Over 40% of cars built in North America built by foreign companies

In January we brought you news of Toyota's predicted surpassing of Chrysler in North American output in 2009, and nearly two years ago we reported on the Detroit 3 slipping below 50% market share in the U.S. Now the trend continues, with the Detroit 3's North American car output slipping below 60% for the first time in 2008. The American carmakers' slide in output can be tied in part to the earlier market share milestone, but the generally down car market and 2008's high fuel prices were also responsible.