Despite a summer of repeated recalls, Ford (F), General Motors (GM) and Chrysler have been able to stand strong and pull out decent quarters.

However, the automakers may have bigger issues in the autumn months as strike preparations are underway in Canada that threaten to stop production on more than a dozen popular models.

According to The Detroit News, a lengthy strike by the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) union could, "ripple and hinder production by Detroit's Big Three in the U.S." A CAW strike in 1996 lasted more than three weeks.

Vehicles that could eventually be impacted by such a strike include Chrysler's Town & Country minivan, General Motors' Chevrolet Equinox/GMC Terrain SUV and even the highly popular Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. The CAW is set to begin striking sometime after 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 17 if a contract agreement is not reached between the union and the Detroit automakers before then.

The Detroit automakers have not made public production plans in case of a strike. "Ford, GM and Chrysler have remained silent on contingency plans should more than 18,000 CAW members strike; all three have options should a strike drag out, although those options are limited," The Detroit News reported early Thursday morning.

In addition to the union problems in Canada, Ford faces problems in Europe and may be closing a factory in Belgium to address near-term European challenges.

Ford introduced 15 new models overseas last week in order to increase consumer demand. The restyled vehicles will make their debut over the course of the next five years, with the company noting that they are investing in the future, despite the current economic crisis.

"Ford [management] downplayed the likelihood of a European downturn as deep as the U.S.'s during the financial crisis," analysts at Jefferies said following a meeting with Ford executives.

"There does seem to be at least some variable capacity that Ford can take out. We got the sense that Ford is targeting a restructuring plan that will result in break-even operations at current industry production volumes."

As revamped models and plant closings find their way onto Ford's European to-do list, it appears that a restructuring plan is well underway there. Ford and its competitors will have to explore options to combat what might be an ugly fight in neighboring Canada if the pending strike occurs.

Both Ford and General Motors were down slightly in midday trading.

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