News Summary: Automakers expecting pickup boom
HIRING: Chrysler said Thursday that it's adding a third shift with 1,000 jobs to a Ram pickup plant outside Detroit. It also plans to add 250 jobs to a Detroit engine plant in 2014.
BUSINESS PICKING UP: Pickup truck sales are expected to spike as home construction increases. New-home starts reached their fastest pace in four years in September. Trucks are also averaging a record 10 years old, so car companies think there will be demand to replace them.
ROAD SIGNS: Chrysler's redesigned Ram just went on sale and GM will have new trucks next year, which could fuel demand.