The 21st annual North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center in downtown Detroit could have been a somber place this past weekend. But for an industry under seige for the better part of 2008, the annual media preview at the NAIAS last Sunday, Monday and Tuesday was an upbeat and fascinating place to be. Granted, the fancy vehicle displays that were the norm in past years were replaced with much simpler sets, especially those from the Domestic Three automakers. Gone were the elaborate and impressive exhibitions and in their place were dramatically simplified displays. This year the vehicles took center stage, not the ostentatious staging found in year’s past. Also missing at Cobo were the many amenities that were provided to the 6,000 + journalists and photographers in the past. The tasty free lunches and dinners were dropped by the automakers as a cost saving move. Gone, too, were the fancy productions that were used to introduce the many new vehicles. Instead of live bands, synchronized lighting and celebrities galore, the introductions were low key and business-like.
It was a terrible year for the automakers in 2008 with sales in the U.S. down over 3 million units. With profits a distant memory, some of the automakers cut way back on their car show efforts. There were exceptions. Foreign automakers like BMW, VW, Audi, Toyota and Mercedes-Benz sported brand new displays that undoubtedly cost millions of dollars to design, build and assemble. Elsewhere in the show, perhaps in response to the ire that the Domestic Three CEO’s drew from congressmen in D.C. for flying in corporate jets to attend hearings to obtain bridge-loan funds, the Domestic Three makers cut back on their display costs. Surprisingly, some automakers didn’t even show up. Japanese biggie Nissan was a no-show, as were smaller brands like Porsche, Suzuki and Land Rover.
But let’s forget the gloom and doom. The foreign and domestic automakers did have some new product to show and it was educational to attend the many press conferences. This year, like no other, was the year of the engineer. The push to make cars and trucks more Earth-friendly is placing a burden on all makers – foreign and domestic alike – to come up with propulsion systems that give improved gas mileage and also produce less emissions. The automakers certainly now see the task at hand and a massive effort is being made to bring low and zero emission vehicles to the market quickly. While designers and stylists will always be important, presently scientists, engineers and researchers are bearing the brunt of the burden to bring clean and efficient vehicles to market quickly and inexpensively.
Like in past years I had the opportunity to not only listen to the speeches and take photos but also to sit in many of the new vehicles – production and concept cars and trucks alike. It is not an exaggeration to say that the three-day media event at the NAIAS is one of my favorite times of the year. And why not! I get to see fabulous cars and trucks for the first time. I have the option to go up and talk to the bigwigs and designers if I wish. And I relish the chance to sit in the concept cars, a privilege given only to members of the media.
The NAIAS kicked off on Sunday morning with the announcement of the prestigious annual North American Car and Truck of the Year awards. This year’s car recipient was a surprise with the Korean upstart Hyundai winning with the four-door Genesis, a new top-end V-8 powered luxury sedan. Watch out Lexus, Mercedes, Cadillac and other luxury brands, there is new kid on the block. Not as surprising, taking the truck crown for the third time in 12-years was the Ford F-150.
In all, there were over 60 new production and concept vehicle debuts. Space doesn’t permit me to comment on all of the debuts but there were several significant vehicles that bear mentioning. I was most interested in seeing for the first time the several new domestic offerings. Creating the most excitement by far and my candidate for Best of Show is the highly appealing and expressive Cadillac Converj. Created with the Voltec system engineered for GM’s highly anticipated Chevy Volt plug-in electric car, the bean counters at GM should find it reasonably inexpensive to put the Converj into production and give Cadillac a nice competitor to combat the many hybrids offered by Lexus and other luxury makers. Without a doubt, the gorgeous new Caddy drew the biggest crowds at the show.
There were many other “green” cars at the show and I’d like to comment on two significant production vehicles. The Toyota press conference to announce the third generation Prius hybrid was filled to capacity with journalists wanting to get the first look at this segment-leading car. Toyota has produced the Prius since 1997 and has sold over 700,000 units in the States alone. With improvements, the 2010 hybrid will now deliver 50 mpg and offers many new features to attract more buyers. Not to be outdone, Honda introduced the second generation of their Civic hybrid, and an all new car getting the name once used on its two-passenger hybrid – the Insight. Both vehicles are distinctive looking and will undoubtedly be successful in the marketplace.
This post is getting long, but I do want to mention a few vehicles that readers should seek out if a Detroit Auto Show visit is in the works. Audi has a winner with the Sportback concept. Ford may have a homerun with its handsome new Taurus using design elements found earlier in the 2006 Interceptor concept. Close behind the Caddy Converj concept in star appeal is the Volvo S60 concept sedan. It’s Volvo’s version of the popular four-door coupe cars now offered by Europe’s luxury leaders. Caddy has two other winners worth looking at – the SRX crossover replacement and the CTS Sportwagon. Lincoln is finding its groove and the Flex-based crossover MKT is worth the look. If you like the boxy Scion xB, then you will also enjoy looking at Kia’s new sassy crossover, the Soul. Chrysler surprised everyone with a gorgeous looking sedan called the 200C. The car is rumored to be the candidate to replace the present popular 300 sedan. The four-door looker has a hybrid power system, one of three models that the company introduced to the media. The all-new Chevy Equinox and Buick LaCrosse will make those brand’s dealers happy when they arrive this summer. Buick designers have brought back the iconic side sweep found on all Buicks back in the 50s.
Want to take a spin in a low or zero emission vehicles? Be sure to venture into the basement of Cobo Center and be amazed at the “test track” created by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation folks. Amongst a forest of mature trees, water falls and blooming spring flowers is a winding road. It beckons a driver to follow it in a circuitous route the whole length of the huge but lovely space. Quite an experience! The MEDC hopes to promote to worldwide auto executives on hand at the car show Michigan’s strength in R&D and alternative energy innovation.
The Detroit car show opened yesterday and will run until Sunday, January 25. For ticket information and directions, go to www.naias.com or call (248) 643-0250. Tickets are $12 for adults. (Converj Concept image © GM Corp.)
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