'Big 3' Show New Designs at Auto Show
The U.S. auto industry has shown recent growth as the big three automakers display their latest models at the North American International Auto Show, expecting a 2012 increase in sales.
The U.S.'s "Big 3" automakers- General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler- have chosen to debut their next big models at the College of Creative Studies in Detroit this week, according to Yahoo News.
GM revealed one of its most high-profile launches among U.S. automakers at the Detroit auto show's gallery on Sunday night. The brand-new Cadillac ATS is a car designed by GM to compete with the Mercedes Benz C-class and the BMW 3-series in the global market, according to The Detroit News.
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Mark Reuss, president of GM in North America, said that it isn't just intended to be a compelling challenger, but a winner, according to The Detroit Free Press.
"The ATS marks the debut of this brand new rear-wheel drive architecture that's been optimized for agile, quick and fun driving dynamics," said David Leone, global vehicle line executive at Cadillac.
It also has a sporty compact design that is lightweight and will feature three-engine options. It will be assembled in GM's Grand River plant in Lansing, Mich.
Chrysler debut its Dodge Dart Monday which is supposed to mark the Chrysler's return to the auto industry after the disappointing Caliber was discontinued.
"Let's face it, the Caliber was not able to go toe-to-toe with competitive cars in the market," said Reid Bigland, head of Chrysler's U.S. sales and head of Dodge brand, according to The Detroit Free Press.
"Clearly that's about to change with the introduction of the all new Dodge Dart," he added.
The Dart is a collaborative effort between Dodge and Fiat. It will be assembled on American soil, split between Illinois and Michigan. The Dart's exterior was designed to maximize aerodynamics to achieve the best possible fuel economy.
Ford plans on showing their 2013 Fusion on Monday, which was completely redesigned. Last year's Ford Fusion ranked number three in overall U.S. sales and Ford hopes to see better numbers with the latest model.
According to the N.Y. Times, the 2013 Fusion will feature four engine options, including a plug-in hybrid, which Ford says will be the most fuel-efficient family sedan in the world.
The U.S. car market has come a long way since the industry's meltdown in 2008. While concerns grow about the car market in other countries, U.S. sales are expected to grow by 5 percent in the U.S., according to a Fiscal Times report. The year 2011 saw a 10.3 percent rise in sales from 2010, according to CNN.
This will be the first time that all three automakers share the Detroit Auto Show in over 20 years, while U.S. consumer demand rises.
"As I look around the world, my greatest confidence is about the U.S.," said GM Chief Economist Mustafa Moharatem at a Detroit conference.
According to CNN, GM saw a rise in sales of 13 percent in 2011 as Ford showed an 11 percent increase. Chrysler had the biggest year with a 26 percent sales increase.
Car sales are expected to reach up to about 14 million vehicles in 2012.
