TheCarConnection.Com Reports on Auto Industry

DETROIT, Jan. 21 -- The results are in at Ford and GM -- and in Dearborn, the numbers are grim. Even with an aggressive turnaround plan in place, Ford's $5.5 billion loss is casting a shadow over the coming year as well, and in this week's issue of TheCarConnection, http://www.thecarconnection.com , Ford's top executives provide insight on how the turnaround plan might bring some good news by year's end.

At GM things are more upbeat -- read up on how the company picked up market share in 2001 and plans to grab more in '02.

At Chrysler, it's not one, but two new platforms coming from Mitsubishi. That's just part of the aggressive new product program the automaker is putting the finishing touches on -- TheCarConnection reveals. Despite plans to cut capital spending by 25%, Chrysler expects to create enough new cars, trucks and crossovers to boost sales 1 million units a year.

Speaking of new Chrysler products, don't forget to catch TCC's Daily Edition for word on the automaker's new manual transmission convertible -- its first stick-shift ragtop in decades.

In other news from the business side, things are likely to get even tougher for auto parts suppliers. Get the inside word on why, and what it might mean for suppliers, automakers and consumers.

On the consumer side, check out TCC's spy shots of the next-generation Land Rover Discovery. TheCarConnection reviews Audi's trend-setting A4 1.8T, the new Suzuki XL-7 Limited, and Mitsubishi's up-market Diamante.

Winter driving have you worried? TCC has some simple tips for dealing with skids. CarGirl helps us understand the process of breeding crossover vehicles. The OnSite Mechanic has simple, timely tips to solve your automotive problems. And columnist Denise McCluggage offers her timely and insightful thoughts on cars and car people.