Mitsubishi - I think Mitsubishi will be here for a while. They're the fastest growing Japanese car company in America (but when you're down so low you can only go up). They're currently planning four cars targeted for the US market only, the upcoming Endevour (sp?) being the first of them. It's rumored the next Eclipse is supposed to return to it's roots, moving to the Lancer platform (which we all know comes with a turbo and AWD in the Evolution model), but the whole "what ever sells best is best for Mitsubishi" theorum may win out (ie, stick to Galant platform). Perhaps we'll see a Chrysler LX based Diamante with a V8? Nothing like a huge V8 RWD sedan from Japan... there's a niche market.

Saturn - GMs got enough money to keep them around. These new platform don't seem to be doin' that good though. CTS will get an engine and interior upgrade, ION is ugly, 9-3 evades a loyal base. (the VUE's Theta platform was originally to be one platform for the VUE only, but GM realized it could build more vehicles here and named it Theta).

Mini - I'm sure BMW will capitalize on the name as long as they can (four door, wagon, cabrio).

Mercury - Following a path very similar to Oldsmobile a decade ago. They're going to totally redo the product and it's image. I think they want an image like VW, which I think can be pulled off. They're exterior styling (Mountaineer at least) is clean and crisp (like VW). The only problem here is the Grand Marquis, which is their best seller. The Monterey (minivan) will help ruin the VW-like image. I just don't want to see this one go down... don't know why.