Motown still wows ’em -- 20th Annual International Auto Show rides into town on Saturday

Posted Thursday, January 17, 2008

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Make that 101 years and still going.

That’s how long it’s been since the Motor City hosted its first auto show.

This year’s extravaganza — in its 20th year as the North American International Auto Show — opens its doors to the public with a nine-day run at Detroit’s Cobo Center.

Hours are 9 a.m.-10 p.m. through Jan. 26 and 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on its closing day, Sunday, Jan. 27.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 seniors 65 and older and children 7-12. It’s free for the 6 and under crowd.

This year’s show, as always, promised dozens of world first debuts of both production models and concept vehicles.

NAIAS 2008 debuts include the unveiling of the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, 2009 Dodge Ram and the 2009 Ford F-150.

Ford will offer up its distinctive subcompact Verve concept, as it nears production in Europe, and Cadillac offers a look at its sleek Provoq concept, powered by fuel cells and solar panels. Chrysler designers also offer some interesting concept designs with the Dodge Zeo 2+2 and the futuristic and very macho Jeep Renegade.

GM marketers are happy with a slew of “of the Year” awardees that will be on the stands at Cobo, including the NAIAS Car of the Year honors for the all-new 2008 Chevy Malibu and the Motor Trend Car of the Year Cadillac CTS. Another honoree at the GM stand is the 2008 Buick Enclave, which gathered up the Detroit Free Press Truck of the Year distinction.

Other all-new offerings at the show will include the Lincoln MKX crossover, Chevy Tahoe, Dodge Grand Caravan and restyled Jeep Liberty, and a slew of Ford products that now offer Sync, integrating entertainment, cellular phone, vehicle information, and navigation systems into a seamless voice-activated system.

European and Asian automakers will also show off their best to the critical Motor City crowd of more than 750,000 visitors.

Put on your walking shoes and grab a camera. This year’s show, as always, will provide plenty of vehicles to dream on. — Mike Arnholt
Vehicle photos by Kelly Martin