Auto Manufacturing's Slowdown Could Trouble Some U.S. Regions

The industry has been a key driver of the sector's job gains. See which metro areas could suffer most from expected job losses. For a few years, steady growth in auto manufacturing helped prop up regional economies recovering from the recession. But new data indicate that the industry’s momentum has stalled. Vehicle sales declined for the sixth consecutive month in June, and automakers are responding. Ford announced plans in May to trim 10 percent of its salaried workforce in North America and Asia. Similarly, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler have eliminated shifts at some facilities.