Edmunds' InsideLine.com and AutoObserver.com Share 2011 Detroit Auto Show Expectations
Edmunds' InsideLine.com and AutoObserver.com Share 2011 Detroit Auto Show Expectations
SANTA MONICA, Calif. — January 7, 2011 — The Detroit auto show, officially known as the 2011 North American International Auto Show, will open next week, and Edmunds.com is covering it in full force.
"Showgoers expecting a raft of major new products and torrid concept cars are in for relatively slim pickings compared with the some of the more freewheeling editions of the Detroit confab. There's still a prevailing austerity, after all, from automakers licking the wounds of a two-year recession," noted Edmunds.com Senior Analyst Bill Visnic in his report on AutoObserver.com which can be found at http://www.autoobserver.com/2011/01/industry-looks-for-sales-pumping-buzz-from-detroit-auto-show.html.
While the Detroit auto show is the typical place for American automakers to unveil their latest products, the domestics' list of expected introductions is noticeably short.
Chrysler will use the Detroit show to unveil its thoroughly redesigned 2011 Chrysler 300. The new look will feature a more elegant front end with more chrome and more upscale materials on the interior. Ford will unveil two different concepts along with its 2012 C-Max, a seven-passenger compact based on the Focus. General Motors will officially introduce it's the 2012 Buick Verano as well as the pint-sized Sonic that will replace the current Aveo.
Four of the six finalists for North American Car and Truck of the Year are domestic vehicles (as described at http://www.autoobserver.com/2010/12/na-car-of-the-year-finalists-are-volt-sonata-and-leaf.html). Edmunds.com Senior Analyst Karl Brauer has the honor of "emceeing" the announcement of the winners, which will be made on Monday morning.
"The domestic automakers won't completely steal the show. Hyundai is bringing its all-new Veloster hatchback while Toyota will unveil a new, larger version of the Prius," noted Edmunds' InsideLine.com Editor Ed Hellwig, who will lead his team in Detroit to cover the press conferences in real time at http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/.
At http://www.insideline.com/auto-shows/detroit/2011/, Edmunds' InsideLine.com editors identified some additional introductions of importance taking place at the Detroit auto show, including:
2012 Honda Civic concept: With the launch delayed, most likely due to stiff competitors that recently went on sale, the introduction of the new Honda Civic is critical to Honda's future success. Honda has said it will unveil a concept of the redesigned 2012 Civic that will showcase the styling direction of the new car, which is expected to go on sale next spring.
2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Mercedes will take the wraps off its redesigned C-Class, which is expected to go on sale this summer. It will be available in three trim levels and with a choice of three powerplants, including two V6 engines or a new twin-turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder.
Volkswagen NMS: Volkswagen will unveil its new mid-size sedan and its name for this Accord/Camry fighter. Positioned between the new, downsized Jetta and the larger, outgoing Passat, the new sedan will be the first VW to be built at its new Chattanooga, Tennessee factory.
"Volkswagen's introduction is a significant milestone in the company's U.S. history. This new sedan enters the most competitive and important vehicle segment aside the likes of Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata. The German automaker has set a lofty goal of selling 800,000 VW's in the States by 2018," commented Edmunds.com Senior Analyst Michelle Krebs whose reports on the show will be posted at www.autoobserver.com.
For more information see the coverage of http://www.autoobserver.com/2011/01/industry-looks-for-sales-pumping-buzz-from-detroit-auto-show.html.
"The auto show opens on the heels of the best non-Cash-for-Clunkers sales month the auto industry has seen since the financial collapse in September 2008. There are tremendous opportunities in an economic recovery so capturing the public's interest with new, compelling products is more important than ever," stated Edmunds.com Senior Analyst Jessica Caldwell.
About Edmunds (http://www.edmunds.com/help/about/index.html)
Edmunds publishes Web sites that empower, engage and educate automotive consumers, enthusiasts and insiders. Edmunds.com, the premier online resource for automotive information, launched in 1995 as the first automotive information Web site and hosts the most established automotive community online. Its mobile site, accessible from any smartphone at www.edmunds.com, makes car pricing and other research tools available for car shoppers at dealerships and otherwise on the go. InsideLine.com is the most-read automotive enthusiast Web site. Its mobile site, accessible from any smartphone at www.insideline.com, features the wireless Web's highest quality car photos and videos. AutoObserver.com provides insightful automotive industry commentary and analysis. Edmunds is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, and maintains a satellite office in suburban Detroit. Follow Edmunds.com on Twitter@edmunds and fan Edmunds.com on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/edmunds.
