Best cars of the Detroit Auto Show 2016, in pictures

U.S. Senator Gary Peters, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, and Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Analysis Marcus Jadotte tour the Ford exhibit during the first press day at the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The 2016 Detroit Auto Show has crept up on us in a big way.

How can I get tickets to the show?

Tuesday morning at the auto show, IBM detailed results of a poll of 16,000 people that found “a high level of interest in self-enabling vehicles, or cars that can learn, heal, drive and socialize”.

The auto industry set a record for sales of 17.5 million in the USA last year, capping six straight years of growth.

President Barack Obama is scheduled to visit the show next week, a trip which would serve to remind how his administration helped rescue the industry from a devastating collapse during the economic crisis in 2009. Tune in to WKBN 27 First News at 5 and 6 a.m.to hear what Lordstown is saying about the future of General Motors and building the next generation Chevy Cruze. “If you think about it actually, the compact SUV market is up 11 percent over a year ago, actually beating out sedans, so consumers are looking for affordability”.

The mood in Detroit is upbeat, following a record 2015 for sales that has created an everybody-wins dynamic among automakers. The Free Press reports the new auto has an optional “Driver Assistance Package”, allowing the vehicle to accelerate, brake, steer and change lanes for the driver.

USA consumers increasingly are purchasing new vehicles that offer more space and utility than standard sedans, along with comparable fuel efficiency, a trend that was evident throughout 2015 and appears headed for continuation, as reflected by new models from Buick, Chrysler and Volkswagen.

If you must see green-power cars in Detroit, look for Audi’s e-Tron Quattro concepts and maybe Porsche’s electric Mission E concept on the stand. But electric superstar Tesla won’t even attend, and while Fisker used to make electric cars, its $300,000 Force 1 is not one. Lexus introduced the sporty LC 500 coupe, and a 4 door coupe concept, the LF-FC.

“We stand firmly behind diesel vehicles”, Wissmann said.

In Detroit, Hyundai will unveil the 2017 Genesis G90 to replace the Equus, the brand’s current top-line model. Three engine choices will be available, including a four-cylinder, 2.0 liter turbocharged and supercharged engine and a plug-in hybrid.

Forecasts for the widespread adoption of autonomous cars range between five and 20 years away.

“We all know that we have let down customers, authorities, regulators, and the general public here in America, too”.