Automakers' Profits Linked to New Products

04/25/96

Reuters reported that automotive industry analysts are predicting that big three profits for the year will depend largely on how the automakers' new products fare.

GM, Ford, and Chrysler earned a combined total of $2.68 billion during this year's first quarter (down from 1995's $4.15 billion), and results varied widely among each of the three. Chrysler profits were high after the slow launch of their minivan last year; Ford is in the middle of launching a new F-series pickup and a new Escort, and their profits were down during the first quarter; and GM, who's profits fell by half, has only just started their launches--a new minivan platform and four new mid-size sedans.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel