When the Detroit Auto Show opens to the public on January 16, exotic car fans will see some major changes in the cars displayed. In previous years, the Detroit Auto Show has been home to big vehicles that emphasized power over fuel economy.
This year, things are different.
The focus of this year’s Detroit Auto Show is efficient, green automobiles. Small cars are the kings, and from standard gasoline engines to electric plug-in vehicles, there are lots of new options.
Photo of DFW Drive Your Dream event by Josh Davis of Josh Davis photography. Copyright Josh Davis. All rights reserved.
Tesla, known for its all-electric, high-performance Roadster, performed an impressive marketing stunt. The company drove one of its cars 2,700 miles to the Detroit Auto Show without using a drop of gasoline.
Another notable car at this year’s show is the Tango EV by Commuter Cars. This two-seat vehicle hopes to woo fans of the Smart Car and other tiny commuter vehicles. In the Tango EV, the passenger sits behind the driver, as opposed to the side-by-side seating of the Smart Car.
CT&T, a Korean car company, presented its C-Square Roadster, an electric car that will go on sale in the US later this year.
Kelley Blue Book judged the cars at the auto show and chose the 2012 Ford Focus as the best car there. The Blue Book believes it has potential to be a best-selling car and that it means great things for the future of Ford.
“After the most amazing year most of us auto industry veterans have ever experienced, this year’s Detroit Auto Show had a completely different vibe from last year’s show,” Kelly Blue Book’s Jack R. Nerad told journalists. “No one thinks the industry is out of the woods yet, but there was a collective sense of renewed energy to move forward.”
This new energy is good news to fans of exotic cars and the auto industry in general. Businesses that depend on the automotive sector, such as mechanics, car storage facilities, insurance providers, and car detailing shops are hoping that the Detroit Auto Show is a harbinger of good times ahead.
Kate Miller-Wilson is a professional freelance writer, specializing in web content and technical writing.