The renaissance of Detroit’s “Big Three” will be on full display at this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit, according to Edmunds.com analysts.
“Chrysler, Ford and General Motors will ride into their hometown show next week with their heads high after the three American automakers increased their combined US market share in 2011 – the first annual increase since the Edmunds started tracking sales records in 1991.
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“American automakers have a lot of reasons to be excited right now, and we’ll see some of that swagger come alive on their home turf next week,” said senior analyst Michelle Krebs. “It’s been a long time since Detroit’s Big Three has enjoyed this strong sense of momentum at the same time.”
These manufacturers will offer some of the most intriguing debuts at this year’s show, ranging from new luxury entries to a reboot of an old favorite, she noted.
Chrysler will reveal its new Dodge Dart, which replaces the Caliber in the compact segment [and, being a sedan, is more of a successor to the 1990s Neon – ed] and faces a certain tough battle against its top competitors, the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra and Chevrolet Cruze. The Dart nameplate will be revived from the dead 36 years after its original run ended in 1976.
Ford will showcase its much-anticipated 2013 Fusion. This vehicle has quickly become a pillar in the midsize sedan segment, and Ford has carefully teased it via social media over the past several weeks.
Its platform will also underpin the next European Mondeo which is sold worldwide outside NAFTA and is therefore of global significance.
General Motors’ big unveil at this year’s show will be the 2013 Cadillac ATS which the automaker will preview on Sunday, the eve of the show’s press days. This entry-level luxury sedan plans will target European competitors like the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4.
Foreign automakers will also have an opportunity to make their marks on this year’s show. Edmunds said Hyundai hopes to make a splash with the 2013 Genesis Coupe and Veloster Turbo. Toyota is introducing two highly anticipated concepts: the NS4 plug-in hybrid and a Lexus luxury concept. And Volvo will make another effort to join the hybrid market by introducing the XC60 Plug-In Hybrid Concept.
Honda will also reveal a new Accord Coupe concept, hoping that the show will be a turning point after a difficult 2011 in which its new Civic received only a lukewarm welcome.
“In 2011, Honda was battered more than any other automaker by the 11 March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan that triggered worldwide production disruptions that led to vehicle shortages at US dealerships. Looking ahead, Honda’s portfolio will include the recently revamped CR-V and Civic with a new Accord coming on in the fall. The trio of vehicles account for two-thirds of Honda’s total US sales,” said Krebs.
just-auto’s Detroit global debut list
