Two of the Big Three automakers feel the pinch of the economic slowdown while the biggest posts record profits for the second quarter. Chrysler Corp.'s profits plummet 85.9% to $135 million vs. year-ago's $956 million. Ford Motor Co. posts its third best second quarter ever -- $1.57 billion in earnings -- but still fell behind the prior year's record of $1.71 billion. General Motors Corp., with stronger
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Two of the Big Three automakers feel the pinch of the economic slowdown while the biggest posts record profits for the second quarter. Chrysler Corp.'s profits plummet 85.9% to $135 million vs. year-ago's $956 million. Ford Motor Co. posts its third best second quarter ever -- $1.57 billion in earnings -- but still fell behind the prior year's record of $1.71 billion. General Motors Corp., with stronger margins both in North America and Europe, comes in with a surprising 18% gain to a record $2.27 billion, suggesting the General's finally on the comeback trail and that its efficiency moves are beginning to take hold.
