Superstorm Sandy's auto effect: Big Three could get boost due to car damage

While hurricane Sandy has devastated large parts of the East Coast, automakers could get a mini-boost from the storm as people buy new cars to replace the ones that went floating down streets in Manhattan and across the region.

According to a Wall Street Journal report, dealerships see a boost in sales over the two months following major storms that can both crush and flood cars. Today, the sensitive electronics found in vehicles make them even more susceptible to the water damage that can be caused by large storm surges.

The Detroit Free Press reported that the Detroit Three of Ford, GM, and Chrysler all reported or will report strong third quarter earnings. While this might not be how they would have wanted it, it looks like they could get a lift in the fourth quarter as well.

Click here to read the full story from the Wall Street Journal.

Ben Freed covers business for AnnArbor.com. You can sign up here to receive Business Review updates every week. Reach out to Ben at 734-623-2528 or email him at benfreed@annarbor.com. Follow him on twitter @BFreedinA2