Deutsche Bank's Ford Downgrade: Are There More Attractive Auto Stocks For Analysts?

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) on Monday was downgraded from Buy to Hold by analysts at Deutsche Bank. The firm set a "cautious" price target of $16, because "the prospective regulatory cost burdens facing U.S. Automakers are unprecedented," and thus “U.S. vehicle affordability is reaching an inflection point."

On November 11, Citigroup reiterated its Buy rating for Ford Motor, setting a price target of $17. However, the upside potential implied is limited. So which other automakers are looking good to analysts?

Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA)

Tesla is one of Wall Street analysts’ favorite automaker stocks. Over the past couple of months, both MLV & Co and Ascendiant Capital initiated coverage on the company with Buy ratings, and price targets of $300 and $320, respectively.

Honda Motor Co Ltd (NYSE: HMC)

Honda has also felt the bullishness of one major research firm; in early October, Jefferies reiterated its Buy rating, fixing a price target of $39.18. This implies substantial upside potential from Monday's closing price of $28.93.

Credit Suisse on December 5 downgraded the stock from Outperform to Neutral.

Toyota Motor Corp (NYSE: TM)

In early October, both Jefferies and Bank of America gave it Buy ratings. Furthermore, Jefferies set a $144.82 price target. The stock closed Monday at $121.55, down 2.4 percent.