Automakers improve efficiency

Detroit's Big Three automakers have improved factory efficiency, according to the Harbour Report North America 2006.

The study found that 7.33 labor hours per vehicle separated the best performing Japanese automaker in North America from the worst performing U.S. automaker, down from 9.08 hours in 2004 and less than half the 16.56-hour gap that existed in 1998.

Nissan was the most efficient automaker in North America last year, with 28.46 hours of labor in each vehicle.

Even with improved productivity, U.S. automakers continue to lose sales and market share to Japan's Big Three.