Design News for Mechanical and Design Engineers

The Detroit Auto Show is the very definition of eye candy. For the car enthusiast, it’s Mecca. But for all its glitz, tailfins, muscle and space-age interiors, the auto industry is deeply troubled as it faces recession and wagers on which technology will replace the gas engine. But what fun would auto making be if there wasn’t a challenge? Here are some photos from NAIAS and my take on what’s happening.
-- John Dodge, Editor-in-Chief

Visit our 2008 North American International Auto Show coverage page for stories, video and more photos from the show!

IMAGE GALLERY: THE FUTURE OF THE AUTO INDUSTRY AT THE 2008 NAIAS

GM: Cadillac is hot and the Chevy Malibu got 2008 Car of the Year. The Chevy Volt hybrid is still on track for a 2010 launch “if” everything goes right, and it won’t. GM still has lots of gas-guzzling SUVs and pickups, but CEO Rick Waggoner said the V-8s will steadily be replaced by V-6s.

Ford: The new Verve concept car is Ford’s new-world car. It’s aimed at “millenials,” which are those born in the 80s more or less (my kids). There was lots of muscle in Ford’s exhibit, including its new re-styled F150 pickup.

Chrysler: With new private ownership, no one knows quite what the company will do. Many of its models look dated and its concept cars like the Dodge ZEO, Jeep Renegade and Chrysler ecoVoyager are way, way out there in looks if not production. Maybe the new Chrysler will surprise us.

Toyota: They get it and are on track to sell a million hybrids by 2010. The new A-BAT pickup and small Venza SUV look nichey, but Toyota is the automotive future.

Honda/Acura: Like Toyota, they are the automotive future with big support for clean diesel, hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell cars. The CR-Z and Clarity along with the new Honda Pilot SUV led their announcements.