The News Review:
- Detroit auto show makes history over its 102 years
- Johnson Controls CE:Europe May Lead Auto Sector ut f Slump
- Panasonic’s new cheap auto-everything compact camera
- Freed-up credit might blossom into more auto sales
- Weather stays cold as 2009 Detroit auto show heats up
- 2009 Detroit Auto Show: General Motors
Detroit auto show makes history over its 102 years
DetNews.com MI
The show was at Beller’s Beer Garden in Riverside Park on Jefferson Avenue in conjunction with a hunting and fishing accessories show. Back in 1907 it only cost 50 cents to attend the show and a total of 33 vehicles were shown by 17 exhibitors. Since then the show has grown from a regional event into a world-class showcase. In 1910 the show moved to the Wayne Gardens Pavilion.
Johnson Controls CE:Europe May Lead Auto Sector ut f Slump
CNNMoney.com
(JCI) saidFriday that consumers in Europe rather than North America could lead the globalindustry out of recession. Stephen Roell chief executive officer of one of the world’s largest autosuppliers remained more bearish than most in the sector about sales this year. But he told analysts on a conference call that the larger European market waslikely to rebound first in contrast to most industry observers. “European consumers don’t have credit card debt they don’t have the housingproblem in Germany and France and the unemployment levels are not historicallyout of balance” he said. “I have reason to believe that Europe could actuallylead us out of this thing if we can get the consumers there confident aboutgoing forward. ” Milwaukee-based Johnson Controls is one of the world’s largest suppliers ofautomotive seats and batteries.
Panasonic’s new cheap auto-everything compact camera
CNET News CA
9 33-132mm-equivalent lens with optical image stabilization–a rarity in a compact camera for its price of $119. It also features Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto Mode (iA) which along with the Mega. S I mentioned a second ago includes Intelligent IS Control Intelligent Scene Selector and Face Detection. You’ll be able to stick one in your pocket this April in a choice of silver black and pink.
Freed-up credit might blossom into more auto sales
Detroit Free Press United States
So as the Detroit auto show highlights a new world of hybrids and high-tech battery-powered cars the major concern for most consumers continues to be last year’s pitiful model for auto financing. Can they get a car loan? And if so how many hoops will they have to jump through to get it?Credit while still an issue appears to loosening up from the extremely tight standards that hit in late ’08. Thanks to federal bailout money GMAC LLC in late December lifted some strict roadblocks that stopped some consumers from qualifying for car loans. Going forward the Feds have more credit-crunch tricks that could grease the skids for car loans too. Still will credit be more accessible this spring as consumers hit showrooms?”Logic should suggest that it should be a bit better because it was so bad” said Mark Zandi lead economist at Moody’s Economy.
Weather stays cold as 2009 Detroit auto show heats up
Detroit Free Press United States
Show goers and anyone else who left the confines of their home were greeted this morning with fine falling snow to add to that several inches that has remained frozen on the ground from days ago. Reggie Neal 42 of Detroit blamed the bad weather for the late arrival of his cab to pick him up for the auto show. Despite the bitter cold and blowing snow Neal said he was determined to be at Cobo Center. “I’m too dedicated to cars to miss the show on its first day no matter how cold it is” said Neal as he checked out Dodge’s electric vehicles. Meanwhile several fender benders were reported throughout the metro area as the snow continues to coat the freeways. A multi-car accident was reported along I-75 near 12 Mile and on I-696 at I-275.
2009 Detroit Auto Show: General Motors
Examiner.com
Below is a breakdown of the most notable models unveiled by General Motors. Cadillac Converj ConceptThe Converj was the biggest surprise from GM and one of the bigger surprises of the show. Most product unveils are leaked on the Internet in advance of most major auto shows so any product secrets are surprising. The Converj was really shocking then since it’s powered by the same “Voltec” E-REV technology that Chevy is using in the Volt. GM hopes that people won’t buy the Converj because of its powertrain but because of its striking looks. That doesn’t mean the powertrain should be ignored. Converj is powered by a 16-kilowatt electric motor that gets its juice from a lithium-ion battery.
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