Various news items fromAutomotive News point a rosier picture for Japanese manufacturers vs. the American Big Three, as a pronounced move away from large vehicles towards smaller more eco-friendly ones continues in the U.S.
- Toyota and Honda are better positioned than Ford, GM and Chrysler to adjust production towards smaller cars.
- The full-size pickup segment has virtually collapsed (from 2.5 million units in 2005 to an estimated 1.5 million this year), catching Ford and Chrysler at the worst possible moment as they are about to launch redesigned models.
- GM's Hummer line is close to being sold off or possibly disappearing.
- GM is considering lightening its big Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon models by moving to a different platform. "The future of other big SUVs such as the Chevrolet Suburban and Cadillac Escalade is unclear".
- Toyota is making a big move with its Prius hybrid, and may soon begin production in the U.S.
