Because crossovers are a newer automotive segment, they often have the latest in safety technology - even if you're buying used.

This, together with the hot-dip galvanizing process know-how of CSN, allows them to dominate the automotive segment.

The craze began with the 1965 Ford Mustang, which connected with America's youthful spirit and produced a whole new automotive segment: the pony car.

The company said sales of its automotive segment fell 2 percent, to $1.04 billion, and operating profit declined 63 percent, to $31 million from $84 million.

Sales in the automotive segment fell 3.5 percent, to $1.68 billion, while operating profit fell 19 percent, to $140.3 million.

But Defense Technology moved to Washington just two years ago, and last year the automotive segment relocated to Detroit.

Take size out of the equation: Is Kizashi a vehicle to be taken seriously in what is arguably the most competitive automotive segment?

"We are seeing steady demand from the automotive, industrial and military segments," Mr. Junkins said.

The Automotive Products Group has three business units focused to support the major automotive segments of powertrain, body and chassis.

The same year, the organisation's Wichita glass production facility ceased production of architectural glass to concentrate fully on the automotive segment.