According to participants in the Chicago Fed’s annual Automotive Outlook Symposium, the nation’s economic decline is forecasted to bottom out this year; solid economic growth is expected in 2010—with inflation staying contained but the unemployment rate remaining high. Light vehicle sales...

This article examines the recent break in the relationship between motor vehicle production and the auto region’s employment, particularly the impact of the decline in Big Three market share.

Exports of U.S. made auto parts have stalled in recent years, while import levels of auto parts have continued to increase. The authors detail the magnitude and destination of U.S. imports and exports of specific auto parts in order to assess the challenges facing U.S. parts suppliers.

This Chicago Fed Letter summarizes the consensus outlook from the symposium, as well as the presentations from vehicle producers, dealers, and vehicle research organizations.