Detroit auto show proves which carmakers will be the strongest in the near future
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Ford Motor Co.'s redesigned 2011 Focus compact, above, and the Toyota Venza crossover, below, are two of the cars on display during the 2010 North American International Auto Show. The 2010 Detroit auto show runs through Jan. 24. -
2011 Hyundai Sonata
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DETROIT -- This year's North American International Auto Show provided not only a glimpse of cars of the future, but a look at the future of the industry and the growing dominance of Ford Motor Co.
Ford, which was the only U.S. automaker to avoid bankruptcy and a government bailout, reported a 33 percent sales increase in December compared with a year ago.
"Ford's plan is working," said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. marketing sales and service.
Ford, Lincoln and Mercury 2009 sales totaled 1.62 million, down 15 percent; but the company said its U.S. total market share was about 15 percent, about 1 percentage point higher than in 2008. It was the company's first full-year U.S. market share increase since 1995.
Ford also swept the North American Car and Truck Awards at the Detroit auto show with its Fusion Hybrid and Transit Connect.
The company introduced its Focus compact sedan to widespread acclaim by journalists and industry analysts. And Ford has the ability to introduce 10 or more new products based on the Focus "C" family platform alone.
Other automakers generating buzz at the show were Hyundai and Kia, thanks to a strong product portfolio and creative marketing; Audi/Volkswagen with their aggressive product plans, sparkling road performance and cutting-edge design; and Nissan, which continues to thrive by virtue of its willingness to take risks and create exciting, expressive designs that stand out in the crowd.
What about Toyota? The Japanese automaker has the resources and products but needs to regain its footing after falling sales and safety recalls damaged its reputation. With the exception of the Venza crossover and the Lexus LF-A, its production models didn't generate a lot of excitement at the auto show.
Other trends:
The era of the powerhouse four-cylinder engine is upon us. Many manufacturers had cars on display that were powered by four-cylinder engines that had horsepower boosted by supercharging, turbocharging, direct fuel injection or other means.
First Published January 15, 2010 12:00 am
