On Monday, I went to Detroit for the 2011 North American International Auto Show. The news from Detroit is good--good for car lovers, good for the environment, and good for the economy.
Whether you're interested in all things automobile or are a consumer considering a new-car purchase, I think you'll find plenty to cheer about at this year's show. Overnight, automakers unveiled more than two dozen new models, including electrics, sports cars, and big and small family sedans.
In Detroit, I met with representatives from GM, Ford, Chrysler, Mazda, Mercedes, Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, BMW, and Volvo. And perhaps more important than the innovative designs I saw was the general mood of this year's show. Upbeat and optimistic, carmakers are sending a signal that the auto industry, which has persisted through a couple of difficult years, is once again firing on all cylinders.
Enjoying the ride at the 2011 North American International Auto Show
I'm excited by the variety of electric vehicles on display. From the Chevy Volt--2011 North American Car of the Year--and the Nissan Leaf to the upcoming plug-in version of Toyota's Prius, the electrification of America's passenger fleet is under way.
Ford is even taking the typical plug-in one step further with its C-Max compact minivan, which will be available as a gas-electric hybrid or as an all-electric plug-in that promises to recharge in only three hours. That's about half the time of the current standard! It's pretty clear that auto makers are designing and producing fuel-efficient vehicles that consumers will like and that are safe.
And everywhere I went at the show, the buzzword was "jobs." Automakers are ramping up production, and that means they are hiring. GM and Chrysler each said they are looking to hire 1,000 engineers in Michigan this year. GM is also adding a shift at a plant in Orion, MI, and Chrysler plans to run add a shift at its Sterling Heights, MI, facility--a factory that had once been slated to close. Toyota is also hiring 2,000 for its plant in Tupelo, Mississippi.
Providing law enforcement officers the safest and most effective vehicles helps protect all of us
On top of that, Volkswagen is adding 2,000 direct jobs at its new $1 billion Passat plant in Chattanooga. Jonathan Browning, CEO of Volkswagen of North America, says the new plant's activity will provide another 10,000 jobs for suppliers across the country.
NHTSA Administrator David Strickland and Ford's Group VP for safety and environment Sue Cischke
with the all-new Ford Explorer, which was named 2011 North American Truck of the Year
As industry analyst Rebecca Lindland said, American-made may be the wave of the future: “To produce this vehicle in Tennessee is really significant. VW is starting to understand the subjective nature of the US marketplace. And how we define quality and reliability may be different than in other parts of the world.”
Well, there you have it. Good, safe cars people will want, green technology, more jobs for US workers, and a recognition that American-made means better quality and reliability. It's no wonder automakers are optimistic and upbeat. I am too.
How it can be "2011 North American Car of the Year" when we're only twelve days into 2011?
Posted by: Tom West | January 12, 2011 at 09:32 AM
Tom-2011 models came out last year. Within a few months we will see 2012 roll out.
Posted by: Dream Town Realty | January 13, 2011 at 02:01 PM
As a mechanic, I understand the importance of a stout representative in repairing the automobile industry; therefore I commend Administrator David Strickland for his diligent enthusiastic approach; thus helping to breath new life into the future of automotive.
Posted by: Auto AZ | March 01, 2011 at 12:23 PM
Mileage is well below average for year. Car has no significant flaws and has obviously been pampered by its owner. Interior looks new. Engine compartment looks almost new
new cars
Posted by: sarahangel | May 11, 2011 at 06:41 AM
Great blog! I love seeing cars. Hope you post more information about cars. Like how modify a car mirrors and lots more.
Posted by: car mirrors | May 26, 2011 at 11:50 PM
Good post, hopefully more and more long term jobs will become available.
Posted by: Nichibocars.com | June 28, 2011 at 07:42 AM
What an interesting Era in Automobile history we are in i for one would like to see more alternative fuels and how the electric cars evolve this decade.
It will be very fast paced and Americans will have to keep up.
Posted by: car paint protection | January 19, 2012 at 07:04 AM