The Metro Detroit industrial market decreased its vacancy rate to 13.2% in the fourth quarter of 2011, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of vacancy decreases. Net absorption was positive at 2.86 million square feet. The average asking rental rate slightly decreased to $4.18 per square foot. With continued vacancy decreases expected in 2012, rental rates may stabilize. The market consists of 493.7 million square feet across 9,823 buildings that are home to automotive, transportation, biomedical and advanced manufacturing industries.