The Gear Shift

4:58:17 PM EST
Feeling Anxious

Anyone order Chinese?

 

I wrote a bit about the unveiling by ChangFeng and so hit the floor to learn a bit more about other Chinese automakers preparing to hit our shores in the near future. 

 

First up was Chamco Auto, which claims to be in the lead to be first in bringing Chinese assembled vehicles state-side.  They are looking to sign on dealer partners ASAP to get the ball rolling.  Chamco is actually not a manufacturer but rather, an importer and distribution company.  They intend to source product from various Chinese manufacturers and rebadge them under the Chamco brand.  Sound familiar?  If you have $300,000 for a franchise, they are ready to take your application.

 

 

Shown in Detroit is a mid-size SUV and four-door pickup.  Each of the products had a simple, generic design to them but appeared to be well constructed, at least by cheap car standards.  Alas, each was powered by an inline 4 cylinder producing a mere 150 hp.  That simply will not get it done except for the most desparate of shoppers.

 

Next I checked out Geely, for whom this is the second NAIAS.  I did a quick walk-around of the FC.  A decent, midsized sedan which I am told is currently built in China for local consumption but is soon to be exported to Russia and other Balkan countries.  From my cursory observation, Geely is a line of products nearly ready for American buyers. A representative I spoke with advised the new version of the FC is likely to arrive here in the US in a few years.  Does their emblem remind anyone else of Plymouth?

 

 

Lastly, there is ChangFeng.  I previously blogged about their model introduction.  Now I returned and sat inside several of their current and near term products.  Like Chamco, they were still a little rough around the edges but it is clear that the Chinese are able to condense much of the learning curve, churning out products very close to those acceptable in the US just a few years ago.  The Liebro CS7 reminded me of the first generation Suzuki Samurai in approach.

 

Liebro CS6

 

The new Kylin might find its way here in a year or so.  I hope they improve the fit and finish on their door construction by then. 

 

Kylin and door detail

 

Should the American public be interested?  Should the big three be afraid?  Yes and no.  None ofthe folks I spoke with at the displays were able to provide an estimated price for any of their vehicles once they hit our shores.  Pricing is sure to be the single draw for these initially.  From my perspective, the Chinese products will take a familiar path recently traveled by the Koreans, Hyundai and Kia.  At first they will need to cost quite a bit less because they will probably be far worse than average quality.  The difference this time, it is likely only to take 5-10 years for the Chinese to get fully up to speed with products that not only work right, but have their own appeal.  So by 2017 or so, Chinese vehicles are likely to be as common on US soil as sweet and sour pork is at your favorite take out joint.  Before you cast doubt on my fortune cookie prediction, ask yourself a simple question.  Buy anything else made in China recently? 

 

Exactly!

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11:17:06 AM EST
Feeling Surprised
Hearing Hail to the Chief

As we were walking around the show floor yesterday afternoon, we saw a huge crowd of camera people forming near a hidden entrance.  We asked a few people what was going on and, funnily, they didn’t know.  It must be good, though. :) Crowd mentality…

We waited around for a few minutes to see what would happen, and then Mitt Romney strode down the aisle way, with about 50 media people in tow. We didn’t do anything about it then, but when we saw the media swarm a second time about 10 minutes later, I felt compelled to ask Rick to take a picture. He sprung into action, running around the exhibits to get the best angle. And so we became part of the paparazzi.

Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney, center

And, not only that, but then a few minutes later, we spotted another Republican candidate, Mike Huckabee, on the show floor, also followed by a plethora of cameras and reporters.  (Hard to miss.) So, since we’d started this chronicle of visiting politicians, we had to get a picture of him, too.

Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee, center

The candidates are in town because the Michigan primary is today.  My husband told me John McCain was here at the show, too, but we weren’t lucky enough to see or snap a photo of him.

Tags: Detroit Auto Show, Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee

10:24:04 AM EST
Feeling Surprised

Chrysler took the stage again this afternoon – and again, without significant splash. Disappointing to me because I like the exciting ones – especially if celebs are involved.  What can I say?

So, with intros only from the Chrysler execs, they brought out three concept cars – one for each of their brands. (See full article on the Chrysler concepts.)

Jeep Renegade Concept

The Jeep Renegade is a two-seater off-road vehicle that has the most sustainable materials than any of the Chrysler cars. My two favorite parts of this car are: (1) The paint job - the paint color has actually been mixed into the car’s composite panels, eliminating pollution during the paint process, and (2) The Interior – you can actually hose it down!  While of course being a two-seater, this isn’t a family car, but can you imagine bringing that feature to a sedan or SUV?  Just wash all the Cheerios, cookie crumbs and Legos down the drain at the bottom!  LOL :)

It’s powered by an electric drive system with a diesel backup. It can get about 110 mpg, mostly without any emissions.

Dodge ZEO Concept

Next out, the Dodge Zeo, a low, long car with HUGE wheels (23” to be exact). The grill in the front is lit up by LEDs. It’s a battery-powered electric car with a 250 mile range. It costs about $.03 per mile to operate and can go 0 to 60 in less than 6 seconds.  Are we in HEMI territory?

Lastly, out breezes the Chrysler ecoVoyager, described as a “living room on wheels.” (I’m not sure what size house these execs live in, but I’m guessing the size of the car is closer to a coat closet for them than a living room – it looked so small!)

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept

It’s got 4 individual chairs for each passenger’s personal comfort. The goal was to make the interior simple, but they went way beyond simple to stark. I mean, there are almost no buttons at all on this thing – how do you know what the features of this car are? What fun things can it do?

This car has a 300 mile driving range with the battery and can get 110 mpg.  With its shallow hood and low roof, from the front, this looked like a squashed VW Beetle to me.  As you can probably tell, I was under-whelmed by this one.

See the photo gallery of all the Chrysler concepts.

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9:29:42 AM EST
Feeling Hopeful

It’s Saturn’s turn now, and, like other GM presentations, I really enjoyed this launch. As I said before, GM is clearly focused on bringing several different fuel-efficient alternatives to market – quickly.

Later this year, Saturn will debut a two-mode hybrid Vue, which will provide a 50% improvement in fuel economy over the current non-hybrid Vue XR (which gets 16 city /22 hwy mpg). It’s got a 250 hp engine and can go 500 miles on a single tank of gas.  I’m not just saying this when I say that I will seriously consider this for the next car for our family.  I’m looking for a nice, relatively inexpensive, fuel-efficient crossover, and I think this fits the bill. Of course I guess my husband should have a say in it, too. :-)

Then, Saturn brought out a plug-in hybrid Vue – one that takes only 4-5 hours to charge in your own garage.  That one could be available as soon as 2010. Cool!

Saturn Flextreme Concept

Lastly, they brought out the funky Saturn Flextreme, which is the follow-up to last year’s Chevy Volt. The diesel engine on board is only used to power the battery, which can run on its own without the help of that engine for about 35 miles.  That would get many commuters to and from work with zero emissions, including me.  See more details about the Flextreme.

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5:05:12 PM EST
Feeling Loopy

From Hunan with ... love?

 I wanted to cover a few of the Chinese Automaker introductions so headed downstairs to see what ChangFeng had in store.  With the hoard of journalists headed their way, it is gonna take more that a tiny treat table to satisfy this throng.  Alas, that is all that is available and it is quickly devoured.  I was able to grab half a cookie with is a half more than I started with.

We listened to what sounded like rock music only it was in Chinese.  To entertain us during the wait, we were treated to videos of ChangFeng vehicles doing a variety of racing and off-roading.  Who knew?

Introduced is Wayne County Executive, Robert Ficano, who welcomes ChangFeng for their vision in coming to Detroit to display their wares.  I guess he figures if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.   Most of us accept that Chinese vehicles will invade our shores in the near future.  Looks like Mr. Ficano is happy to facilitate the process, as long as he can keep Detroit part of the conversation.  Time will tell how open we should keep our arms.

In the meantime, two lovely ladies guard the veiled vehicles from the crowd.  If we really wanted to cause a stir, I think we could overtake them and take a peek.  Nah, best to wait.

Up steps Changfeng CEO Mr. Lee.  He clearly is only beginning to learn English.  I applaud his effort to speak in the native tongue.  Unfortunately, he does not quickly relinquish the podium and goes on with several minutes of best effort English.  I was able to follow most of it but had to rest afterward from the intense focus it took.  I now know how hard it is for speech recognition software to do its thing.

So, the cars looks like decent designs and we should be afraid as a result.  I support consumer choice but can not agree with the wage and worker treatment inequities between the US and China.  No mention of when ChangFeng may try selling their cars here in the States.  I admit it may have been mentioned and missed.  I say, welcome, but please take your time and do it right!

As a parting note, the press kits all contained a small gift, the giving of which I understand to be a Chinese custom.  Nice idea.  Should I finally replace my rear view mirror high school tassel?

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4:21:53 PM EST
Feeling Mischievous
Hearing the din of auto journalists

Veni, Vedi, Venza!

So we are off to see a new Toyota.  Not so fast, however, as we must wait in a line of several hundred others to get past triple thick security just for the pleasure.  I saw several folks getting bounced after waiting in line.  Not sure if I feel bad or if it serves ‘em right for being where they don’t belong. 

Finally, we pass all the checkpoints with dignity intact.  After the long line and listening to several fire marshal warnings about keeping the aisles clear, we figure this had better be good.  Now seated, we observe a gaggle of photogs trying to give Toyota CEO, Katsuaki Watanabe, a tan via flash exposure.  I guess they are glad he made the trip.  The scene is a bit surreal as he sits serenely and smiles for each of them.

Toyota Press Guru, Irv Miller, takes the stage, says a few words about Toyota’s eventual world auto sales domination, and then hands the show over to Toyota Group VP, Bob Carter.  Now Bob has the difficult job of explaining how new and groundbreaking it is for Toyota to develop this innovative, groundbreaking new vehicle that meets the needs of sedan owners who want some utility like a SUV and SUV owners who seek a more refined fuel efficient alternative.  My compatriot, Ellen, is giddy with excitement because she is in the market for such a vehicle and loves Toyotas.  Ok, so let’s see this new creation already.

In from the rear of the room drive the new Venza.  Most of us thought it would appear from behind the stage.  Now we know why we received so many warnings to stay out of the aisle!

 

The Venza turns out to be a nicely designed, right sized vehicle, but not much unlike so many others on the show floor.  Toyota expects the vehicle to be built at their Georgetown, KY plant and on sale later this year.  Now that we have all seen the Venza, I hope Toyota will consider my advice.  Call it a crossover if you need to instead of station wagon or sport wagon, but puh-lease don’t tell us it is a new idea!

Oh yea, on the way out we discover the little garage built to hide the Venza until intro time.  And that is how it is done, folks!

Tags: naias, detroit auto show, toyota, venza, crossover, wagon

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3:37:41 PM EST
Feeling Happy
Hearing Gospel

Cadillac Provoq -- Click Image for Gallery

It was back to the GM booth this morning for the Cadillac press conference. Bob Lutz talked about GM’s E-Flex engine as “a product that changes everything” and “the next great shift in the automotive paradigm.”  And, with that, he introduced of the Cadillac Provoq (Read full story), a crossover (crossovers are super-hot this year) that runs on electricity powered by a hydrogen fuel cell engine. Imagine…300 miles of driving using no petroleum and with no emissions except for water vapor…amazing!

The launch transitioned from “green to mean” with the reveal to of the 2009 CTS-V, accompanied by the sound of gospel music. This car will be the fastest sedan in the world with a 550 hp engine taken from the top-of-the-line Corvette. (See '07 CTS-V)

And then, a well-kept secret (and more gospel music)…which is amazing because it seems like nothing has been kept a secret at this show…the debut of the CTS Coupe concept! And, I’m the only one from the group who got to see it.  Chris left the launch because he thought he’d seen it all!  Boy, did I have some bragging rights when I got back to the media room. :-)

According to the guy from GM, this car wasn’t supposed to exist. But once they saw the model, they had to build it.  It’s sleek on the side and bold from the front and rear, and can be powered by a diesel engine.

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8:29:25 AM EST
Feeling Happy

We’re back at the media center for free breakfast c/o Michelin. (Thank you!)

Last night we went to the Firehouse, which is a museum that used to be an old firehouse (hence the name :-) ) that Chrysler rents out every year. They graciously provide free, good food to all the media folks every night and, even better, free drinks!

We had a great time.  Who wouldn’t with an awesome martini bar with all the fruity and sweet choices you could possibly imagine? (My choices: pineapple infused and caramel apple, Chris’ poisons: a regular dirty martini and then a Milky Way one for “dessert”)

And, we hung out with some great people – the on-air talent and crew from ESPN, some from Detroit, most from California, who travel every year to this show and others.  They were gracious enough to share their circle of seats and couches with us - and getting a seat is not easy in that place with the free food & drink! We chatted about the show, our businesses, etc.  (Make sure to watch our new friend Al’s report on the show on ESPN 2 on Feb. 9.)

So, Chrysler, thanks for a fun night! I’m sorry about the bad stuff I said about you before, but even the ESPN folks agreed that your Dodge Ram launch was a bust. :-)

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6:42:49 PM EST
Feeling Happy
Hearing Bryan Adams, of course

I was really looking forward to the Audi press conference, not because of the cars, which were cool, but because I missed the Seal performance last year and was hoping they’d do something equally fun this year.

Because I was the only one from the group that felt that way, I was on my own so I was able to squeeze into a seat at the last minute.  Audi did not disappoint – at least not me, anyway.

After an introduction of the all-new A4 (see 08 A4), which is longer and wider, and some video of the new TT-S, Bryan Adams came on stage for a song.  Granted, it was not one of my favorites (like Summer of ’69), but it was still cool to see him perform up close nonetheless.

Then, Audi revealed the new R8 V12 TDI concept. Very cool – a diesel-powered sports car. It has 500 hp and can get from 0-60 in 4.2 seconds. Its top speed is 185 and it gets 24 MPG. Awesome!

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4:57:27 PM EST
Feeling Happy

Honda’s press conference was a bit vanilla, but still informative. The CEO first talked about the FCX Clarity, which will be available to a few customers in California later this year. It was left to the imagination how these lucky few customers would be chosen. They will also launch two small hybrid vehicles in 2009, one based on the sporty Honda CRZ concept. In addition to hybrids, Honda has also developed a clean-diesel engine, not surprisingly called iD-TEC, that will debut in the US next year in an unnamed Acura vehicle.

Lastly, they launched a tough-looking new 2009 Honda Pilot prototype which features a new tougher look front-end and stronger overall profile. The interior features a unique center stack design for the stereo and AC controls that is surrounded in a frosted glass style material, backlit to make it look like it is glowing.

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