Detroit Auto Show Day 2: The Reviews Come In
Posted by Dale Buss on January 11, 2011 06:30 PM
On the second day of the press preview at the North American International Auto Show – which opens to the public on Saturday – the automotive brands were relatively silent. For the most part, they had made all of their news on Monday.
Ford executives did get pretty rosy about the company’s future in a presentation to automotive securities analysts. And Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne made the news that Fiat’s Maserati brand would cooperate with Chrysler on a new luxury SUV that would be at least developed – and perhaps manufactured – in America.
But much of today’s activity involved others’ assessments of what the automakers touted on Monday. Honda’s new Civic Concept debut (above) attracted some skeptical reviews of an important vehicle platform, for example.
In making his first appearance at a U.S. auto show, Toyota chief Akio Toyoda scripted some light-hearted moments, but his earnest intention to help revive Toyota’s brand reputation here was apparent. Among other things, he hinted that Toyota could build its Prius vehicles in the United States someday.
And Volkswagen’s new Passat, also introduced at the Detroit show, drew some disappointing initial assessments.
No comments:
Post a Comment