He conceded that parochialism on the part of American automotive executives might be a reason that the honor was not bestowed sooner.

A Proving Ground in the Desert An automotive executive said the cost of the test track would be about $20 million.

Many American automotive and electronics executives say that being able to compete in Japan, the world's most demanding market, is essential to global competitiveness.

To American automotive executives: the knowledge to make cars as good as Japan's.

Financial analysts tended toward caution, while automotive executives expressed optimism.

Japan's leading automotive executives got only about six to eight times as much as their employees.

And they have become the latest celebrities in Detroit, a city where senior automotive executives are akin to Hollywood stars.

Mr. Ferry was born in Detroit, the son of an automotive executive.

Along with hundreds of shiny new cars and trucks, there will be presentations by top automotive executives.

Many senior automotive executives sign agreements that restrict them from jumping quickly to rival companies.