2009 North American International Auto Show: Focus on Fuel Efficiency and Innovation Amid Global Economic Crisis

Strategic Insights -

Automakers from around the world have gathered in Detroit for the annual North American International Auto Show, with a focus on demonstrating their staying power and innovation in the face of a global economic crisis. The event comes after the Big Three U.S. automakers - General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co., and Chrysler LLC - and Japanese manufacturers like Toyota Motor Corp. showed unprecedented sales declines in 2008. In response to the economic downturn, the auto show highlights themes of fuel efficiency, simple designs, and going green.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 2009 North American International Auto Show is focusing on fuel efficiency, with many automakers showcasing their eco-friendly vehicles, including the 2010 Volt and Cadillac Converj concept car from General Motors.
  • Japanese automakers, including Toyota and Honda, are under pressure to uphold their reputation for green and fuel-efficient technology, with Toyota unveiling a world debut demonstration for a "battery electric" car called the "FT-EV."
  • Honda is showcasing its 2009 Insight Hybrid as its answer to the other vehicles at the show, with a scheduled release in February in Japan and plans to ship to the United States in April.
  • The U.S. and Japanese automakers are facing intense competition, with the introduction of Chinese automakers Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd. and BYD Co. contributing main-floor exhibits for China.
  • New car sales in the United States in 2008 plummeted 18.0 percent from the previous year to their lowest level in 16 years, with five of six major U.S. and Japanese makers suffering double-digit percentage drops.

Statistics:

  • The 2009 North American International Auto Show is expected to attract around 700,000 visitors, making it the most historic auto show in Detroit to date.
  • New car sales in the U.S. in 2008 declined by 18.0 percent to their lowest level in 16 years.
  • The 2010 Volt, a new vehicle from General Motors, is designed to achieve a 40-miles-per-gallon goal.
  • The "FT-EV" prototype vehicle from Toyota can travel approximately 18 kilometers before needing to recharge.
  • The 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid can operate in electric-only or gas-engine-only modes, as well as a mode that combines the power of both.
  • The 2009 Insight Hybrid from Honda is scheduled to be released in Japan in February and will be shipped to the United States in April.

Sources:

  • Kyodo News International, Tokyo ( http://www.kyodonews.com )
  • McClatchy-Tribune Information Services
  • The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA