The Big Three found growth in different niches, though, with GM seeing heightened demand for crossovers such as the Chevrolet Equinox, while Chrysler grew truck sales with the Ram pick-up truck, and finally Ford, capitalizing on retail car sales as gas-price sensitive consumers go for higher mileage with the Ford Focus and Fiesta.

FORBES: Detroit's Big Three On The Rebound Thanks To U.S. Consumers

Cutting down on the burden of moving mountains of paper bills and heavy coins could conceivably save a bundle in cost-sensitive businesses like gas and fast food.

FORBES: Magazine Article