As their investors know, North America drives Detroit automakers’ profits, especially Ford Motor Company‘s (NYSE: F). The region generated $1.99 billion of the Blue Oval’s total automotive (not including Ford Credit) first-quarter pre-tax profit of $1.97 billion — yes, the other regions combined to drag the total down. But Ford’s European region, with a gradual recovery and abrupt Brexit impact, and China, with slower growth but explosive long-term potential, continue to be critical for the company. Both were important elements of Ford’s first quarter.