2009 Detroit Auto Show - NAIAS

It's that time of year once more. The Detroit Auto Show begins this weekend with the press having the floor all to themselves. The show runs for two weeks and there is great speculation as to what, if any, surprises we will see.

During these crushingly depressed times, how can the automakers show their optimism and enthusiasm? All auto sales are down between 30 and 40 percent and GM and Chrysler are still on the brink of bankruptcy. Will they show us anything that could possible increase their sales and cause the public to get excited? Even with massive rebates and incentives, sales were way down in December, so what will it take to get customers buying again? It still looks like business as usual to me.

Toyota will have their new Prius which is basically the same as the old Prius, only slightly larger and slightly more powerful. Toyota refuses to add a plug.

Honda will have their Insight, which might be the best car announced yet. It gets comprable fuel economy as the Prius but is supposed to sell for $18,000 MSRP. I would be tempted to buy one, but still, there is no plug.

GM has the Volt, but it will still not be ready for two more years. A ridiculously long wait.

Ford and Mercury have a new hybrid that also gets mileages similar to the Prius. This could be another vehicle worthy of purchase, however, still no plug.

Chrysler has three or four EV's, but they are not due for two years as well.

In case you couldn't tell, my mantra as of late is, "No plug, no deal!"

2009 Detroit Auto Show - NAIAS

It is that time of year again. The 2009 Detroit auto show begins this Sunday, January 15th and runs for two weeks through the 25th. This is the first auto show featuring bailed out US Automakers. To be fair, other countries have have offered assistance to their car manufacturers, so the US is not alone. The Canadian Government announced their aid package right after the United States.

Most major automakers are currently on a shoestring budget, trying to make ends meet and trying to weather the current financial storm. So the question becomes, "What can we expect this year in Detroit?" In light of lower fuel costs (read: cheap gas) and the premium price tag associated with hybrid vehicles, will the manufacturers eschew the green vehicles and promote high profit gas guzzlers once again?

Honda is marketing its new Insight heavily and if it actually demos with a MSRP of $18,000, I am sure it will be a hit. Toyota will be showcasing its new Prius that actually is not so different from the current model. Toyota claims the new model will have a bigger engine, more room and slightly better gas mileage. The question for buyers will be, "Is the price premium of a Toyota Prius worth it or should I go with the Honda Insight?" In these difficult economic times, I cannot see the masses paying a premium for these vehicles.

GM has no vehicle like the Honda Insight or Toyota Prius, so they are a non-factor at this show. The Chevy Volt will not even be ready by next year's show. Chrysler is not expected to introduce a similar vehicle either. Ford and Mercury have a four door sedan that is supposed to get 47 mpg which would make it the only competitor. It could be a bare bones show this year, so be prepared.

What I would like to see is lots of vehicles with plug-in capability. Unfortunately, I will see no such thing as all auto manufacturers oppose the plug with vehemence.