From brawny pickup trucks and growling high-performance
cars to economical subcompacts, the North American International Auto
Show in Detroit likely will have something that appeals to every driver.
Show
organizers expect more than 50 new model introductions when the show
kicks off Monday and Tuesday with 5,000 journalists attending the press
days. What the automakers introduce is crucial because sales growth is
starting to slow and new models tend to capture more buyers than older
ones.
Ford is expected to steal the show with a new version of the
F-150 pickup truck, but there are other notable cars and trucks coming.
Chrysler will roll out a new 200 midsize sedan, a crucial vehicle in
the company’s plan to keep its sales growing. Honda plans to unveil a
more modern version of its Fit subcompact, while new sports cars are
expected from BMW, Toyota and Lexus.
Here’s a look at what’s expected from the show, which opens to the public on Saturday, Jan. 18:
DETROIT
FORD:
Likely to make the biggest splash of the show with the expected
release of the revamped F-150 pickup. The best-selling vehicle in
America, the F-150 faces a challenge from GM’s recently redesigned
Chevrolet Silverado pickup, the No. 2 selling vehicle. The last major
update for the F-150 came in 2008. There have been reports that Ford
will make widespread use of aluminum so the new truck is lighter and
gets better gas mileage.
GENERAL MOTORS:
Its biggest unveiling of
the show will be a person, not a car. Mary Barra is expected to make
her first public appearance since being named CEO last month. She
officially replaces Dan Akerson on Wednesday. As for vehicles, GM is
showing off the new GMC Canyon, one of two small pickups it hopes will
win back buyers who’ve shunned the segment in favor of bigger trucks and
SUVs. It also has some high-performance Corvettes on the schedule.
CHRYSLER:
Jeep SUVs and Ram pickup trucks have helped Chrysler return to
profitability. But the company’s aging midsize cars have trouble
competing in the biggest piece of the market. On Monday it unveils a
revamped Chrysler 200, with hopes of going grille to grille with the
segment’s top-sellers, the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima.
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JAPAN
HONDA:
Honda is expected to unveil a redesigned Fit subcompact. The new model
will cure some of the Fit’s few deficiencies with a new powertrain that
keeps it quieter on the road and gives it better mileage. Critics had
complained about freeway noise from the outdated five-speed automatic
transmission. And the 35 mpg highway fuel economy was lower than most
competitors and even some bigger vehicles.
NISSAN: Will unveil a Maxima concept car with hints of what the next generation full-size sedan will look
like.
TOYOTA:
Expected to roll out a new sports car as it tries to show that its cars
are fun to drive. Also likely: a new sporty Lexus F car.
SUBARU: A souped-up version of the WRX pocket rocket small car is a possibility.
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EUROPE:
MERCEDES:
Fresh off taking the crown as the best-selling luxury brand in the U.S.
for 2013, Mercedes unwraps a new C-Class, the company’s lowest level of
luxury car.
BMW: Finished a close second to Mercedes in luxury sales. Debuts the 2 Series, a small sports coupe.
VOLKSWAGEN:
Unveils a Beetle Dune Buggy concept car, a high-mileage concept car
version of the midsize Passat, and the high-performance Golf R. But will
the cars help turn around VW’s sagging sales?
PORSCHE: Rolls out the 911Targa sports car, and upscale and diesel versions of the Cayenne SUV.
VOLVO: A concept version of the XC 90 large SUV is expected. Could give hints of new model to come.
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KOREA
HYUNDAI: The company best known for the midsize Sonata and compact Elantra will unveil a new version of
the Genesis luxury car.
KIA:
GT4 Stinger concept sports car that likely will find its way into
production. Company describes it as a "low wedge" with a 315 horsepower
engine.
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