Car makers eye revival at US auto show

(CNTV)

15:41, January 15, 2013

With the sound of engines roaring and cameras flashing, glamour and optimism is

expected when the North American International Auto Show turns on the spotlight in Detroit on Monday.

With the sound of engines roaring and cameras flashing, glamour and optimism is expected when the North American International Auto Show turns on the spotlights in Detroit on Monday. The show will run through to January 27th, and showcase some 50 vehicle debuts.

This week in Detroit, car fans will not only get to discover world premieres at the North American International Auto show but also watch more than 500 vehicles on display.

The debut of a seventh model of the 2014 Chevy Corvett will kick off the car enthusiasts’ party. Its selling point, of course, is speed.

What also gearing up are the US auto sales. In 2012, U.S. car sales topped out at nearly 14.5 million new vehicles, the best performance since 2007.

Larry Dominique, Executive VP of Industry, Truecar.com, said, "What we’ve seen over the last three to four years is step by step resurgence of energy and excitement. What I’m seeing this year is a tremendous number of debuts from European, Asian manufacturers and domestics. "

However, many analysts predict 2013 sales could slightly back off last year’s five-year high due to the economic uncertainty in the country.

But the market still looks like the best bet to many Asian and European brands. Foreign brands see profits here to make up for the loses in the debt-laden European market.

Dieter Zetsche, Head, Mercedes Benz, said, "Last year for the first time we sold more cars in the U.S. than in any other market and therefore for us the U.S. market is the number one market."

Things seem to be getting back on track in the Motor City itself. The top three U.S. automakers all reported increases in sales in December.

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