Big Three Face Uncertain Drive Overseas

Can the burgeoning strength of foreign auto markets revive Motown's mojo?

U.S. automakers are all about going global now, which is no surprise considering the difficulties they're facing at home. U.S. auto sales are slowing, and the finance business -- the industry's most profitable undertaking in the new millennium -- is taking a nosedive amid the credit crunch.

With these troubles at home, Detroit's Big Three have made some impressive strides in tapping the nascent growth of emerging consumer markets like China and Russia. But while foreign shores may well be Detroit's best hope now, it's a proposition that remains far from sure bet. ...