The wealth effect explains the buoyancy of retail sales, homebuilding and the high plateau of auto volume.

FORBES: Stocks for cowardly lions

For years Goodyear had chased volume, selling low-margin tires to auto manufacturers and replacement tires to the middle of the market.

FORBES: Rolling, Rolling, Rolling

Leaf springs, its high-volume product that accounts for 67% of its auto parts sales, are fairly simple, low-capital-intensive suspension components.

FORBES: Made in Mexico