In Comm 101 we have touched on a few issues and news items related to the auto industry. It is widely known that the “Big Three” or “Detroit Three” (General Motors, Chrysler, and Ford) have suffered drastically from diminishing sales due to a rise in fuel prices. This mainly took place in the past four years. It is just recently that these giants are making a significant recovery. A Globe and Mail article by Greg Keenan points out some significant increases in sales. Despite a still relatively weak US economy, September was the best month for some manufacturers in over a decade. The Ford Focus Compact sales rose by 91% from a year earlier, helping Ford to reach the number one spot in the Canadian sales race. GM’s sales of fuel efficient cars rose 97% leading to a 12% increase overall. Chrysler reported a 12% increase in sales while car sales alone rose 42%. It seems that these auto makers are finally catching up with consumer demands. With the gas price around $3.80 US a gallon, people are looking for more fuel efficient vehicles. It has taken the Detroit Three a while to make adjustments but change is here and now.

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