Forbes predicts that 2008 will see falling sales for SUVS and trucks, increased sales for "crossovers," and even greater emphasis on hybrid technology.

In an article by Matthew de Paula, editor of ForbesAutos.com, the author maintained that 2008 will be the year that American manufacturers catch up to and perhaps exceed their foreign rivals in design, engineering, and quality.

High gas prices, growing environmental concerns, and new government mandates for increased fuel efficiency will cause a higher emphasis on hybrid and alternative fuel technology but the transition for American drivers will be slow.

Buyers, according to de Paula, will be leery of both diesel and ethanol-powered offerings but will be even more drawn to the rapidly emerging genre of hybrids.

Further, de Paula places Smart on his "watch list" due to the reported pre-order of 30,000 of the tiny, trendy vehicles. If the sales truly do materialize, Daimler will have an undisputed winner on its hands in the American market.

Another item of interest for mid-2008 is the Honda FCX Clarity, a hydrogen fuel-cell sedan that will be available in given areas for a monthly lease price of $600. (Limited accessibility to hydrogen fueling stations will determine where the FCX Clarity will be offered.)

Finally, de Paula points to the situation at Chrysler where chairman Robert Nardelli has already discontinued four models for lack of sales performance with more likely to come in 2008 if the company is indeed to make a profitable turnaround.