Top Ten Highlights from the 2011 Detroit Auto Show

Winter weather does little to dull the enthusiasm for the annual Detroit Auto Show. This year was no different as Detroit unveiled 30 new cars and trucks and so much more. What made this year's show so special? Auto sales finally rebounded from the last couple of years' slump and new models seem to reflect changing consumer tastes and demands. An air of optimism is in the air for an industry well-positioned for the future.

Event organizers agree that the 2011 North American International Auto Show was a huge success, promising more innovation in the years to come. For an entire week, members of the industry joined community leaders and members of the public to celebrate the very best that automotive technology has to offer. Highlights from this year's event? Check out these Top Ten Highlights from the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. Another sensational car show in the Motor City.

1. Exciting New Vehicle Product Lines. Car manufacturers did little to disappoint the adoring car buying public this year. With 55 new product reveals, this year's offerings shine bright for creativity and innovation. Hybrid's and electric cars, along with the usual space-age concept cars, took off with industry types and fans alike at this year's Detroit Auto Show.

2. New Vehicle Previews. The big reveal of new cars is one of the chief reasons everyone flocks to Detroit for the annual Auto Show. Among this year's new cars? The BMW 1 Series M Coupe, the Hyundai Veloster, the Chrysler 300, Volkswagen's new mid-size replacement for its longtime "Steady Eddie" Passat, the Honda Civic concept, the MINI Paceman concept, the next generation of Ford Escape and, of course, the new Toyota Prius MPV.

3. A Nod to the Past, An Eye on the Future. There are always concepts and themes that flow through the annual Detroit Auto Show. This year was no different. Despite the hype behind the concept cars and space age product lines, some vehicle reveals offered a retro look and feel along with everything that today's consumer wants and needs in a car or truck.

4. Green Technology Goes Mainstream. No longer are hybrids and electric cars relegated to concept lines. On the contrary, hybrids and electrics are here to stay and show great promise and innovation at this year's Detroit Auto Show.

5. Ford Motor Company's "Living Electric" Display. This year's Detroit Auto Show featured test rides on the Ford Focus Electric. More than 10,000 visitors took a spin in the super cool Focus Electric on an elevated track at the Ford display area. At 20 feet high, 208 feet in length and 71 feet in diameter, this "Living Electric" display certainly showcased Ford Motor Company's efforts to produce zero emissions, gasoline free vehicles.

6. Live Tear Down of the Ford F-150 EcoBoost 'Hero' Engine. As Ford simulated 10 years worth of wear and tear, it's engine held up to an adoring public display at this year's Detroit Auto Show. This display was a fan favorite at this year's Detroit Auto Show.

7. Emergence of Center Exit Exhaust. One of the things that industry analysts look for at the annual Auto Show is an idea of the coming trends. One such innovation that stands out is the center exit exhaust, featured on several new models this year. While certainly not a new item at the Detroit Auto Show, the extent to which leading auto manufacturers are "going with it" is certainly novel.

8. Super Cool Johnson Controls ie3 Concept. One of the new concepts that could indicate the wave of the future can be found on the Kia Soul. Imagine a versatile compact interior that does it all. This package could signal a whole new approach to integrated interior styling and technology.

9. Record Breaking Media Attendance. 5,000 international media from 60 countries flocked to this year's Detroit Auto Show. 21,000 visitors from 27 countries from around the world attended the two-day Industry Preview. Attendance alone should indicate growing interest in what Detroit has to offer worldwide.

10. Charitable Donations Soar. The Detroit Auto show isn't just about cars but making a difference. Over $2.6 million was raised this year to support local children's charities.

RESOURCES

2011 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS)
www.naias.com

Motor Trend Magazine
www.motortrend.com

Edmunds
www.edmunds.com