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Detroit auto show 2010 begins today
by Ishita Sood - January 11, 2010 - comments
The auto show, one of the largest of North America, will run from Jan.11 to Jan. 24. It will be open to the public from Jan. 16 onwards
Detroit, January 11 -- The much awaited annual Detroit auto show is starting today. The show, which will be premiering a bunch of 60 new car models at the Cobo Centre, Michigan, is also known as the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).
The auto show, one of the largest of North America, will run from Jan.11 to Jan. 24. It will be open to the public from Jan. 16 onwards.
A special devotion is made for electric and small powered cars in this year’s show. However, giant car makers like Saab, Hummer, Infiniti, Suzuki and Porsche will not be a part of this year’s show.
Small cars are focus of the season
The electric vehicles, which are termed as ‘niche products’, are expected to be in demand in the coming years. The Detroit show will debut electronic cars from leading makers such as Chrysler, GM, and Chevrolet.
Small cars being the focus of the season, Nissan and Mitsubishi will unveil their set of small cars too. Supercars made by Lamborghini and Ferrari will also be displayed, along with cars from U.K. manufacturers like Rolls-Royce, Bentley and Aston Martin.
“I think Detroit, the American auto industry and Detroit auto show will all experience in the next three to five years a prestige Renaissance,” said Bob Lutz, GM vice chairman.
Big names at Detroit
Politicians like House speaker, Nancy Pelosi, and House majority leader Steny Hoyer, are among those flying to Detroit for the show. President Obama is also expected to attend the show. This is not the first time that politicians will visit the auto show.
Last year, Senator Bob Corker, a Tennessee Republican spent an evening checking out various models.
“It’s become part of the program, I guess,” said the show’s chairman, Doug Fox. “It’s a great thing for the show. It also helps show that there are good things happening in Detroit, and that’s a word that needs to be spread around the country.”
But many feel the visits will also distract the automakers who spend millions of dollars setting up displays for such political leaders. The sole purpose of the show is thus forgotten.