AFP, Detroit :
Luxury and performance vehicles look set to steal the headlines at the first major international auto show of the year in Detroit, further proof the industry is back to its boisterous best after near-collapse.
The world’s top vehicle manufacturers were Sunday putting their finishing touches to their extravagant display stands and there was no mistaking the prevailing sense of optimism and anticipation.
The US auto industry last year clocked up its best year in sales in nearly a decade and, with the low cost of gas and low interest rates, has created what analysts are calling a near-perfect storm.
With host Detroit now on the long road to recovery after the largest municipal bankruptcy in US history, experts are expecting the North American International Auto Show to let its hair down.
More than 40 new car and truck models are forecast to go on display from Monday, when the show opens its doors to the media.
All the talk points to the luxury sector as being the one to watch this year.
“I’m convinced the US economy and auto market are on the same upward trajectory as the city of Detroit,” Mercedes-Benz chief Dieter Zetsche said Sunday, presenting the new GLE Coupe-a hefty combination of power and luxe — at an upscale downtown hotel.
Much of the pre-show buzz has surrounded a new incarnation of Honda’s legendary Acura NSX supercar and Ford was expected to roll out one of its own in the shape of an eagerly awaited new GT.
Luxury and performance vehicles look set to steal the headlines at the first major international auto show of the year in Detroit, further proof the industry is back to its boisterous best after near-collapse.
The world’s top vehicle manufacturers were Sunday putting their finishing touches to their extravagant display stands and there was no mistaking the prevailing sense of optimism and anticipation.
The US auto industry last year clocked up its best year in sales in nearly a decade and, with the low cost of gas and low interest rates, has created what analysts are calling a near-perfect storm.
With host Detroit now on the long road to recovery after the largest municipal bankruptcy in US history, experts are expecting the North American International Auto Show to let its hair down.
More than 40 new car and truck models are forecast to go on display from Monday, when the show opens its doors to the media.
All the talk points to the luxury sector as being the one to watch this year.
“I’m convinced the US economy and auto market are on the same upward trajectory as the city of Detroit,” Mercedes-Benz chief Dieter Zetsche said Sunday, presenting the new GLE Coupe-a hefty combination of power and luxe — at an upscale downtown hotel.
Much of the pre-show buzz has surrounded a new incarnation of Honda’s legendary Acura NSX supercar and Ford was expected to roll out one of its own in the shape of an eagerly awaited new GT.
