The Year in Preview

Autos: Light trucks--sport-utilities, pickups and minivans--may well outsell cars in 1999. More “crossover vehicles” blending car and truck attributes will be introduced. Detroit faces contract negotiations with the United Auto Workers, a prospect most worrisome for strike-plagued General Motors. Auto sales and profits are likely to be down slightly from 1998’s strong showings. In the wake of the DaimlerChrysler merger, GM and Ford are on the prowl for acquisitions. New trucks from Honda and Toyota could help them roll up gains, and a resurgence of European nameplates--Volkswagen and Audi--is likely to continue.