Tuesday, 18 January 2011

Detroit Auto Show Flashback: The Buzz : Gotryke

Detroit Auto Show Flashback: The Buzz

Posted by Tamara on Monday, January 17, 2011 · Leave a Comment 

The North American International Auto Show is the talk of Detroit. Last week, the new cars and concepts were unveiled for press scrutiny. Gotryke Editor Tamara Warren did double duty for the New York Times Wheels Blog where you can read about the latest and greatest new products.

Back in a flash from the Detroit press days. Here are the major trends I noticed:

• Cool concepts were rare — the trend continued toward production geared vehicles.

• Retro is not a good word among car designers. Designers for Porsche, Bentley and BMW told me they stray away from retro feelings.

• Heritage, however, is important to car companies. Mercedes-Benz celebrates 125 years and Jeep celebrates 70 years.

• The buzz was electric.

• MPG #s have (somewhat) replaced horsepower #s as the press conference buzz.

• Car companies have taken over the after market’s corner on customization.

• The national tragedy in Tuscon took the spotlight off of Detroit. Politicians that did attend were more low key making the rounds.

• Video gamers couldn’t stay away from the Ford booth exclusive on the new EA driving game due in stores in March.

• Detroit, from an auto show perspective, has bounced back. Attendance was up — and that’s the real news:  Can’t keep the D down.

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