Ten automakers to watch in 2010

1. Fiat

This Italian company is the white knight that stepped up to save Chrysler from bankruptcy. Now that it's in the driver's seat, many changes will start in 2010 as the new boss tries to return the once-troubled company to profitability.

Indications are that four versions of the diminutive Fiat 500 -- a hatchback, a convertible, a wagon and a hot hatch -- will be built at Chrysler's Mexican manufacturing plant and appear in North American showrooms by 2011. Plans are for the Lancia brand to be merged with Chrysler and the Lancia Thesis built in Canada. There is talk that the venerable Alfa Romeo luxury/sports car may return to these shores as well.

Expect to see the new Jeep Grand Cherokee in the fall of 2010. Alfa-Romeo will have its own version, but that might not be available in North America.

Look out for a new Wrangler in late 2010, perhaps even with a Fiat diesel.

2. Ford

The only one of the Big Three to avoid bankruptcy, Ford has gained valuable market credibility by not asking for a bailout to survive. Instead, it sold off Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover to raise cash and focus on its core business. At the same time, the company has managed to bring out popular new vehicles including the Edge, Fusion, Taurus and Flex.

Ford's fleet is also more fuel-efficient, thanks in part to the use of turbochargers in its engine offerings.

The company will introduce the Fiesta in Canada in 2010, a subcompact much anticipated in the economy-minded market.

3. Hyundai

The recession that battered other manufacturers was perhaps the best thing that could have happened to Hyundai. While the competition slumped, the Korean manufacturer soared, thanks to fresh product that gave good value for the money. The firm started off the year with a $9,995 Accent and in the middle of the year came up with the Genesis sedan, a luxury car for under $50,000.

In 2009, they also introduced a new Elantra in sedan and wagon versions and topped it off with the Genesis Coupe. Coming next in 2010 is the redesigned mid-sized Sonata sedan and Tucson compact crossover. In the late summer or fall expect the new Equus, which replaces the Azera.

4. General Motors

The unthinkable happened when GM went bankrupt in 2009. After a very public bailout with a hefty injection of government loans, the General is still with us. The patient shows good signs of recovery, with new vehicles such the Camaro muscle car and the GMC Terrain crossover leading the way. Casualties include Pontiac, Saturn and Saab.

Cars to look out for in 2010 are the introduction of the Chevrolet Cruz, a compact sedan, and the Volt, GM's first mass-production electric car.

The Buick Lacrosse will be joined by the new Regal in 2010. Cadillac will add a coupe version of the CTS in showrooms by the summer.