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| 2006 North American International Auto Show (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com) |
It's not till next year, but the North American International Auto Show has carmakers excited enough to share their upcoming plans for the event with the public. The excitement is well founded- last year nearly 70 production or concept models had their worldwide or North American debuts at the show. This year will be record setting for new model launches with some sixty-plus new vehicles slated for 2007 release. On average between 1987 and 2006, there were only about 35 new models released per year.
The ninth vehicle in Hyundai's 2007 model lineup, the upper midsized crossover called Veracruz will be unveiled at the show. Hyundai reportedly kept the press guessing as to the name of the vehicle before deciding on a Mexican state on the Gulf of Mexico for the badge.
Japanese automaker Mitsubishi confirmed that it will introduce three new 2008 models at the show, including the all-new 2008 Lancer- a popular compact for young, dynamic car shoppers.
Chinese automakers will also have a presence at the show- partly because the show organizers extended personal invitations to the manufacturers. NAIAS made history in the 2006 Auto Show as the host of the first Chinese automaker to exhibit at a North American show.
The NAIAS runs January 13-21, 2007.
