2009 Detroit Auto Show

DETROIT—Even before the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) was scheduled to open to journalists, industry shrinkage was evident. In the past, news conferences were scheduled for two full days and part of a third. This year, nearly everything would be over by mid-afternoon on the second day.

Show Highlights
Before the media period got underway, the Hyundai Genesis and the redesigned Ford F-150 pickup were named North American Car and Truck of the Year, respectively. Leading off the toned-down festivities at Detroit's Cobo Hall was a parade of General Motors vehicles, headed by Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm, which turned out to be the loudest and flashiest presentation. Backed by a swarm of enthusiastic workers and retirees chanting "Here To Stay," GM clearly sought to demonstrate its commitment to remaining a vibrant force in Michigan.


Ford unveiled a redesigned Taurus and new Lincoln MKT crossover. Chrysler, the most vulnerable of the Detroit 3 automakers, revealed only electric-powered concepts. "Green" was indisputably the primary color of the Detroit show. Toyota unveiled its next-generation Prius along with a new Lexus hybrid model. GM's parade included an electric Cadillac concept. Even BMW and Mercedes-Benz touted hybrid and battery-electric models, in addition to redesigns of current products. Two Chinese automakers brought their wares to Detroit, including the debut of a plug-in hybrid model. In addition to mainstream brands, Maserati, Bentley, and Fisker promoted new models.

Next-Generation Battery/Electric Hybrid: 2010 Toyota Prius

In the aftermath of weakened 2008 sales, Toyota needs another spark to trigger customer reactions. As one of the pioneers in hybrid powertrains, why not bet heavily on the third generation of the Prius, the best-known battery/electric car on the market, first offered in 2000? A million Priuses have been sold, with 700,000 in the U.S. Prius claims the "highest owner loyalty in the entire industry," said general manager Bob Carter.


Equipped with a larger (1.8-liter) gasoline engine making 98 horsepower, the 2010 Prius promises 50-mpg combined (city/highway) fuel economy. The bigger engine can run at lower rpm at highway speeds, which saves fuel. Quieter and roomier than before, the new Prius contains underbody panels that help produce a slippery drag coefficient: just 0.25. The roof's peak has moved back nearly 4 inches. Three driving modes are selectable: EV (battery), Economy, and Power. Available features include a solar sunroof, Pre-Collision system, Lane-keep Assist, and Intelligent Parking Assist. Sales begin in late spring.

General Motors on Parade: 2010 Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Equinox, Cadillac SRX, Plus a Surprise or Two

Rather than introduce its redesigned 2010 models separately, GM elected to place them in a procession at Cobo Hall, along with the vehicles that are currently on sale. Cars and crossovers (17 in all) made their way toward the stage, led by GM executives and Governor Granholm. Modern GM cars are "smaller, smarter, and more fuel-efficient," said chairman/CEO Rick Wagoner. They have "more than enough towing capacity to pull GM back on the road to success."


Buick's LaCrosse family sedan gets a noticeable makeover, with a sculpted shape, "waterfall" grille, and traditional "portholes." Inside, passengers may enjoy cool blue ambient lighting. Two direct-injection V-6 engines will be offered, with a six-speed automatic transmission and newly available all-wheel drive, when the LaCrosse goes on sale this summer.


Chevrolet's 2010 Equinox, also with two direct-injection engine choices and a six-speed automatic, claims up to 30 highway miles per gallon and a maximum range of more than 500 miles. Also highlighted by Chevrolet was last year's Beat concept "global minicar." Scheduled as a 2011 model, the production version will be called Spark, positioned just below the current Aveo and promising 40 mpg. Spark's world debut takes place at the Geneva (Switzerland) auto show in March. European sales begin in 2010.


Cadillac introduced the redesigned SRX, now considered more of a crossover rather than a sport wagon. Two engine choices include a turbocharged V-6. Sales start in summer. Also unveiled by Cadillac was a new CTS Sport Wagon, joining the current sedan.