• The Wall Street Journal, Tuesday, April 8, 2008 12:45 PM

All three of Detroit's automakers hope to sizably increase their exports of U.S.-made vehicles to markets around the world. Later this year, GM will begin shipping the Buick Enclave--a seven-passenger crossover sport-utility vehicle--to China, where the Buick brand is a big seller. It is also making plans to sell the Chevrolet Malibu--and possibly other U.S.-made passenger cars--in Brazil and other Latin American markets, GM executives have said.

Chrysler this year began exporting the Dodge Caravan minivan-- branded Chrysler Voyager in Europe. It is also exporting increasing numbers of compact Dodge and Jeep models to several countries.

Ford executives last fall dangled a carrot to union negotiators, saying exporting opportunities for UAW-built vehicles could increase with more competitive manufacturing costs, a source says. Ford is reportedly considering exporting the Ranger small pickup truck and Focus small car to places such as Brazil and Mexico when the economics make sense.

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