It’s taken a beating in recent years, but for 2012 it appeared the North American International Auto Show is back in a big way. Both media preview days proved to be a hub of activity, with more than 40 new vehicles unveiled at the event. From far-out concepts to production models, sedans, to sports cars to SUVs, there was something for everyone, with manufacturers from around the world choosing this venue for world vehicle premieres.
As always, NAIAS in 2012 kicked off with the annual North American Car and Truck of the Year awards. With three finalists in each category, selected by a committee of 50 automotive journalists from both the US and Canada, the Hyundai Elantra and Range Rover Evoque were deemed the overall winners.
And given that these two vehicles were fairly small and nimble, it was almost as if the NACOTY awards set the tone for the rest of the show, standout design and attention to detail, combined with efficiency. And by efficiency we don’t just mean in terms of green technology, as we’ve seen in more recent years, but the ability to do more with less in general, such as utilizing downsized engines, direct injection, turbocharging and employing lighter materials in construction in an effort to reduce mass and improve fuel economy, without sacrificing performance.
Although attendance numbers from this year’s event have yet to be released (and it will be interesting to see them when they are), from the atmosphere during the open days of the show, there are signs that much like the city of Detroit itself, NAIAS; which tends to set the tone for much of the coming year in the car business, is showing signs of optimism not seen in some time.
