It thus put on a show of the Government's continued strength in a new competitive environment.
He said the continued strength could mean higher car production schedules for the rest of the year.
Part of the industry's continued strength may indicate that rate increases are just slow to have an effect.
That is down from the recent high of 6.4 percent, but the continued strength is one reason the economy has held up.
But most economic reports for January have signaled continued strength in the economy.
"The production sector is still strong, so I would expect to see continued strength in manufacturing during the second half of this year."
Might the continued strength of the yen put a stop to this?
With the group faltering, the continued strength of the overall market comes into question.
But the continued strength of the American dollar has helped as well.
"And that will lead to continued strength in earnings for the balance of the year."