2011's Best Automaker

The following video is part of our "Motley Fool Conversations" series, in which Austin Smith, consumer-goods editor and analyst, and Brendan Byrnes, industrials editor and analyst, discuss topics around the investing world.

Last year was an interesting one for automakers. The domestic automakers had a great year in terms of sales, as the big Japanese automakers were hit by multiple crises including the Japan earthquake and tsunami. But why then did shares of the two big Japanese companies outperform the shares of the big Detroit automakers? And which automaker do we declare the winner of 2011?

Ford and General Motors look poised for a great year in 2012, but there is one specific stock that our chief investment officer has picked for explosive growth in 2012. To see the name and analysis on this company, check out "The Motley Fool's Top Stock for 2012." In it you'll discover the company that's positioned to be a titan of retail in the future. You can access the report -- 100% free of charge -- by clicking here.

At the time thisarticle was published Austin Smith has no positions in the stocks mentioned above. Brendan Byrnes and The Motley Fool own shares of Ford.Motley Fool newsletter serviceshave recommended buying shares of Ford and General Motors and creating a synthetic long position in Ford. Try any of our Foolish newsletter servicesfree for 30 days. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe thatconsidering a diverse range of insightsmakes us better investors. The Motley Fool has adisclosure policy.

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