GENERAL MOTORS
1998 EARNINGS
$2.8 billion*
1998 REVENUE
$140 billion
WORLDWIDE VEHICLE SALES
7.5 million
CASH
$16.6 billion
STRATEGY
GM is getting its own house in order. But it has found time to take a 49% stake in Japan's Isuzu and a 10% stake in Suzuki. Some speculate GM will rescue South Korea's Daewoo.
FORD MOTOR
1998 EARNINGS
$6.7 billion
1998 REVENUE
$118 billion
WORLDWIDE VEHICLE SALES
6.8 million
CASH
$23 billion
STRATEGY
With a mountain of cash to spend, Ford is the hottest suitor on the global automotive scene. Predicted targets: Volvo, Honda, BMW.
DAIMLERCHRYSLER
1998 EARNINGS
$6.47 billion**
1998 REVENUE
$147.3 billion**
WORLDWIDE VEHICLE SALES
4 million
CASH
$25 billion
STRATEGY
By merging, Daimler Benz and Chrysler have created a global powerhouse. But it needs a presence in Asia and is already talking to Nissan about a deal.
VOLKSWAGEN
1998 EARNINGS
$1.3 billion
1998 REVENUE
$75 billion
WORLDWIDE VEHICLE SALES
4.58 million
CASH
$12.4 billion
STRATEGY
VW has already acquired Rolls Royce, Bugatti, and Lamborghini. Hard-driving Piech is often rumored to be eyeing BMW and Volvo, which itself is in talks with Fiat.
TOYOTA MOTOR
1998 EARNINGS
$4 billion
1998 REVENUE
$106 billion
WORLDWIDE VEHICLE SALES
4.45 million
CASH
$23 billion
STRATEGY
Toyota wants to strengthen its hold on Japanese auto maker Daihatsu Motor, truckmaker Hino Motors, and affiliated parts suppliers like Denso.
HONDA MOTOR
1998 EARNINGS
$2.4 billion
1998 REVENUE
$54 billion
WORLDWIDE VEHICLE SALES
2.34 million
CASH
$3 billion
STRATEGY
Honda must grow bigger if it is to make it into the Big Six. Honda insists it wants to go it alone. But joining forces with luxury carmaker BMW could result in a dream team.
*Includes one-time charges for restructuring
**Estimates of Daimler Benz and Chrysler combined results.
DATA: MERRILL LYNCH & CO., SCHRODER & CO., SALOMON SMITH BARNEY, J.P. MORGAN, WASSERSTEIN PERELLA, COMPANY REPORTS
