Highlights from the 2012 Detroit Auto Show
Thousands of the automotive faithful traveled to the 2012 Detroit Auto Show to see what excitement awaits the auto market in the coming year. The show featured more than 500 automobiles and dozens of new vehicles and concept cars, giving the world plenty to digest during the premier industry event.Cadillac ATSControlled by the Obama regime and the UAW, General Motors is reportedly profitable, despite the fact that U.S. taxpayers and private bondholders were billed out of billions of dollars during the effort to salvage the failing auto company.It was GM, however, that had one of the biggest splashes of the show, rolling out its new ATS, a small-size sedan designed to compete against the BMW 3 Series. BMW sold nearly 100,000 of its 3 Series vehicles in 2011, so if Cadillac can siphon off some of that business, it might help it’s brand and GM have a profitable 2012.ATS is a rear-wheel drive car that comes with a built-in touch screen and has a finely tuned suspension that should have the pep it needs to satisfy the 3 Series customer.Chrysler 700CChrysler, the other automaker bailed out with taxpayer money rolled out its 700C concept minivan. The product suggests that Fiat, the Obama regime and the UAW (The current owners of Chrysler) are interested in rekindling interest in the minivan, a product style that was popular before the SUV took center stage.According to theWashington Post, the minivan was coolly received by show attendees. The vehicle was intended to gauge market response, so it probably will not enter production.Toyota NS4Toyota paraded its new hybrid plugin car, the NS4, before the Detroit audience and received many accolades. Toyota is trying to create efficient interior designs that will minimize distractions from the touchscreen interface. The car is a concept that has not only eliminated most of the buttons from the controller, but also has a slew of safety features that include a lane-change warning system and a hood designed to accommodate new pedestrian collision laws.The 2013 Dodge DartIn the OMG, Please say it isn’t so! Department, Chrysler has also announced that it has brought the Dodge Dart back from its well-deserved grave. It’s supposed to get 40 miles per gallon and has a look that bears almost no resemblance to its predecessors. It will supposedly compete with the Hyundai Elantra, Chevy Cruze and Ford Focus.
