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by Holger Baschleben

2007 Auto Shows: to Entice and Sell

Crises overwhelmed 2006. This is especially true with the automotive industry. Last year is a year full of fluctuations, sales doldrums, failures of several alliance talks, and more business miseries. To cope, automakers are making brand new resolution – and that is to entice and sell. Enthusiasts and aficionados alike can expect more thrilling auto shows which have the knack to turn lookers into purchasers.

This year is a critical time for automakers to make up for the lost penny and tainted reputation. With the growing Japanese sales in the United States, US-based automakers are expected to struggle even harder to produce cutting-edge vehicles. Kevin Tynan, auto analyst in New York-based Argus Research Co. said, “Much of the focus in 2006 was on cost-cutting moves. Products will be the story in 2007. After cutting tens of thousands of jobs and laying out plans to shutter factories, General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. must show they have cars and trucks that resonate with customers.” Tynan added, “You can only back up for so long and not get knocked out. At some point, you have to move forward to win the fight. That’s where product comes into play. At what point do you step forward and try to win?”

This week at the 2007 Detroit auto show, enthusiasts can expect a whole new automakers perspective. The show will be celebrating its 100th anniversary as a Detroit Auto Dealers Association-managed event. Said show could serve as a fresh milestone for the industry. “You have industry leaders here,” said Carl Galeana, cochair of the show. “That’s what has separated the Detroit show from all the rest around the country. The leadership of the auto industry comes to Detroit whether they’re from the Detroit area or not.”

The Detroit show, which is now famed around the globe, has started as a local showcase of vehicles. Now, it has evolved into an international auto event that lures over 6,000 journalists and about 800,000 visitors. Detroit auto show is known for providing sanctuary to promising new vehicles. In fact this year’s show flaunts more than 50 production or concept vehicles.

Automotive industry critics said this year should be a good year for GM and Ford otherwise, they would be unseated by Toyota in all segments. The rebirth of Camaro last year etched a good start for Chevrolet. Chevrolet Camaro parts and accessories are engineered to promote style and performance. Dodge accessories are also showing off its elegance and charisma. However, no one could overlook the grandeur of accessories for Toyota Camry.

“I think this is the year of the visible turnaround at GM,” said David Cole, chairman of the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor. “I think it shows that the home team has a lot of life left in it yet.”

Part 2 features the partnership the Progressive Automotive X PRIZE has with the US Department of Energy to create a national education program that will encourage young people to pursue careers in energy-efficient sciences and technology. This video also reveals 4 precursor vehicles from teams already signed up to compete. The Press Event took place at the New York International Auto Show on March 20, 2008.