The Big Three hit hard in Detroit

The first auto show of the new year always starts with the North American International Auto Show, the biggest and oldest auto show in the United States. This year the Motor City celebrates its 100th anniversary and will unveil over 45 new models to the press and public.

Sunday in Detroit brought the announcements of the North American Car and Truck of the year awards, an annual event which has been recurring for 14 years. In order for a vehicle to be eligible to win either award it must have been substantially changed or an entirely new offering. 49 journalists from Canada and the US then pick the vehicles based on their design safety, driver satisfaction and overall value. This year’s awards went to GM in both categories. The Truck of the year honor was awarded to Chevrolet for the new Silverado pickup, and the car of the year award went to Saturn for the Aura sedan.

GM certainly had a presence in Detroit this year, launching the Cadillac CTS, the new Chevrolet Malibu and the unveiling the stunning Camaro convertible concept to keep interest high for the upcoming Camaro relaunch.


Ford wasn't going to take a backseat in the Motor City either, unveiling the Interceptor and Airstream concepts, as well as the redesigned Focus and Five Hundred. The Premier Automotive Group (PAG), Ford's foreign luxury division, also showed the Jaguar CX-F and Volvo XC60 concepts and the new baby Land Rover, the LR2. Aston Martin didn't take the stage, but the extravagant Giugiaro Mustang had a prominent spot on the show floor.

DiamlerChrysler also represented their Dodge and Chrysler brands at the show, unveiling the new Dodge Avenger, Viper, and Magnum, and showing their new minivans. The company also revealed the Jeep Trailhawk and Chrysler Nassau concepts. Even the diminutive Smart car, scheduled to make its North American debut in 2008 was on show.