With the hope of a bailout for the Detroit Big 3 seemingly undecided, the 2009 North American International Auto Show promises to be one of the most memorable in decades.
Some believe bankruptcy is the only answer for solving the financial crisis at General Motors, Ford and Chrysler. Others think the ripple effect of such action would usher in consequences to severe to imagine. In my opinion, the long term benefit of assisting the struggling automakers helps the economy as a whole, and far outweighs the downside of doing nothing. Waiting quietly on the sidelines is sure to invite the ruin of a system already besieged with bad news.
This is not to say providing assistance will solve all the problems of a beleaguered auto industry. And no government assistance should go unchecked. The automakers have a responsibility to make serious decisions for long term viability, as do the frontline workers. Without wage concessions and streamlining of brands, the future for the Detroit Big 3 is far from certain.
But they are not alone. Japanese, Korean and European automakers are feeling the pinch as well. Sales are down at Toyota and Honda, even though, for the most part, both companies are famous for designing reliable vehicles people want to buy. Once believed to be unassailable, it appears no company is out of harm’s way and millions of jobs hang in the balance.
With this as the backdrop, we once again head to the Motor City to see what’s in store at the 2009 NAIAS in Detroit? Here are several of the highlights we expect in early January.
BMW
Bavarian Motor Works has a great deal planned for the Detroit Auto Show. On display will be the new BMW 7 Series luxury sedan and BMW 3 Series automobiles. The BMW 335d and BMW X5 xDrive35d first displayed in Los Angeles will highlight BMW Advanced Diesel with Blue Performance Technology featuring Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR). Plus, ActiveHybrid technology using an intelligent combination of the combustion engine and electric drive to substantially reduce fuel consumption will be front and center in Detroit as it is expected to reach market in 2009.
The most important introduction for BMW at this year’s NAIAS, however, may turn out to be the launch of an all-new BMW Z4. What more inspiring way could there be to forget about the current economic crisis than to introduce the world to a new luxury two-seat roadster with removable hardtop?
Built in Regensburg, Germany, two engine choices are available with the new BMW Z4. One features fully variable valve management, the other twin turbo technology and high precision injection. The top model is available with either a 6-speed manual transmission or 7-speed sport automatic with double-clutch. Dynamic Drive Control is standard on the BMW Z4, allowing the driver to adjust vehicle performance with the use three unique settings. Could this be the next “must have” roadster?
2009 Honda Insight
When Honda first announced it would unveil the 2009 Honda Insight at the 2009 NAIAS, we expected a grand entrance for this much anticipated five passenger, fuel saving sedan. So too, did Honda. But with the economic downturn gaining momentum, the Japanese automaker recently announced their intent to display the new Insight on the show floor in Detroit as part of the regular product line-up and forgo any of the normal fanfare associated with an auto show.
So much for the “WOW!” factor. But it should not diminish the importance of this vehicle in the marketplace. Honda expects to sell 100,000 Insight Hybrids a year in North America and there is no reason to anticipate why they can’t.
With an aggressive MSRP expected of $20,000 when it goes on sale in spring, the new Insight hybrid should have a significant price advantage over its main rival the Toyota Prius. For added fun and interactivity, Honda designed the Insight to feature the Ecological Drive Assist System. Part of a bigger plan to increased hybrid sales around the globe; we’ll provide further details in our daily reports from Detroit.
Mercedes-Benz
The creator of the automobile, Mercedes-Benz is set to unveil not one, but three new electric drive concept vehicles in Detroit. The BlueZERO E-CELL is said to be powered entirely by lithium ion batteries. This vehicle is expected to have a range of 124 miles prior to recharge.
Of most interest is the BlueZERO E-Cell Plus as it adds the Smart ForTwo turbocharged 3-cylinder engine to increase range and power. With a full tank of gasoline and full charge, Mercedes-Benz claims a cruising range of 373 miles. The equally unique BlueZERO F-Cell is a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle capturing additional energy with regenerative braking. Total driving distance for this concept is expected to be 240 miles.
Ford
Rumors abound that Ford is planning to introduce the next generation 2010 Ford Taurus at the 2009 NAIAS. While one sketchy picture has been posted on the Internet so far, we’ ll have to wait and see what the new sedan looks like for ourselves before releasing photos.
Expectations for this sedan run high as the Taurus nameplate is still one of the most recognizable model designations in North America. Plenty of room for five and a fuel efficient engine should be wrapped in an aggressive exterior design. Supplementary Ford rumors include the introduction of the 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 and a new Lincoln luxury crossover.
Summary
Additional vehicles expected to be unwrapped in Detroit include a gorgeous Volvo S60 Concept featuring a brand new 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Buick will unveil the next generation Lacrosse and Chevrolet will spotlight a redesigned Equinox along with a production ready Cruze first seen in Paris earlier this year. Toyota should have the new 2010 Prius on hand as well. More surprises await and we will be there covering all the details. Watch for our day one coverage starting January 12, 2009. Happy Holidays!
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