Europe in detail and the US automobile marketplace at a glance

2009 Hyundai i20 Compact 5-door hatch - $13,650 to start and 53.4 mpgUS combined on the NEDC with the optional 1.4L turbo-diesel. Surprisingly, Hyundai?s European operations is showing the most strength amongst all manufacturers. U.S. auto sales finished 2008 with the lowest sales totals since 1992. For 2009, sales continue to plummet with overall light duty vehicle sales totals expected to total just 10 to 10.5 million units, a level that would place the industry just above 1970?s 9.8 million units if automobile sales continue at their present pace.