The 2012 Detroit NAIAS
By: AutomotiveWorld.com, Monday, January 09, 2012, AutomotiveWorld.com
In the absence of complete and official full-year sales figures, analysts are relying on estimates to gauge the performance of the US market in 2011 and forecast sales for 2012. According to Autodata's estimated figures, new vehicle sales in the US rose 10% in 2011 to around 12.8 million units.
Although some vehicle manufacturers are yet to report full-year results, the Autodata numbers show that Chrysler, Ford and GM held 47.1% of the US market in 2011, up from 45.2% in 2010, with all three increasing share. Chrysler showed the largest sales gain of the three over the twelve months at 26%. GM recorded a 13% rise while Ford sales rose 11%.
Car sales were up year-on-year, but of particular interest was the share of sales accounted for by trucks, which held over 50% of the market.
Needless to say, the main target for OEMs in the US is to secure profits in a much-reduced market. Given the size of the US market now compared to just a few years ago, there is little for the industry as a whole to celebrate in these numbers, but there is room for optimism. Indeed, Volkswagen Group of America's Jonathan Browning has said its forecast of 500,000 unit sales in 2012 is based on a market of 13.5 or 14 million units. Ford, too, is looking at a 2012 full year total of between 13.5 and 14.5 million units, said Alan Mulally in an interviview with Reuters.
One OEM which will be celebrating is BMW, having reached the top spot in US premium sales and for the first time outselling Mercedes-Benz in the US. BMW's US sales totalled 247,907 units, compared to 245,192 light vehicles sold by Mercedes-Benz. Both brands overtook Lexus, the long-time leader of the US luxury market - it lost its lead as a result of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
Against this backdrop, the 2012 Detroit show will "educate, entertain and astonish", says Bill Perkins, Chairman of NAIAS 2012, with almost 40 global debuts and a host of North American debuts. Consumer electronics, vehicle connectivity and active safety systems are set to play a key role at the show.
The 2012 North American Car and Truck of the Year awards were presented on the first press day. Although not organised by NAIAS, the presentations were made during the show. The Hyundai Elantra took the North American Car of the Year award from a shortlist which included the Ford Focus and the Volkswagen Passat (2011 winner: Chevrolet Volt). The North American Truck of the Year award went to Land Rover's Range Rover Evoque, beating the BMW X3 and the Honda CR-V (2011 winner: Ford Explorer).
Below are the key highlights of the show, with links to the main news stories.
BMW GROUP
The BMW Group has reported a new record for sales in 2011. Global sales of BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce vehicles increased 14.2% year-on-year to 1,668,982 units. The US alone was the Group's largest single market in 2011 with 305,418 vehicles sold (+14.9%). "Looking ahead, we want to continue to grow, with balanced sales growth across all continents, and we plan to remain the world's top selling premium automaker in 2012. Growth will also be driven by the new BMW 3 Series which will be launched worldwide next month," said Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Sales and Marketing, speaking on 9 January 2012 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
BMW
BMW's stand at the show includes:
- 3 Series: trade fair premiere and North American debut
- ActiveHybrid3: due for launch in autumn 2012
- ActiveHybrid5: as seen at the 2011 Tokyo motor show
- M5
- i3 and i8: North American debut
MINI
- Roadster: world premiere of the Mini Roadster, the first open-top two-seater in the Mini model range. The Mini Roadster will be available with a choice of three gasoline engines when it is launched in the US market. The model line-up will be the Mini Cooper Roadster (121hp), the Mini Cooper S Roadster (181hp) and the Mini John Cooper Works Roadster (208hp). CLICK HERE FOR MORE
CHRYSLER GROUP
Fiat recently announced a 5% increase in its stake in Chrysler to 58.5%, having achieved the so-called ecological event set out as the third performance event in the Chrysler Group Operating Agreement, namely: receiving regulatory approval for a vehicle based on a Fiat platform or vehicle technology having a fuel efficiency rating of at least 40mpg combined and to irrevocably commit to begin assembly in commercial quantities in the US. This it is doing with the Fiat technology-based Dodge Dart.
Chrysler
- 700C Concept Van: Chrysler's US-designed minivan design study is intended to gauge public reaction to new minivan styling ideas, and could hint at the styling of the next-generation Town and Country.
Dodge
- Dart: Chrysler is once again using the Dart nameplate for this new four-door Dodge sedan, the first Fiat architecture-based Chrysler Group vehicle. The Dart has been adapted from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, offering a longer and wider platform - the new Compact US Wide (CUSW) architecture. The 2013 Dodge Dart will offer three engine options, all available with six-speed manual or automatic transmission: a new Tigershark 16-valve 2.0-litre engine, a 16-valve 1.4-litre MultiAir Intercooled Turbo engine, and a new Tigershark 16-valve 2.4-litre MultiAir four cylinder engine. The new Dart will be built at Chrysler's Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Illinois. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
DAIMLER
Amongst the big news stories of the show will be the announcement that the Renault-Nissan Alliance and Daimler have deepened their relationship, confirming on the eve of the Detroit show the production of four-cylinder Mercedes-Benz engines at the Nissan plant at Dercherd, Tennessee; these engines - the first Daimler engines to be built in the US - will be used in Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz vehicles from 2014. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
Mercedes-Benz
- E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid: the new Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid - the world's second diesel-electric hybrid, following Peugeot's 3008 HYbrid4 - will be available as a sedan and estate. The E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid is initially planned for the European market.
- E 400 Hybrid: the E 400 Hybrid will be made available on the American market first, followed by other countries such as Japan and China later. The V6 gasoline engine in the E 400 Hybrid produces 306bhp and 370Nm, and is also supplemented by a further 20kW and 250Nm from its electric motor. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
- SL-Class: The 2013 SL550 will make its global debut at the 2012 NAIAS, with sales starting in the US this spring.
Smart
- for-us concept: this smart electric pick-up concept has a pure electric drive with a 55kW 'magneto-electric' motor and a 17.6kWh battery which provides for a maximum speed of over 75mph and 130Nm of torque. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Ford
- Fusion: Detroit sees the debut of the all-new Ford Fusion. The outgoing model ended 2011 on a high note, with sales of around 240,000 units, making it the model's best-selling year ever and the OEM's best-selling car. The strength of the Fusion name in North America and the Mondeo name elsewhere has presented an interesting situation for Ford, and sees this global mid-sized model become the first under the One Ford strategy to wear different name tags in different markets. More significantly, Ford says the new Fusion offers "game changing" fuel technology, and is the first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The Fusion will arrive on dealer forecourts in Q3 2012, followed by the plug-in version. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
Lincoln
For Lincoln, which launches its new MKZ at Detroit, the brand's stand at the 2012 NAIAS is a key talking point, and is said to reflect Lincoln's approach to luxury. "Lincoln's 2012 NAIAS stand is a full premium experience," says C.J. O'Donnell, Lincoln Group Marketing Manager. "Every detail of the stand, from the art and design elements to the brand specialists, was carefully planned to reflect a holistic approach to luxury that characterizes our new approach. We want each visitor to enjoy the individual experience of the new Lincoln, which fuses outstanding products with world-class customer service."
- MKZ: Lincoln will unveil a concept indicating the design direction for the next-generation MKZ.
FUJI HEAVY INDUSTRIES (SUBARU)
-
BRZ: North American debut for the Subaru BRZ. This is the vehicle co-developed with Toyota. See Scion below for details.
GEELY
VOLVO CAR
- XC60 PHEV: Volvo Car Corporation is showing the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept; this model was first seen at the 2011 Frankfurt IAA show. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
GENERAL MOTORS
GM is planning to unveil four all-new models at Detroit. This includes:
Buick
- Encore: The all-new 2013 Buick Encore is luxury small crossover goes on sale in early 2013. The Encore is offered with an Ecotec 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission, generating around 140 hp (103 kW) and 148 lb.-ft. of torque (200 Nm) between 1,850 rpm and 4,900 rpm. The Encore will begin arriving at US Buick dealerships in the first quarter of 2013. The Encore will also compete in the European sub-compact SUV B-segment as the Opel/Vauxhall Mokka. The Mokka will debut at the 2012 Geneva motor show in March, and arrive in European dealerships by the end of 2012. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
Cadillac
- ATS: Cadillac's 2013 ATS compact luxury sports sedan made its global debut in Detroit at an official unveiling one day ahead of the North American International Auto Show. Cadillac's first compact in years marks the brand's attempt to take on the likes of BMW's 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The ATS will be built at GM's Lansing, Michigan plant and sales begin this summer. Pricing details have not yet been revealed. The 2013 Cadillac ATS is scheduled to enter production next year at GM's Grand River plant in Lansing, Michigan. The model launches a new light-weight, rear-wheel-drive based architecture, which offers a low curb weight of less than 3,400 lbs. It is the lightest model in Cadillac's line-up so far. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
Chevrolet
Chevrolet has introduced two concept coupes (Code 130R and Tru 140S) aimed at inspiring next-generation buyers, so-called Millenials. Citing US Census data, the company wants to address the 80 million American consumers approaching the age of 30, which represent 40% of today’s potential car-buying public and a combined US$1trn in purchasing power.
- Code 130R concept: Code 130R is a four-seat coupe with a turbocharged engine to be tuned to work in tandem with eAssist technology.
- Miray concept: concept designed by GM's design studio in South Korea and first shown at the Seoul auto show, the Miray makes its US debut at the 2012 Detroit show.
- Sonic RS
- Tru 140S concept: Tru 140S is conceived as an affordable front-wheel-drive, four-seat sporty coupe based on the same platform as the Chevrolet Cruze and Volt.
HONDA
Acura
The 2012 Detroit show sees Honda making strong announcements about the Acura brand. Not only will it be the home of the next-generation NSX, but the brand will also be expanded into new markets outside the US. Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd, said at the Detroit show that the Acura brand will be expanded to some of the world's growth markets, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia by the end of 2013 and Russia and Ukraine in 2014. However, there are no plans to expand the Acura brand into European markets.
- ILX: The new Acura ILX luxury sedan will be built exclusively at Honda's Indiana plant, starting in spring 2012. The model will be offered in both gasoline and gasoline-electric hybrid versions, marking Acura's first hybrid. It will also become the first Acura to be built in Indiana and the first hybrid made in America at a Honda plant. Honda says the ILX Concept is the precursor to an all-new Acura luxury compact sedan scheduled for launch in spring 2012. It will feature three different powertrains, including the brand's first-ever petrol-electric hybrid. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
- RDX: SUV prototype
- NSX Concept: American Honda has unveiled the new NSX Concept supercar. The next-generation NSX will be sold under the Acura brand, and is expected to go on sale in the next three years. It will be developed by Honda R&D Americas and manufactured in Ohio. The NSX Concept is equipped with a 2 Electric Motor Drive Unit with a bilateral torque adjustable control system, meaning the new hybrid all-wheel-drive system (Super Handling All Wheel Drive, or SH-AWD) can instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering. The concept also comes with a powerful next-generation VTEC V-6 engine with direct-injection. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
Honda
- Accord Coupe Concept: Honda will show a concept version of the 2013 Accord model at the upcoming North American International Auto Show in January. The Accord Coupe Concept will hint at the styling direction of the next Accord Coupe, the ninth generation of the popular model, scheduled to go on sale in autumn 2012. This version of the Accord has been designed uniquely for the US market and is not destined for Europe. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
Hyundai
- Genesis Coupe
- Veloster Turbo
Kia
- GT Coupe: US version of the GT Coupe, a four-door, rear-wheel drive sports sedan concept based on the Genesis coupe platform.
NISSAN MOTOR COMPANY
Infiniti
- ETHEREA concept
- IPL G Convertible
- JX
Nissan
- Pathfinder Concept: preview of the next-generation Pathfinder. US sales of the Pathfinder begin in the autumn of 2012.
- e-NV200: The world debut of this electric van concept previews a near-future production version of a pure electric minivan. The Nissan e-NV200 Concept takes visual cues from the Nissan Leaf EV, with which it shares its major drivetrain components. Power is supplied by a lithium-ion battery composed of 48 compact modules and an 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 280Nm of torque.
Nissan says evaluations of prototype NV200-based EVs are currently under way to provide real-world feedback from delivery and other companies in various markets. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
PORSCHE
In 2011, Porsche sold 29,023 vehicles in the US, up 15% over 2010. The company's best-selling model in the US in 2011 was the Cayenne, at 12,978 units (+55.6%). Porsche says it expects to sell over 30,000 vehicles in the US in 2012. To help meet this target, it will launch several new models in the US. New model launches for the US, in addition to the new 911 Cabrio, include the Panamera GTS (spring) and the Cayenne Diesel. The Cajun compact SUV will follow in 2013.
- 911 Cabriolet: Bernhard Maier, Porsche AG Board of Management Member for Sales and Marketing, reportedly said recently that Porsche chose Detroit the 911 Cabrio’s world premiere because the US market is "far and away our largest 911 Cabrio market". Porsche says the 911 Coupe will be on dealer forecourts from February 2012; the 911 Cabriolet will follow "a few months later, providing a fresh impetus".
TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
Lexus
- LF-LC hybrid concept: the LF-LC 2+2 sport coupe concept was conceived as a design exercise to explore the future direction of Lexus design. The car was created at Lexus' Calty design studio in Newport Beach, California. Mark Templin, Lexus group Vice President and General Manager, said the LF-LC hybrid concept was "crafted from a clean sheet of paper at the request of Lexus headquarters in Japan." The LF-LC features Advanced Lexus Hybrid Drive. CLICK HERE FOR MORE and CLICK HERE FOR MORE
Scion
- Racing FR-S: Scion unveiled its Racing/GReddy FR-S race car on 9 January. The car, developed by Scion Racing and GReddy, is a 600 hp racing version of the Scion FR-S, and will compete in the 2012 Formula DRIFT series. The Scion FR-S is the US spec version of the rear-wheel drive sports car developed collaboratively by Toyota and Subaru. It is badged as the Toyota 86 (GT 86 in Europe) and Subaru BRZ, and uses a Subaru 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer engine and Toyota's D-4S injection technology. In a nod to the Toyota model name, Scion has announced a special programme called “First 86”, which will give 86 people the chance to be the first owners of the Scion FR-S, taking delivery of their car before its official sales launch.
Toyota
- NS4: Toyota's NS4 advanced plug-in hybrid concept vehicle uses an advanced powertrain which the company says offers improved overall fuel economy, better acceleration and longer all-electric range compared to existing systems, while maintaining a short charge time. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
- Prius c hybrid: launched at Tokyo as the Aqua, the Prius c hybrid's North American debut is at Detroit.
VOLKSWAGEN GROUP
VW Group of America (VWGoA) has said it is targeting 500,000 unit sales in 2012. For 2011, it reported sales of 444,192 units.
Audi
- Q3 Vail: This special-edition Audi Q3 has been developed specifically for winter sportsand takes its name from the famous Colorado mountain resort.
Bentley
- Continental GT V8 and GTC V8
Volkswagen
- E-Bugster: The two-seat E-Bugster EV uses a 85kWh electric motor which can propel the E-Bugster from 0 to 60mph in 10.9 seconds. A range of at least 110 miles is available from the car's 28.3kWh lithium-ion batteries. Fast charging to 100% of capacity is possible in 35 minutes using a new Combined Charging System developed by VW in co-operation with Audi, BMW, Daimler, Porsche, Ford and GM/Opel. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
- Jetta Hybrid: The new Jetta Hybrid is equipped with a 1.4-litre TSI 150PS gasoline engine and a 20kW electric motor. This parallel hybrid powertrain provides fuel consumption around 20% better overall than an equivalent gasoline vehicle (at 45mpg US – around 54mpg Imperial), and acceleration from 0 to 60mph in under nine seconds. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
OTHER OEMS AND EXHIBITORS
AMP
- Jeep Grand Cherokee EV: The Cincinatti-based AMP Electric Vehicles, specialising in electric SUV conversions, has announced the expansion of its product line-up with a new AMP Jeep Grand Cherokee EV, which will be introduced at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit - the latest demonstration of AMP's proprietary technology for SUVs and full-sized vehicles. AMP plans to electrify a range of OEM SUVs, and expects to announce new model additions in 2012. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
FEV-KSPG
KSPG Automotive (formerly Kolbenschmidt Pierburg) displayed the compact 30kW two-cylinder gasoline range extender it co-developed with FEV last year, along with other fuel efficiency systems including its UniValve variable valve system. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
TATA TECHNOLOGIES
- eMO: the Tata Technologies electric MObility (eMO) engineering study EV is being shown at Detroit as part of the Michelin Challenge Design display. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
VIA Motors
The VIA Motors' press conference will mark the unveiling of three new full-size 'eREV' VIA vehicles. VIA developed a proprietary 650V drive system technology designed for full-size trucks called VIA V-Drive. In 2008, VIA engineers, working in cooperation with GM, demonstrated their technology in an extended range electric Hummer H3. VIA employs a streamlined second-stage manufacturing process to integrate its proprietary eREV powertrain into new OEM vehicles which it calls VTRUX. VIA VTRUX have a 40-mile EV range and up to 400-mile extended range, averaging over 100mpg. VIA plans to market its vehicles to fleets for two years, before tackling consumers. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
VIA Motors has recently announced that it will source complete Nanophosphate lithium-ion battery packs from A123 Systems. CLICK HERE FOR MORE
Published on Monday, January 09, 2012
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