The auto industry has gone through many changes over the past few years, and this year’s North American International Auto Show truly exemplified this. These changes have been guided by people shying away from expensive, gas guzzling vehicles and migrating toward hybrids and other “green” options.
Despite the love affair American consumers have had with cars, this past year sales were very low. China has officially surpassed the United States as the world’s largest automotive sales market as auto sales in China last year increased by nearly 50 percent. On the other hand, American sales plummeted over 20 percent! Is this permanent? GM’s top executive, Kevin Wale, along with many other automakers seems to think so. Since we are in dire economic times, the jury is still out on whether or not these numbers are a clear indicator of where our auto industry is headed.
Large engines and large horsepower numbers are always easy ways to draw-in the automotive enthusiasts at auto shows. But these days, Detroit is busy turning out sporty and fun to drive cars that feature smaller dimensions, and smaller engine displacements as well.
One of the best examples of this new trend is the Chevrolet Aveo RS concept which broke cover this week at the North American International Auto Show. While it’s technically a concept, the Aveo RS likely displays much of the next generation Aveo’s styling and dimensions. Competing directly with the upcoming Ford Fiesta, the new Aveo will likely mark a turning point for Detroit automakers as they begin to build small cars that are not only sexy, but also a blast to drive. Continue reading ‘Chevy Hints at the Future With Aveo RS Concept’
