Automakers take different routes toward recovery

0 Comments | USA TODAY, August, 2008 | by Sharon Silke Carty

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. -- Although continued stalled sales worry many industry watchers, auto executives are optimistic that next year won't be worse.

Executives speaking at the annual Management Briefing Seminars sponsored by the Center for Automotive Research here this week were asked to address the topic: "Transcending Turbulence. A New Beginning?"

With buyers virtually overnight fleeing formerly profitable SUVs and trucks and overall monthly sales at the lowest point in more than 15 years, the topic was fitting. No single solution was presented, but the automakers talked about the many little steps they'll take.

In his speech Thursday morning, Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager of the Toyota brand, asked attendees to raise their...