As the two-day Media Preview kicked off at Cobo Convention Center in Detroit for the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), it was clear the auto industry was on grand display. With more than 50 vehicles set to make their world debut, the bigger vehicles and the luxury vehicles were the stars of this year's show.
Nothing showcased that more than the revealing of the 7th generation Corvette, Sunday night. General Motors unveiled the 2014 Corvette Stingray before more than 1,200 members of the media and enthusiasts. They once again showed this iconic sports car to more members of the media Monday at Cobo Center, with Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear among the dignitaries who proudly showed off the Kentucky-built Corvette.
North American Car and Truck of the Year winners were announced and the Cadillac ATS took home the much coveted NACOY honors. It was up against the Ford Fusion and the Honda Accord. The Ram 1500 won NATOY honors beating out the Mazda CX-5 and the Ford C-Max.
Speaking of trucks, they were undoubtedly the star of Monday's festivities as Chrysler, Chevy and Honda all revealed new trucks to the world.
Chevy pulled the sheet off the 2014 Silverado. With an improved interior and a notched out bumper for easy access to the bed, the Silverado should be a major challenger to the top-selling Ford F-150 which will have its reveal moment Tuesday.
Chrysler proudly showed off the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee which will feature a new diesel power train and improved fuel economy.
Honda revealed what they were calling an Urban Concept Crossover Vehicle, but this 5-passenger crossover will be manufactured for 2015 under the Fit nameplate and will be available mid-year in 2014. This small crossover had a modern, sleek appearance, and will likely see some modifications before the final product is released. Either way, it was smart of Honda to capitalize on the popular Fit name, and combine it with the small CUV craze of the American consumer.
Other highlights from the first day of NAIAS include BMW showcasing the M6 Grand Coupe as well as the brand new 4-Series concept. The 4-series is expected to begin production and will replace the 3-series coupes for the next model class.
Tomorrow's events include Ford renting out Joe Louis Arena to unveil the F-150 as well reveals from Nissan, Lexus and Kia.
Follow all the action from NAIAS by following Wheels Editor Jimmy Dinsmore on Twitter @wheelseditor and like their Facebook page at Facebook.com/ddnwheels
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