2012 NAIAS: The Future of the Automotive Industry (Part 2)

The 2012 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) had a different feeling this year than in the past three years. While there was not a Cattle Stampede put on by the Chrysler Corporation, there was a return to elegance for the displays. The NAIAS exhibits are valued in excess of $200 million, the highest it has been in a number of years. Before reviewing three vehicles that will have an impact on the U.S. vehicle market it is important to understand the work that went into the show. The NAIAS features more than 75,000 yards of carpet, and it takes ten weeks to construct the show floor. The show is a boost for more than just the Detroit area, more than 1,500 carpenters, stagehands, electricians, ironworkers, and riggers are employed full time to construct and dismantle the displays at NAIAS. While the 2012 NAIAS show is in operation, more than 1,700 people make sure the show runs smoothly. The employees who run the show include: janitorial staff; vehicle polishers; catering personnel; car porters; Cobo Center staff; NAIAS staff; and security. The NAIAS provides a boost to the Detroit and the greater Midwest economy.

For 2012, the $200+ million dollars that was invested was clearly to assist in highlighting vehicles that will make a large impact in the market. The three vehicles are the 2013 Ford Fusion, the 2013 Hyundai Veloster, and the 2013 Cadillac ATS.

2013 Ford Fusion

Source: (C) Ford

The 2013 Ford Fusion highlights this year’s show with more technology, its sleek appearance, economical on fuel consumption, and an optimal driving experience, say it all for the 2013 Ford Fusion.

The 2013 Ford Fusion is craftsmanship plus dynamics and this new generation of Ford sedan is definitely the “best” of the already highly acclaimed Ford name and the Detroit Auto Show was the place for its big debut. The midsized sedan is a first in its class offering hybrid and plug-in alternatives. The design of the vehicle is total fuel efficiency with four cylinder engines. The base mill is a 2.0 liter inline – four, however, it is expected that most buyers will head towards the Fusion’s turbo engines with the first a 1.6 liter EcoBoost four cylinder offered in both automatic and six speed transmission. . The engine in the sedan automatically turns off when the vehicle is idle, reserving gas. The drive is front-wheel drive with all-wheel drive applications, and for economy, the 2013 Ford Fusion delivers 26 miles per gallon in city driving and 37 miles per hour on the highway. The 2013 Ford Fusion transmission is a SelectShift Automatic paddle shifted six speed. All in all, the vehicle is class and innovation.

The 2013 Ford Fusion features seven must have technologies, including Lane Keeping System, MyFord Touch