Detroit - Looks like there is such a thing as "too much". People are demanding greener cars and the U.S. Congress is requiring the Big Three to come up with socially-acceptable turnaround plans. So what did the automakers do (especially the Americans) for the 2009 North American International Auto Show? They literally went green from wall to wall.
At least that's the impression we got at the end of the first Press Preview Day. From one stand to the next, the operative words during press conferences were either "electric", "hybrid" or "greater mileage". Enough to drive Joe the Plumber crazy!
GM delighted the crowd with a post-Volt concept, the Cadillac Converj. According to Bob Lutz, Vice-President of Global Product Development, this attractive coupe is proof that "luxury can also be electric!"
Then, Toyota unveiled its first premium compact hybrid sedan, the Prius-derived HS 250h. Meanwhile, unable to showcase an electric concept, be it a car, a motor or a revolutionary battery system, Ford CEO Alan Mulally convincingly announced a new strategy to deliver electric vehicles similar to the Volt by 2010. Said strategy will involve Ford's Chinese partner Changan as well as Canadian parts manufacturer Magna.
These were only the first three press conferences of the day!
Green wall to green wall!
Chrysler took the opportunity to present the 200C EV Concept, while BMW turned the spotlight on new hybrids, including the 7-Series sedan and X6 crossover. At Volkswagen, clean diesel engines have found their way into other new models like the striking, mid-engine BlueSport roadster concept.
At least that's the impression we got at the end of the first Press Preview Day. From one stand to the next, the operative words during press conferences were either "electric", "hybrid" or "greater mileage". Enough to drive Joe the Plumber crazy!
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| Cadillac Converj |
GM delighted the crowd with a post-Volt concept, the Cadillac Converj. According to Bob Lutz, Vice-President of Global Product Development, this attractive coupe is proof that "luxury can also be electric!"
Then, Toyota unveiled its first premium compact hybrid sedan, the Prius-derived HS 250h. Meanwhile, unable to showcase an electric concept, be it a car, a motor or a revolutionary battery system, Ford CEO Alan Mulally convincingly announced a new strategy to deliver electric vehicles similar to the Volt by 2010. Said strategy will involve Ford's Chinese partner Changan as well as Canadian parts manufacturer Magna.
These were only the first three press conferences of the day!
Green wall to green wall!
Chrysler took the opportunity to present the 200C EV Concept, while BMW turned the spotlight on new hybrids, including the 7-Series sedan and X6 crossover. At Volkswagen, clean diesel engines have found their way into other new models like the striking, mid-engine BlueSport roadster concept.
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| Volkswagen BlueSport |