The first week of the North American International Auto Show comes to a close today at the COBO Center in Detroit, Michigan, and it has been a whirlwind week of new models with incredible technology. Here is a wrap-up of the biggest news of the week:
Monday, January 12:
The sustainable concept car “CASP,” or “Concepts for Advanced Sustainability in Polyurethanes” made its debut this year. CASP represents a non-exclusive partnership between Unique Fabricating, Inc., Emergy Oleochemicals, FXI Inc., and Line-X, and it was built and styled by Advanced Automotive Technologies.
Convertibles also made a splash on Monday. AP’s Tom Krisher writes, “IHS Automotive, an industry consulting firm, predicts there will be 60 different convertible models in the U.S. by 2020,” a sign that many consumers are regaining confidence in the economy and feel more comfortable spending money on less-practical luxury cars.
In perhaps the biggest news of January 12, the Volkswagen Golf and Golf GTI won the coveted 2015 North American Car of the Year award and the Ford F-150 truck was named North American Truck of the Year. The AP writes, “The Golf and Golf GTI were recognized for setting new benchmarks in their segments, including innovation, distinguished design, and available driver assistance features, as well as unmatched value.” The Ford F-150 is substantially redesigned with an aluminum body that reduced the weight of the truck by 700 pounds.
Tuesday, January 13:
Local Motors wowed at the NAIAS on Tuesday with its 3D printed car, the Strati. In fact, Local Motors printed, assembled, and debuted the world’s first 3D printed car live from the show floor. The frame and panels were printed out of a carbon fiber-infused plastic, and they take about 44 hours to print.
Michelin and FIA announced a new initiative to improve the safety of teen drivers by spreading the word about tire maintenance. The Michelin/FIA Teen Road Safety Grant will focus on drivers in the Miami and Long Beach areas.
Wednesday, January 14:
Hyundai revealed an unexpected concept car on Wednesday called the Hyundai Santa Cruz. It is a bizarre crossover—half truck, half SUV—with a unique design feature that allows the rear bed to slide out and extend the truck when necessary. It doesn’t look quite like any other car out there.
China’s GAC group unveiled a self-driving plug-in hybrid car featuring a space-age interior complete with a built-in fish tank, for those who want the option of taking their fish along for the ride.
Thursday, January 15:
AP’s Dee-Ann Durbin and Tom Krisher reported from the auto show on Thursday, remarking on the optimism, exuberance, and innovation that filled the exhibition hall. They point to the number of luxury performance cars and experimental concept designs. Mike Jackson, CEO of theAutoNation dealership chain, said “I have never seen better conditions for the auto industry and the U.S. market,” and the mood at the auto show seems to reflect this excitement.
USA Today reporters Chris Woodyard and Fred Meier released their reviews of the cars so far, called “Four Big Hits, One Miss.” The four favorites were the Buick Avenir, the Acura NSX, the Chevrolet Volt, and the Hyundai Santa Cruz. The disappointing miss of the show was the Lincoln MKX.
Friday, January 16:
For all the luxury high-performance vehicles at the North American International Auto Show, an article from The Detroit News pointed out the lack of mainstream models. In a showroom with the year’s hottest designs, the article predicts that the Toyota Tacoma is the only model that will sell more than 100,000 units in a year. For more analysis, check out the article “High-performance NAIAS Lacks Mainstream Debuts.”
The auto show opens to the public tomorrow. Stay tuned for a recap of next week's highlights.
