Stronger profits for European car-makers

European car-makers are reporting stronger profits and keeping their aspirations focused on flashier models and new markets, even as US car companies are slashing benefits and jobs amid sagging results and spiralling gas prices.

For car-makers from Italy’s Fiat SpA to German-American DaimlerChrysler AG, profits are improving and sales solid – a stark contrast to the US, where Ford Motors and General Motors have made major job cuts and are scaling back health care and pension plans.