USA: Glamour and optimism are expected when the North American International Auto Show kicks off in Detroit
Record ID:
858089
USA: Glamour and optimism are expected when the North American International Auto Show kicks off in Detroit
- Title: USA: Glamour and optimism are expected when the North American International Auto Show kicks off in Detroit
- Date: 14th January 2013
- Summary: DETROIT, MICHIGAN, UNITED STATES (JANUARY 13, 2012) (REUTERS) **CONTAINS FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY** 2014 CHEVROLET CORVETTE STINGRAY BEING UNVEILED
- Embargoed: 29th January 2013 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Usa
- City:
- Country: USA
- Topics: Business,Industry,Transport
- Reuters ID: LVABXPD6VDO6UAEGU3Y8PDWJBG8C
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- Story Text: It's the return of the Stingray -- the latest version of America's most iconic sports car, the 2014 Chevy Corvette.
The show-stopper is only the seventh model ever designed and is the first and most highly anticipated launch at this year's North American International Auto Show.
Tadge Juechter, Corvette's Chief Engineer says the car is sexy looking, but it feels even better.
"The big story is the way it feels behind the wheel. The way it wraps around you and hugs your body, makes you part of it, so you feel totally in control. It's super super responsive, it's a very different kind of driving experience than what people have had before," Juechter told Reuters.
Chevy's launch may be the most talked about as the show opens, but it's just the first of many to take place at Detroit's Cobo Hall.
Inside, automakers are still putting finishing touches on their booths, and some are pulling out all the stops. Industry insiders get their first look on Monday (January 14), when the wraps come off more than 50 new models.
TrueCar.com's Larry Dominique says after bankruptcies and bailouts, the glamour is back in Detroit.
"What we've seen over the last three to four years is step by step resurgence of energy and excitement. What I'm seeing this year is a tremendous number of debuts from European, Asian manufacturers and domestics. Also seeing a wide range - everything from luxury to entry level vehicles. So what you're seeing is a tremendous number of reveals, world debuts and overall a lot of energy and excitement," said Dominique.
In 2012, U.S. auto sales topped out at nearly 14.5 million new vehicles, the best performance since 2007.
Many analysts predict 2013 sales could slightly back off last year's five-year high due to the fog of uncertainty still emanating from Washington.
But nowhere is the recovery of the industry more evident than in Motor City itself. The big three U.S. automakers all reported increases in sales in December. They are rolling out at least 12 new models between them.
While the U.S. car market's rebound may be slowing, it still looks like the best bet to many Asian and European brands. With Europe's economic woes and the yen's recent decline - foreign automakers are hoping to dazzle here too.
German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz expects to sell a record number of vehicles this year in the United States. Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche explains.
"Last year for the first time we sold more cars in the U.S. than in any other market and therefore for us the U.S. market is the number one market and we are putting a lot of focus and emphasis with our great new product being launched in this market," he said.
The Detroit auto show will run through January 27, with carmakers hoping that recovery is here to stay. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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