According to a recent report on the auto industry, published by Merrill Lynch, Ford is poised to surpass General Motors and become the top-selling automaker in the U.S. over the next four years. The reason for Fords forecasted success is its new line of products, including the Fiesta sub-compact (pictured above).

Currently Ford holds a 16.1 percent share in the U.S. market, surpassing Toyota for the number two spot. The Annual Merrill Lynch Car Wars study predicts that Fords share will increase an additional two percent, while General Motors will decline significantly, possibly by as much as five percent, putting it in the 15-16 percent range.

And if the folks at GM think they have it tough, they just need to look at Chrysler, which is predicted to drop 6 points, cutting the companys market share in half.

Along with Ford, the big winners over the next four years are expected to be Honda and Hyundai/Kia, which will each gab an additional three percent of the market.

European brands are expected to remain steady, despite a long list of new products that Volkswagen will introduce.