Executives arriving this week for the Detroit auto show find a U.S. car market that has morphed from meltdown three years ago to a safe haven as concerns grow about the stability of other big economies, from Europe to China, Reuters reported.

Analysts and executives expect 2012 U.S. auto sales to grow 4 percent to 9 percent, the third consecutive annual gain. The only reason automakers are not more bullish is the risk that the sovereign debt crisis in Europe may trigger a broader slowdown, Reuters said.

All three big U.S. carmakers increased their market share in the United States for the first time in 23 years. But they can expect tougher competition in 2012 as their Japanese rivals rebound and Hyundai and Volkswagen gather steam. A return to the boom years of 17 million annual sales, however, will not happen anytime soon, Reuters said.

“We see an exceptionally competitive market, because there are now eight major manufacturers vying for share,” said Tom Libby, a senior forecasting analyst at automotive consulting firm Polk. “VW has become very aggressive in the U.S., and Hyundai-Kia has huge momentum that will continue into 2012.”

The crop of new vehicles at the Detroit show this week reflects the heavier competition that U.S. automakers General Motors, Ford and Fiat-controlled Chrysler can expect in their home market.