The midsized-car market is one of the most important segments of the automotive industry in the U.S. Where the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry once dominated the market, offerings from Ford (F 0.12%) and General Motors (GM -0.55%) have become relevant for the first time in years. This shifting trend has driven Ford's stock roughly 50% higher in the last year, and GM's is becoming interesting enough to garner attention as well.

In the video below, Fool.com contributor Doug Ehrman discusses developments in the segment, talks about why they matter, and offers some ways that investors can benefit from this shift.