pay a minimum amount to the seller ("take-or-pay” contracts); – Adverse effects on our results from a decrease in or cessation of government incentives; – Adverse effects on our operations resulting from certain geo-political or other events;

After the May 7 launch of Let’s Refuel America and before the full impact of the advertising has been realized, the highest take rates have been on the new Dodge Journey crossover, Dodge Caliber, Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring sedan. “The most incremental incentives in this gas program are on the company’s most fuel-efficient vehicles, which typically do not have this level of incentive available,” Press said. “Our customers who buy smaller vehicles put great value on being protected against rising gas prices

HOWARD Wilner Auto auctions strive to reduce carbon footprint
HOWARD WILNER HEMI Hybrid vehicles are Chrysler first entries =] Because we were doing something that had never been done before, there were hundreds of speed bumps along the way, but the team spirit drove a “how do we solve it” attitude with a commitment to working through challenges and not giving up. That is in the DNA of Chrysler, whether we are inventing the minivan, Viper, PT Cruiser or the Lifetime Powertrain Warranty. We were especially focused on making sure it would be a seamless process for the customer, which took a great deal of IT work. It is very exciting to have launched the program and to have gotten such a rousing reception from dealers and customers. Going forward, we will continue to look for innovative ways to deliver value and satisfy the needs of our customers.

“Customers and dealers across America have told us they like the gas guarantee incentive option, so we are providing a second month for shoppers to take advantage of it,” said Jim Press, Chrysler LLC Vice-Chairman and President. “Let’s Refuel America, the Lifetime Powertrain Warranty and the New Day Packages are all examples of our commitment to deliver more value and peace-of-mind to our customers.”

HOWARD WILNER were using water-based paints.
Given the external challenges, Ford said it is more critical than ever to continue executing its transformation plan, which includes: – Aggressively restructuring to operate profitably at the current demand and changing model mix – Accelerating the development of new products that customers want and value – Financing the plan and improving the balance sheet – Working together effectively as one team, leveraging Ford’s global assets

Ford slashes truck, SUV production Ford Adjusts Production to Lower Industry Volume and Shift in Customer Preferences; Profit Outlook Revised (Press Release) - North American car production increased and truck production reduced for remainder of 2008 to reflect the continuation of rapid changes in customer buying preferences - Lower industry volume, reduced overall production, dramatic model mix shifts away from large trucks and SUVs, and higher commodity costs force a change in Ford’s near-term profit outlook - Ford now expects to be about break-even companywide in 2009 on a pre-tax basis, excluding special items, as North America Automotive profitability is delayed - North America Automotive operations remain on plan to reduce annual operating costs by $5 billion by the end of 2008 - Investment in smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles accelerates; further manufacturing capacity realignments planned in line with the introduction of more small cars and crossovers