Detroit Auto Show opens amid signs of recovery

09/01 19:29 CET

economy

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As the Detroit Auto Show opens the US car industry is celebrating a total turn-around, gearing up for good times having morphed from meltdown three years ago to robust health now.

Analysts and car company executives expect sales to grow between and four percent and nine percent this year, the third consecutive annual gain.

The National Automobile Dealers Association is predicting a total of 13.9 million vehicles this year.

The number of cars sold last year in the US rose just over 10 percent to 12.7 million.

However, analysts warn that a return to the boom years of 17 million annual sales will not happen any time soon.

With sales set to slide in Europe, Asian and European manufacturers are looking to the US for some of their growth. That means General Motors, Ford and Chrysler, which is now controlled by Fiat, can expect stronger competition in their home market this year.

More about: Cars, Detroit, Show, USA

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