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    Big Three Have High Hopes for North American International Auto Show

    By Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben | Yahoo! Contributor Network – Tue, Jan 10, 2012
    This story comes from the Yahoo! Contributor Network, where individuals publish their unique perspectives on some of the world’s most popular websites.
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    The North American International Auto Show started Monday in Detroit and Michigan's Big Three automakers -- General Motors, Ford and Daimler-Chrysler -- have a collection of offerings, says the Toledo Blade Automotive. The event opens for the general public at the Cobo Center on Saturday. Here are updates about some of the vehicles the automakers are previewing.

    Practicality a keyword

    The shows of the past featured the wildest and craziest in concept cars. The event was more of an engineer's Mardi Gras than a place to exhibit vehicles that might conceivably be purchased on the mass market. This year the buzzword is "practical." Emphasis is on smaller, user-friendly, lower-priced cars that offered fuel economy and some hybrid options, says the Toledo Blade.

    American manufacturers look to Europe for inspiration

    The cars on display will be anything but prosaic, according to Relax News. Styling elements of the American market reflect their European counterparts. Cadillac is launching a pint-sized model; the ATS is styled after the smaller luxury vehicles of Germany. The ATS has a lighter 2.5 liter engine designed for fuel economy. The ATS is a contender against Mercedes Benz C class and the BMW Series 3. The new Ford Fusion gets a Euro makeover, too. Daimler-Chrysler is rereleasing its Dodge Dart with Fiat SpA overtones.

    Big Three competes in Asian compact and sedan markets

    Michigan Radio says that in the midsize sedan class, Toyota Camry and Honda Accord have traditionally taken top honors. Ford had a record year with the Fusion in 2011. Now available as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid, the Fusion boasts 100-plus miles per gallon ratings. Ford CEO Alan Mullaly hopes he isn't talking competition in terms of market share numbers, but he hopes the Fusion will outdo itself for 2012. The Dodge Dart is expected to place well against foreign and U.S. small cars.

    Elantra wins best of show

    According to U.S. News & World Reports, the Hyundai Elantra was voted car of the year. It was voted best all-around vehicle for price, fuel economy, driver satisfaction, safety and performance. Other cars that received high marks include the 2012 Volkswagen Passat and the Ford Focus.

    Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben writes about people, places, events and issues in her native state of "Pure Michigan."

     

    1 comment

    • Redneck Adventures
      Redneck Adventures  •  4 mths ago
      wake up !!! the big three are not so big and fiat has chysler by the gonads... go ahead and buy imports we dont have factories to produce anymore..they moved out to tim buck two. WHAT HAPPENED TO MY AMERICA ??????
     Post a comment
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