Autoblog

Report: Porsche returning to the Detroit Auto Show

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, LA Auto Show, Paris Motor Show, Porsche

For the past few years, part of our auto shows preparations included listing all the manufacturers who weren't going to show. This year, things could be a little different. Porsche has announced its intention to return to the Detroit Auto Show after an absence of three years. Since the market is back up and Porsche sales have joined it, the Stuttgart marque might have decided that it should say hello to its little friends at the NAIAS. With the Porsche 911 GTS coming to Paris Motor Show and the Cayman Clubsport (maybe) coming to the LA Auto Show, perchance the Detroit show will get the next generation 911... or the fabled Speedster.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Report: Porsche returning to the Detroit Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Detroit Auto Show attendance beats '09 by 65k

Chris Shunk — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 17:06:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show

The 2009 edition of the Detroit Auto Show was depressing on a variety of levels, ranging from the number of automakers who either pulled out or didn't bring anything new, to the industry's general malaise as a whole. The show was upsetting on a regional level because attendance dropped.

Luckily, 2009 is in the books and 2010 appears to be better on nearly all fronts. While new introductions at the show seemed down this year again, the bright side is that more automakers participated and, perhaps more importantly for the struggling region, attendance was up in a big way.

The Detroit News reports that 715,000 men, women and children paid up to $12 to attend the show this year - up 65,000 from 2009's dismal numbers. Part of the reason for the increase came courtesy of surprisingly good weather (for Detroit), while the overall outlook of the industry isn't (quite) as dire as it was one year ago. Also, that higher attendance number happened despite the fact that the Audi display caught fire and cleared Cobo for one afternoon.

[Source: The Detroit News]

2010 Detroit Auto Show attendance beats '09 by 65k originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Jan 2010 17:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #161 - Detroit Auto Show recap

Dan Roth — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:47:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Podcasts, Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, GM, GMC, Honda, Lincoln, Toyota, Volkswagen

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

It's a North American International Auto Show recap for Episode #161 of the Autoblog Podcast. Chris, Sam and Dan mull the top five of the show before speaking more in depth about some unveilings. The new Chevrolet Aveo gets us started before we move on to another sharply styled General Motors concept, the GMC Granite. We touch briefly on the Honda CR-Z, and then Toyota's FT-CH comes up next before we call it a night with the Volkswagen New Compact Coupe Concept.

We'll be back again next week with more Autoblog Podcast goodness. Until then, fill in with Joystiq and Engadget. Let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #161 - Detroit Auto Show recap

Autoblog Podcast #161 - Detroit Auto Show recap originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: Audi R8 5.2 FSI coupe, Spyder make brown look good

Drew Phillips — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Audi

Audi R8 5.2 FSI Coupe and Spyder - Click above for high-res gallery

The V10-powered Audi R8 5.2 FSI is a fantastic car, whether in coupe or convertible form. Heck, it's even great in brown, as proven by the pair of cars on the show floor. It might not be our first color choice for the German supercar, although it was a nice change from the usual white, silver, and gray cars that usually are strewn about the Audi stand.

Not that it matters, of course. A look on Audi USA's web site reveals that the color isn't available here in the States. Neither are the carbon ceramic brakes that are hiding behind the 19-inch wheels. A sign of things to come? Perhaps, and we wouldn't be too heartbroken if they came up as future options. Check out the gallery below and decide for yourself whether the color suits the R8.

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Audi R8 5.2 FSI Coupe and Spyder

Detroit 2010: Audi R8 5.2 FSI coupe, Spyder make brown look good originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2010: What a Feeling! Dodge Ram is Dancing on the Ceiling

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 09:41:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Truck, Etc., Dodge

2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty Dancing on the Ceiling - Click above for high-res image gallery

Entering the Chrysler display promised to yield few surprises here at the Detroit Auto Show. The automaker doesn't even have a press conference scheduled - mostly because there isn't a lot happening new product-wise. But that doesn't mean The Pentastar doesn't have anything to be proud of, including the latest iteration of the Dodge Ram Heavy Duty, which was recently named the Motor Trend Truck of the Year.

Ostensibly to celebrate that award, but probably more likely to add a little excitement to its booth area here in Detroit, Chrysler has somehow managed to attach a brand-new 2010 Dodge Ram Heavy Duty to the ceiling of its display. So, if you plan on visiting Detroit this week to see all that the world's finest automakers have to offer, make your way to the Chrysler booth... and keep your eyes skyward.

Oh, one more thing. How many people were thinking Toyota when they read the headline for this post? What a feeling!

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Dodge Ram on the ceiling

Follow our coverage of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show live all day on Twitter at http://twitter.com/therealautoblog

Detroit 2010: What a Feeling! Dodge Ram is Dancing on the Ceiling originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 09:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: Jeep to unveil Wrangler Islander and Mountain trims, plus Liberty Renegade

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, SUV, Crossover, Jeep, Design/Style, Off-Road

2010 Jeep Wrangler Islander - Click above for high-res image gallery

Jeep is poised to release a trio of special edition vehicles next week at the Detroit Auto Show; two based on the iconic Wrangler platform and a third based on the Liberty. As much as we'd love to tell you about some amazing new powertrain option, that's not happening - at least not yet. Instead, these three models are really just interesting themes on the same basic and well-known packages.

We'll start with the Liberty Renegade, which will be positioned in between the Sport and Limited models. Included in the kit are painted Mineral Gray Keystone 16-inch wheels capped with all-terrain P235/70R16 tires along with dark neutral metallic wheel flares, side sills and fascia. The graphics package continues with Argent Silver on the lower fascia and roof rack plus Satin Black vinyl hood decals. Finally, the interior features new driftwood accent bezels.

On the Wrangler front, the first highlight is the $1,120 Islander package, which returns after a 20-plus-year absence. Unique touches include an optional Surf Blue Pearl Coat, an Islander "Tiki Bob" decal on the hood with latitude and longitude coordinates, black side steps and 17-inch Moab wheels shod with 32-inch tires. Tiki Bob makes an appearance inside too, embroidered on the seat backs.

Finally, the $1,820 Wrangler Mountain package is based on the S model and comes with a unique "Mountain" decal on the hood with latitude and longitude coordinates (different from the Islander's coordinates, naturally) along with painted high-gloss Mineral Gray 17-inch Moab wheels, grille and bumper appliqués. Other bits include tubular side steps, black tail lamp guards and a fuel-filler door from Mopar. Interior improvements are made up of an embossed seat insert with embroidered "Mountain logo" plus anodized graphite heating, ventilation and air conditioning rings.

Want to know more? Check out our high-res image galleries of all three models below and then hit the jump for the official press release.

Gallery: 2010 Jeep Liberty Renegade

Gallery: 2010 Jeep Wrangler Islander

Gallery: 2010 Jeep Wrangler Mountain

[Source: Jeep]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: Jeep to unveil Wrangler Islander and Mountain trims, plus Liberty Renegade

Detroit Preview: Jeep to unveil Wrangler Islander and Mountain trims, plus Liberty Renegade originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roll Up the Red Carpet: Obama reportedly not attending NAIAS after all

Chris Shunk — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Government/Legal

When word got out that the amount of high ranking government officials requesting access passes for the 2010 North American International Auto Show doubled versus last year's numbers, we were less than surprised. After all, General Motors and Chrysler have received billions in bailout funds from Uncle Sam and we could understand (kind of) why officials would want to check on the progress of the American public's investment. NAIAS chairman Doug Fox reportedly intimated that President Obama could attend North America's biggest auto show.

While we're sure the President would love to check out the latest sheetmetal from Motown and around the world, Leader One will not be stopping by Cobo Hall for this year's show. Detroit News reports that White House spokeswoman Amy Brundage confirmed that President Obama would not be attending the event. DN did confirm that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi would be among several members of Congress to attend the show. We're trying to contain our excitement.

[Source: Detroit News | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Roll Up the Red Carpet: Obama reportedly not attending NAIAS after all originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Strange Bedfellows: Ferrari and Maserati to share stand space with Chrysler in Detroit?

Dan Roth — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 14:08:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Etc., Chrysler, Maserati, Ferrari, Fiat, Lancia

We're not likely to see a new TC by Maserati on display at Chrysler's North American International Auto Show stand, but a quick glance away from the rebadged Lancia Delta and Fiat 500 we're all waiting to eyeball will be machinery from Ferrari and Maserati. Last year, Ferrari stayed out of the Detroit Auto Show altogether, but for 2010, Chrysler, Maserati, and Ferrari are all under the Fiat, SpA corporate umbrella. Taking advantage of that, shuffling has gone on to put the group's exotic wares at the Detroit show, right between Dodge and Jeep.

Positioning such high-end rides in the show's equivalent of the Bowery might be the best (or only) way for the likes of Dodge and Jeep - which have no new product with which to draw foot traffic - to gain a "contact high" of visibility. Anyone wishing to ogle the Italian exotica (and honestly, who doesn't?) will have no choice but to navigate through the lesser corporate cousins from Chrysler on the way to and fro. Crafty, Sergio, very crafty.

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Stan Honda/AFP/Getty]

Strange Bedfellows: Ferrari and Maserati to share stand space with Chrysler in Detroit? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Jan 2010 14:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Event Alert: January Calendar of Automotive Events

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Motorsports, Classics, Auctions, Europe, Misc. Auto Shows, India, Event Alert

January 2010 not only kicks off a new year, but also signals the end of the Naughties. The automotive landscape has changed quite a bit since the days of the Y2K scare, but some things remain the same. January still hosts the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) at Cobo Hall in Detroit, the racing season roars to life with the Rolex 24 at Daytona, Barrett-Jackson and the rest of the auction houses will still be propping up their tents in Arizona, and the RetroMobile classic car show and auction will return to the banks of the Seine in Paris.

Classic and collectible car fans will also be treated to the Cavallino Classic, La Jolla Motor Classic, Grand National Roadster Show, and Kruse South Florida Collector Car Auction. Meanwhile, consumers get a chance to kick tires and take notes on the 2010 models at the San Diego Auto Show, Washington Auto Show and Portland International Auto Show domestically, and internationally at the European Motor Show Brussels and Auto Expo India. Besides Daytona, race fans can look forward to events as diverse as the IRC's 78th Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo and the World Drag Expo swapmeet in Schaumburg, Illinois.

If none of those events appeal to you, check out our Google Calendar after the jump for even more listings, all with detailed info and links. And please don't forget to use the Comments to modify listings.

Continue reading Event Alert: January Calendar of Automotive Events

Event Alert: January Calendar of Automotive Events originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: Cadillac to unveil new concept, production CTS-V Coupe

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Cadillac

Detroit-bound Cadillac Concept Teaser - Click above to enlarge

Under the typically dark veil of show-car secrecy, Cadillac has released a teaser image of a new concept that will be unveiled next month at the Detroit Auto Show. As you'd expect, details are slim, but we've been assured that this is an entirely new concept and something we've not yet seen, which rules out the Voltec-powered Converj as well as the 3 Series-fighting ATS.

Dissecting the teaser a bit, we're pretty sure we see four doors, and we'll take Caddy's word that its "latest concept advances the brand's Art & Science philosophy." Other than that, we're in the dark, but wouldn't be terribly surprised if it were either a hint at something high-performance, environmentally responsibility or both. It could also be a preview of a new range-topping model from GM's luxury division.

In addition to the unknown concept car, Cadillac also plans to introduce Detroit show-goers to the production version of its 2011 CTS-V Coupe. Expect that model to add the normal V-spec performance accouterments to the drop-dead stunning CTS Coupe shape that was just shown off in LA. That means 556 horsepower and 551 lb-feet of torque from a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, a choice of automatic and manual six-speed transmissions, a sport suspension with Magnetic Ride Control and standard 19-inch alloy wheels. Production of the superfast two-door is slated for the summer of 2010.

There's not much more to say, but feel free to hit the jump for the official press release and be sure to gander at the concept's teaser image in high-res.

[Source: Cadillac]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: Cadillac to unveil new concept, production CTS-V Coupe

Detroit Preview: Cadillac to unveil new concept, production CTS-V Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Better Than Before: 2010 NAIAS welcomes return of Nissan and Porsche, 54 carmakers total

Chris Shunk — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Nissan, Porsche

For many auto enthusiasts, the 2009 North American International Auto Show was the official beginning of the US economic downturn. Nissan, Infiniti, Mitsubishi and Porsche didn't even bother to show up for the once-prestigious event and Honda chose not to unveil any new product. A couple months back, the NAIAS organizers gave us some hope for the 2010 extravaganza when they said that the show would be better attended this time around. Well it appears that the show will at least be marginally better.

NAIAS co-chair Doug Fox has reportedly told the Detroit Free Press that at least 54 automakers will take part in the show this year, up four from 2009. Fox also estimates that a couple more automakers may decide to join in on the fun, but nothing is official at this time. Also exciting is news that both Porsche and Nissan will participate in this year's show, though the extent of their presence isn't very clear. We do know that Nissan will, at the very least, participate in the Detroit show's 37,000-square-foot Electric Avenue exhibit, which features electric vehicles from 26 automakers. So far Porsche will only participate in a special event called "The Gallery," which will be held for holders of the American Express Centurion card. The invitation-only event will be held at the MGM Grand on January 10.

While it's nice to see that Porsche and Nissan are going to be active at NAIAS 2010, we're a bit disappointed at the level of participation. At least the show will top the down year that was NAIAS 2009, but it looks like we may still be a ways away from the grandeur of shows gone by.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Better Than Before: 2010 NAIAS welcomes return of Nissan and Porsche, 54 carmakers total originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Detroit Auto Show main floor is full, recession officially OVER

Chris Shunk — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 09:13:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Infiniti, Nissan, Porsche

The 2009 North American International Auto Show was a bit of a disaster. The very difficult and uncertain economic conditions resulted in several high-profile automakers dropping out of the exhibition. Among the absent automakers were Nissan, Infiniti, Mitsubishi and Porsche, and a quick jaunt around Cobo's main floor revealed the empty spaces left by those big-time players. The future of the Detroit Auto Show is already looking brighter, however, with the approval of a much-needed overhaul of Cobo Hall, and more good news is coming in the way of a full main floor.

Detroit show organizers aren't yet ready to tip their hand as to which automakers will be attending the show, but among those likely to return are Nissan and Infiniti, as Japan's number three automaker is just too big to stay out of the North American International Auto Show two years in a row. The Detroit Free Press reports that Porsche has been unhappy with the lack of major media coverage at the L.A. Auto Show, and the German automaker could turn to Detroit to get its media fix. Porsche could also find itself sharing space with its new parent, Volkswagen.

While Detroit looks bring back some automakers that were lost last year, North America's biggest auto show could also bring in some newcomers. Fiat's partnership/ownership of Chrysler could mean that Fiat and Alfa Romeo models wind up parked near the Chrysler booth. India's Mahindra group, which is looking to sell trucks and SUVs here in the States, could be another option, as could China's BYD. We're really looking forward to this year's NAIAS, and it will be nice to once again see a full main floor. Another Detroit January, on the other hand, is something we can do without.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

2010 Detroit Auto Show main floor is full, recession officially OVER originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Sep 2009 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cobo Hall expansion reportedly cleared, paving way for NAIAS to stay in Motor City

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Government/Legal

It's been a long road with more than its fair share of protracted negotiations and questionable decisions along the way, but the Detroit City Council has finally cleared the path for Cobo Hall to get the much-needed expansion, repairs and ongoing maintenance it's deserved for years. By choosing not to vote on the plan at all, the Council will allow Cobo Hall to be turned over on lease to a regional authority that will oversee the building's day-to-day operations. Says Council President Kenneth Cockrel Jr.:

I know this has been an emotional issue and a controversial issue. But it's real simple: We don't have the money to do this on our own. This thing is a go, and it's something they should be happy about. It's going to allow us to re-position Cobo to make it competitive, to secure the (North American International) Auto Show and attract other kinds of convention business.

With this potential roadblock out of the way, it now seems likely that the North American International Auto Show will indeed stay in the Detroit - assuming, of course, that the world's collection of automakers is willing to continue making the annual trek to the Motor City in January.

[Source: Detroit News]

Cobo Hall expansion reportedly cleared, paving way for NAIAS to stay in Motor City originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Michigan's Oakland County to grab NAIAS from Cobo?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Government/Legal

We can't blame Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson one bit for thinking the North American International Auto Show might be better served by moving locations away from Detroit's troubled Cobo Center. The building itself has been in disrepair for years, with a leaky roof and a poor electrical system generally cited as its most urgent needs. When an agreement was finally reached that would have fixed most of Cobo's many woes and expanded it with an additional 166,000 square-feet of floorspace, we all let out a collective sigh of relief.

Unfortunately, in what our own John McElroy called "a stupefying move at the 11th hour," the Detroit City Council voted down the proposed plan by a five-to-three tally, saying that the $20 million the city would be paid to give up power over the dilapidated building wasn't enough. Naturally, this action drew ire from a number of important sources, not the least of which being the automakers who are growing increasingly fed up about the horrid state of affairs at the Detroit Auto Show.

Here's where Patterson comes into play: "If this thing goes down, I'm done," Patterson has told The Detroit News. "I'm not going to go back to Detroit to try to resurrect the deal. Five years is enough." Unfortunately, Patterson's plan to move the annual event to another location in the Detroit area has a few potential snags of its own. The next largest nearby venue is the Pontiac Silverdome, which is about two-thirds the size and has been empty since the Detroit Lions left the stadium in 2002.

And what does the embattled Detroit City Council have to say about Patterson's proclamations? "He's bullying us as usual... he just wants everything on his own terms" says councilwoman Barbara-Rose Collins.

This is one sordid affair that seems likely to drag on for years with no end in sight.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Michigan's Oakland County to grab NAIAS from Cobo? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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German brands will attend Detroit Auto Show for at least one more year

Michael Harley — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, UAW/Unions

Regardless of their displeasure with the cost, size and quality of Cobo Hall in Detroit, executives from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen have committed to at least one more round of exhibits at the annual North American International Auto Show held at the venue each January. The German automakers occupy serious square footage at the show, and the exhibits generate much needed jobs and revenue, so the news was obviously welcomed by show officials.

As automakers scale back and exit auto shows due to the economy, or rethink marketing strategies as new markets in India, Russia, and Brazil open up, the big traditional auto shows (such as those in Detroit and Tokyo) are feeling the pressure. The latest news is that Tokyo's show is now on the verge of cancellation with the departure of Detroit's three automakers. While the Germans returning for NAIAS 2010 is welcomed news, the underlying message is that local officials (and the Detroit city council) are going to have to work even harder to save the show for 2011.

[Source: Freep.com]

German brands will attend Detroit Auto Show for at least one more year originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Amazingly Stupid Detroit City Council - Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

John McElroy — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Autoline on Autoblog

Nobody reading this blog needs to be told how much trouble Detroit is in. Whether it's the Detroit Three, the city of Detroit, or the greater Detroit area, the story's the same: we're in trouble!

One of the very few events that provides positive media coverage for Detroit every year is the North American International Auto Show. I'd rate it as one of the top three auto shows in the world. It brings in thousands of members of the media, as well as executives from automakers and suppliers in Europe and Asia. They fill up every hotel for a 40-mile radius. Thanks to the exhibits that get built, the special events that are held, all the restaurant meals that are ordered and all the taxi rides needed to get around, the show brings in a half billion dollars of desperately needed economic activity every year.

The show is held in Cobo Hall, which was built in 1960. Everyone has known for years that it needs to be renovated and expanded, but that's going to take several hundred millions of dollars and the city is broke.

So it's taken years to carefully craft a deal that involves the governor, the state Senate and House, three different county executives, as well as the mayor and the city council of Detroit. But in a stupefying move at the 11th hour, the city council voted 5 to 3 to reject the deal.

John McElroy is host of the TV program "Autoline Detroit" and daily web video "Autoline Daily". Every week he brings his unique insights as an auto industry insider to Autoblog readers.

Continue reading The Amazingly Stupid Detroit City Council - Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy

The Amazingly Stupid Detroit City Council - Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Detroit Auto Show media days cut down by one, starts on Monday

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:20:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Trends

It looks like we'll have one less day to report on all of the debuts from Detroit next year. According to the Detroit News, the North American International Auto Show's organizers have decided to cut the number of media preview days from three to two for next year's show. The move will bring the show in-line with other domestic shows that typically only have two days of media press conferences.

The 2010 Detroit Auto Show will officially kick off on Monday, rather than on its traditional Sunday launch. There will be about 30 time slots for press conferences during two full days of festivities, eliminating the usual half day on day three. Industry days will continue to be held on Wednesday and Thursday. While this probably means very little to all of you, we're looking forward to sleeping in on Sunday. Hey, if nothing else, we figure to be that much better-rested come Monday so that we can bring you all of the latest news. That said, we don't imagine local hotel and parking lot owners are terribly excited about this development.

[Source: The Detroit News]

2010 Detroit Auto Show media days cut down by one, starts on Monday originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Limited cash to keep GM from green-lighting Cadillac Converj?

Chris Paukert — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Cadillac, GM

Click image above for a gallery of Cadillac Converj live shots

General Motors' increasingly empty coffers could consign the Cadillac Converj show car to 'concept only' status. The Detroit Auto Show coupe has been the subject of production rumors since before it rolled onto the stage in Cobo earlier last week, but now Automotive News is reporting that GM may not have enough money to make Converj a reality.

AN quotes GM vice chairman Bob Lutz as saying that the Converj is far from a done deal:

"Ready to go? Well, first we have to prove to ourselves that we have the money... and then that it's a high enough priority to displace something else, and that we can actually make money on the vehicle, and that there is potential customer interest and so forth. We haven't done any of that work yet."

Our take? The angularly gorgeous Cadillac was designed around the same extended-range Voltec architecture as Chevrolet's forthcoming Volt, itself a spectacularly expensive research and development effort. GM is clearly committed to making the Volt a production reality, and if it ever has hopes of making money on its plug-in hybrid technology, a higher-priced, higher-margin product like from an upper-crust brand like Cadillac would seem like one of the best ways to defray R&D costs. In short, GM may still have to conduct due diligence on the Converj's business case, but if there's any money at all left in the company's bank accounts, we still think the future for the showstopper is a bright one. Given the 2011 date attached to the Volt, we would expect the Caddy to roll into showrooms for 2012.

Let's just hope it arrives in showrooms wearing a new name.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Cadillac Converj

Gallery: Cadillac Converj concept

[Source: Automotive News: subs. req.]

Limited cash to keep GM from green-lighting Cadillac Converj? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No Spark: What happened to GM's promised 5-door microcar in Detroit?

Chris Paukert — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Budget, Geneva Motor Show, Etc., Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Chevrolet Beat Groundhog Day edition

Earlier this week, when General Motors rolled out the very same 3-door Chevrolet Beat concept that it showed back in 2007, we were a bit confused. After all, GM's Ed Welburn teased all of America when he pulled back the tarp on a related (but clearly different) subcompact during NBC's Today Show (video here), only to trot out the same vivid green three-door that has been steadily making the show circuit rounds for some time now.

Well, Kicking Tires has unearthed the back story, and evidently the tarp-pulling session with Matt Lauer revealed a foam model of the production Spark five-door. Understandably, GM couldn't very well drive a foam block up the ramp and onto the stage, so it simply left it out of its press conference and substituted the old concept. We thought GM might quietly put the five-door out on the floor later, so we checked back at their display during yesterday's supplier days, and unfortunately Chevrolet's stand never did get the mockup.

Kicking Tires evidently had to place repeated calls to GM's communications team in order to get them to admit that they had pulled a switcheroo. Eventually, GM's Klaus-Peter Martin noted that: "...any misunderstanding was unintentional, and that the company had always intended to reveal the production Spark in Geneva." That may be true, but we have trouble understanding why the car was teased on national television and a press shot of the five-door was circulated with the Detroit Auto Show press release.

Regardless of GM's intent, we look forward to seeing the production Spark in March, and eagerly await its arrival on America's roads in 2011.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Chevy Spark, aka Beat

[Source: Kicking Tires]

No Spark: What happened to GM's promised 5-door microcar in Detroit? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2009: Motor City guys and dolls....but mostly dolls

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Etc.

Click above for a gallery of high-res pics of some of the faces from Detroit '09

There are lots of people here in Detroit for the NAIAS, and there are lots of moments that have little to do with the cars themselves. So we figured we'd do a roundup gallery to show you some of the personal moments from this year's Detroit Auto Show. Some of the faces you'll undoubtedly recognize, while others you'll probably hope to get to know better. Check out the gallery and you'll see sports announcers, execs, kids, even a model or two. As always, we appreciate the tireless work of the booth professionals who have to stand in heels all day and pretend to be happy to see another camera shoved in their faces. Many have mentioned that they are fans of Autoblog, but we suspect they say that to everyone. Still, we know some will be viewing this post so please be civil and keep your comments clean.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Detroit people gallery

Detroit 2009: Motor City guys and dolls....but mostly dolls originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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