The media preview started with the announcement of the 2013 North American Car and North American Truck/Utility of the Year, industry awards decided by a jury of 49. General Motors Corp's Cadillac ATS and Chrysler's Ram 1500 won the awards respectively.

 

　　Rod Alberts, executive director of the North American International Auto Show says confidence has been restored in the USA's auto sales due to the market rebound in 2012.

 

　　"From the standpoint of the show, you have to understand we are coming back after four years of some tough economy in the US, and this strength that we are seeing and the rebound and the comeback to Detroit, and for the industry, and suppliers is great. I think a combination of the efficiencies, and what the manufactures are doing and actually getting more in tune with the consumer, along with the ability of the consumer to buy in the US, and the economy improving. I think we can hit 15 million cars (in 2013)."

 

　　New-energy vehicles are still popular at the show. Meanwhile, consumers have shown high demand for sports cars, limousines and pick-ups as the economy began to recover and the price of oil fell. As a result, automakers are paying more attention to exterior and interior designs as well as technology.

 

　　Chevy's new next generation C7 Corvette, one of the most attractive new models, made its debut.

 

　　Mark Reuss is the president of General Motors North America.

 

　　"I think the architecture, the use of materials in a way those materials are blended is very unique. I think it's in-mass production. And I think the mass production again of carbon fiber, the painting of that, the use in the base car is very special."

 

　　The annual auto show is North America's largest and provides the public with a great opportunity to preview new and concept vehicles.

 

　　Guangzhou Automobile Group Co or GAC Motor is one of China's several state-owned automotive enterprises and runs manufacturing and sales joint ventures with Toyota Motor Corp, Honda Motor Co and Fiat SpA.

 

　　It is the first time for the company, based in the Southern China industrial city of Guangzhou, to take part in the Detroit auto show.

 

　　GAC Motor exhibits several "newly developed" cars, including three green vehicles: a four-wheel-drive hybrid sedan called Trumpchi which is ready for mass production; an electric SUV "prototype" dubbed Trumpchi GS5; and range-extended electric hybrid E-jet, a concept car.

 

　　For CRI, I am Zhang Wan.