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.

Attendees at the auto show saw a bevy of cars that are not normally on display, including hybrid vehicles from China and electric cars from Korea. These new cars symbolize the change that automakers have been making since the financial troubles of General Motors and Chrysler last year.

Every car company wants to be considered the leader of the electric car movement, a movement where over 97 percent of Americans do not even own a hybrid vehicle. However, that would not appear the case with the 37,000-square-foot Electric Avenue exhibit at the show. Automakers are betting that electric cars will be the next big thing.

Take a step back and think about it; it makes sense. With many Americans strapped for cash, wouldn’t they eventually prefer a car that could save them money in the end? It seems only logical that people want to save money in the long run. The only problem is splashing out more cash upfront. Only time will tell if this vision will come to fruition.

Aside from the electric vehicles, much hype was generated from the Honda CR-Z and the European-market Ford Focus, available in 2011. Things should be heating up over the next couple years and we will continue to bring you news from Electric Avenue.

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Stay tuned in for more information on electric cars, hybrids and other fuel-efficient options.

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.

Powering the Chevy Aveo RS is a turbocharged 140 horsepower 1.4-liter four cylinder engine mated to a six speed manual transmission. In addition to the small, but likely peppy powertrain, the Aveo RS features a number of styling cues that add a high-performance attitude, including large 19-inch wheels, integrated rear spoiler, and center-mounted exhaust. Its aggressive styling is said to be inspired by motorcycle design.

Although Chevrolet has not yet committed to producing the Aveo RS, it’s clear that the next generation Aveo will be a far cry from the dull car that’s available today. Despite boasting stellar fuel efficiency and affordability, the next Aveo will likely offer something that even driving enthusiasts will benefit from. But if you ask us, we also think it’s a pretty safe bet that the stunning Aveo RS will be available on the streets by 2011.

Read more about the Aveo RS Concept via the press release below.

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DETROIT – Chevrolet today announced the world debut of the Aveo RS show car at the 2010 North American International Auto Show. It features a European-inspired hot hatch look designed to appeal to young enthusiasts, and hints at the next-generation Aveo.

Longer, wider and more spacious than the current production Aveo, the Aveo RS showcases the car’s upscale-looking design cues both inside and out, and presents the many personalization options potentially available on the next-generation car.

“We hope the Aveo RS show car will demonstrate that we are as serious about redefining the Aveo and its place in the small-car segment as we were about reinventing the Malibu,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet general manager.

First impressions

The Aveo RS show car, finished in electric Boracay Blue, wears global Chevrolet design cues such as the dual element grille, round taillamps and fender flares, but designers turned up the attitude on the show car with low openings and a lower mouth trimmed in a combination of brushed and polished aluminum. Outboard fog lamps are integrated into an exaggerated brake-cooling inlet that flows into the front fender flares, creating an aggressive-looking face.

Exposed headlamps, with their brushed aluminum structural surround, are inspired by the designers’ affection for motorcycles. The sleek side profile is characterized by uninterrupted body side lines, a high beltline and low roofline. The side mirrors with amber-colored turn signal indicators carry the same shape as the car and seemingly disappear into the profile. At first glance, the car actually looks like a three-door hatch because the rear door handles are discreetly located in the “C”-pillar area.

“The Aveo RS show car demonstrates how progressive design can inject personality into a small car,” said Michael Simcoe, executive director, North American Exterior Design. “We want customers to see it and have an emotional reaction to it.”

No performance-minded car earns its street cred without large wheels and tires. The Aveo RS show car’s wheels are 19-inch, five-spoke with a gun metal metallic finish Chevrolet logo. The wheel openings reveal large Boracay Blue brake calipers.

The rear of the show car continues the sport theme, with an integrated spoiler that flows from the roof, a center-mounted exhaust and chrome exhaust tips. The exposed motorcycle-inspired rear taillamps feature tinted aluminum housings and a discreet Bowtie logo.

Spacious and stylish interior

With its matte black interior highlighted by gloss black, metallic and blue accents, the Aveo RS show car reflects as much attention to detail as the exterior. The Boracay Blue theme continues inside, with accent stitching across the dual cockpit instrument panel, front and rear door insert, steering wheel rim, gear shift boot, parking brake, leather seat bolster and even the floor mats. The integrated center stack holds the gearshift, HVAC controls and the sound system, including a USB port. Ice-blue backlighting on the audio display, telltale indicator screen and knobs augments the blue stitching.

The motorcycle inspiration also carries inside, with a round, analog tachometer set within an asymmetrical LCD readout also trimmed in milled metal with round cutouts; and round, aluminum-trimmed side vents.

The interior is as functional as it is stylish, with storage compartments in the center stack and doors. The rear seats fold flat for carrying larger items.

Efficient performer

The Aveo RS show car is powered by the same highly efficient 138-horsepower (103 kW) 1.4L I-4 Ecotec turbocharged engine that will be available in the upcoming Chevrolet Cruze.

A six-speed manual transmission is designed to ensure the car will provide a spirited driving experience.

For the show car, designers created a special engine cover in graphite silver with a brushed aluminum insert. The coolant and power steering fluid fill caps are rimmed in ice blue, and the honeycomb vents flanking the center of the cover are matte-finished in shadow chrome and designed to match the wheel color.

Chevrolet has previously announced the new Aveo will be built at Orion Assembly in Orion Township, Mich., in 2011, a move that will restore 1,200 jobs to Southeast Michigan. Timing for retooling Orion Assembly for Aveo production is anticipated to begin in late 2010.

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Keep reading this automotive blog for more auto industry news.

The Shanghai Auto Show turned out to be a much bigger show that expected. Between the release of the Porsche Panamera sedan and the even the Kia Soul Hybrid, the Shanghai Auto Show featured exciting new models with the world’s fastest growing auto market as its backdrop. One of the fastest growing brands in China happens to be Buick, which is also revamping its lineup here in North America. It’s this reason that Buck has unveiled its all-new Business MPV concept in Shanghai.

Unlike previous Buick concepts and unveilings in China, the Buick Business MPV was designed and engineered exclusively by GM’s Asian design team. Unfortunately, the Buick Business may not be seen outside of Asia should it make its way into production, to the dismay of Oklahoma City Buick dealers who admire the vehicle’s sleek profile. If it does, it will certainly help the Buick brand deliver a more upscale presence in the North American market.

The Buick Business appears to be little more that a MPV with an oversized Buick grille from the outside, but Washington DC Buick dealers say it’s far more appealing from the inside. Rather than being just another family hauler, the Buick Business is actually more of a mobile boardroom or a high-tech alternative to a limousine or sedan.

The interior of the Buick Business houses up to six passengers comfortably, allowing them to swivel their chairs and hold a discussion or meeting with ease. With electric sliding doors, large 20 inch wheels, and even a glass sunroof, the Buick business is a comfortable alternative to a stodgy sedan. Additionally, the Buick Business is powered by a fuel efficient 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine but is also equipped with an electric motor that features regenerative brakes and a stop-start system, a system that visitors to Louisville Chevrolet and other GM customers would most certainly like to see stateside.

Don’t except to see the Buick Business in the States any time soon. Unfortunately, Chevrolet Car Loans believe that the luxurious and efficient model would be unique vehicle for a unique niche in the premium market. With Buick doing well in China, expect to make it into production in that market.

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We look forward to offering more coverage of world auto shows here at Car Biz Weekly.

The Detroit Auto Show has already started off on a bad foot before the doors to the convention hall had even opened, with numerous automakers, including Nissan and Mitsubishi, deciding to forgo the once mighty North American International Auto Show. However, this week it seems that Detroit may not be the only show of the auto show season to get a bump start.

The Japan Automobile Manufacturers’ Association has indicated that its 2009 Tokyo Motor Show may be canceled. Potential cancellation has stemmed from fewer automakers worldwide deciding to participate in the show suggest Nissan O’Fallon. This year will mark the 41st Tokyo Motor Show, and may be the first to be canceled in that time. The theme of this year’s show is “Fun driving for us, eco driving for earth.”

Many in the auto industry would like the show to go on. Members of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers’ Association feel that the show can be a symbol of industrial prosperity and a sign the industry. Massachusetts Used Subaru points out that the industry has faced plenty of negative attention lately and by ensuring the show goes on it will illustrate the industry is actually healthy and in good standing.  Unfortunately, many industry experts feel that that outlook is a bit out of touch with reality. Overall auto sales have fallen dramatically over the past year, with consumers continuing to stay clear of dealerships worldwide. As a result, automakers have been forced to cut costs, including the marketing budgets that enable them to attend auto shows.

Although many Japanese and German automakers have already signed up to attend the Tokyo Motor Show, it’s believed that the Big Three may not have signed up to attend, which according to Nissan Service St Louis would create somewhat of a void at the show. While some of the Detroit Auto Show’s attendees bailed out, it’s hoped that the Japanese Big Three will remain committed to the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. Otherwise, their absence may spell an unforeseen end to this year’s show.

While JAMA considers its options on how to hold the event, or have it at all, we’ll see how this month’s auto sales influence the outcome.

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Stay tuned to learn the fate of the Toyota Motor Show and check back here shortly.