Despite the fact that Detroit automakers are moving their focus towards compact, fuel-efficient cars, and away from full-size pickups, the segment still makes up more than 20 percent of sales by the Big 3 and could play a big role in helping Detroit recover in 2010.

According to data from Autodata Corp, through the first 11 months of 2009, full-size pickup sales have been down 31.2 percent while the overall industry declined 23.9 percent. Nonetheless, Detroit automakers sold 91 percent of all full-size pickups during the period.

Dealers and manufacturers are hoping for a rebound next year as foreign automakers, with models like the Toyota Tundra and Nissan Titan, have failed at stealing significant market share from Detroit’s Big 3.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Free Press