Digital News Report- The 2009 North American International Auto Show began on Sunday with a bang, featuring the latest concept cars and designs by the many of the world’s leading automakers. Many of designs debuted focused on sustainability, including numerous electric vehicle concepts. Automakers also focused on being economical with both their vehicles and the presentation of the show. Many reporters have noted that a lot of the glitz and glamour of the event have been toned down and much of the perks have been cut back. The show will continue through January 25th.
The Dodge Circuit EV is one of the many electric cars introduced. The all-electric vehicle has been said to deliver sports car performance with zero gasoline consumption, zero tailpipe emissions and a 150-200 mile driving range. The all-new 2010 Honda Insight hybrid car made also made its world debut at the auto show. The Insight will be powered by an advanced 1.3-liter SOHC aluminum-alloy i-VTEC engine and CVT, along with a new generation of Honda’s IMA hybrid system for exceptional fuel economy.
The Chrysler Town and Country EV was also introduced, which features the electric-drive components of an Electric Vehicle with an integrated small-displacement engine and generator to produce additional electricity to power the electric-drive system when needed. “Twenty-five years ago, Chrysler invented the minivan,” said Frank Klegon, Executive Vice President – Product Development, Chrysler LLC. “And now, with ENVI’s Range-extended Electric Vehicle powertrain, Chrysler is reinventing America’s favorite minivan.” The Jeep Patriot EV was also introduced by Chrysler, which will have a 400-mile total driving range and a 40-mile all-electric range with zero fuel consumption and zero tailpipe emissions.
Magna International has partnered with Ford Motor Company to introduce a zero-emission lithium-ion battery electric vehicle (BEV) to be delivered to market in 2011. The Ford BEV is expected to offer consumers a familiar driving experience – it will operate similar to a conventional vehicle, but with smoother acceleration, less noise and zero emission. “This vehicle adds an important piece to Ford’s product lineup with a zero-emission vehicle that will be both affordable and meets customers’ needs,” said Don Walker, co-CEO of Magna International.
The show has also announced the 2009 North American Car and Truck of the Year award winners. The Ford F150 has one in the truck category and the Hyundai Genesis has been named the best car. The NACOTY/NATOTY group is made up of 50 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada and is judged based on things like innovation, fuel economy, quality, safety, design and value for the dollar. To be eligible for the award, cars and trucks must be “all new” or “substantially” redesigned from previous models.
Other highlights of the 2009 NAIAS include the award-winning documentary ‘Truth in 24’ which will be screened to the media and auto show attendees on Monday night. Audi of America will announce a distribution deal at the screening. “Not a week has gone by without questions flooding in about our plans to release this exceptional documentary,” Keogh said. “We’re excited to be able to provide an answer, at last, to fans of Le Mans racing, motorsports in general, great documentary filmmaking and, of course, Audi.” The documentary features one of the world’s most grueling auto races, the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France.