The automotive industry has been working overtime for the past few months.

Consider this: Ford has redone the Focus and axed the Taurus, replacing it with the Five Hundred, Aston Martin has the new DB9, Buick replaced both the Regal and Century models with the Lacrosse, Volkswagen just released the New Jetta, America’s best-selling German car, and Honda makes a pick-up.

Honda, maker of family cars and city transport, now has the Ridgeline, the company’s first ever pick-up.

When they entered the small-car market with the Jazz, Honda’s innovation in seating arrangements impressed the automotive critics, and for the Ridgeline, they engineered an in-bed trunk.

It is a lockable, weather-sealed trunk. At over 8 cubic feet, it is large and doubles as a cooler with a drain at the bottom. The tailgate swings both sideways and conventionally to aid access to the trunk.

How will it fare in a market where buyers are notoriously brand-loyal and purchase American?

“I think [buyers] will be skeptical at first,” Honda sales associate Chad Schoenrock said.

He also said that once people are aware of the product, and with it being a Honda, known for reliability and build quality, they will see it as a likely option.

German automaker Volkswagen recently unveiled a new version of America’s favorite German sedan. The New Jetta, from the engine to the interior, has been redesigned.

The exterior does not maintain the three-box profile of the last generation. VW has adopted a more rakish design, while retaining its tautness. The company will translate this front design onto its future Passat, which will grow in size, nearing the Phaeton.

Domestic automakers are equally busy.

At the Buick sales lot, the new Lacrosse sits as the company’s greatest hope for garnering younger consumers, said Buick Sales Associate Daniel Gailey.

Elsewhere at Buick, the company’s best-selling LeSabre will be replaced by the Lucerne, Gailey said. Once it is on the dealer’s lot, it will also try to attract more young buyers with a less traditional style.

Pontiac, under the leadership of Bob Lutz, is experiencing a small revolution.

The Sunfire, never a car regarded by the auto scribes as a quality piece, is getting the ax. The Vibe will take over its position as the entry-level car, said Pontiac sales consultant Julius Walker.

The Bonneville has driven its last miles as well. The Grand Prix will fill the company’s large sedan role. For the first time, the GXP trim level will be offered with a supercharged V8 engine, he said.