Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--Rising demand for personal transportation and improving inventories at dealerships are expected to push U.S. auto sales higher in the near term, according to a recent report from J.D. Power and LMC Automotive. Domestic automakers scrambling to keep up with the market know they cannot do so without production plants that are in peak operating condition, highlighting the need for proper maintenance.

Industrial Info is tracking more than 300 maintenance-related projects in the U.S. auto industry that are set to kick off in the third quarter, more than half of which are in the Great Lakes region. Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) leads all other auto companies in third-quarter maintenance spending, with about $21 million attributed to 19 projects across various regions.

Other companies featured: Honda Motor Company (NYSE:HMC), Allison Transmission (NYSE:ALSN), Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F), Michelin and Bridgestone Corporation.