NAIAS HIGHLIGHTS: PRODUCTION

Since becoming an international event in 1989, the North American International Auto Show in Detroit has hosted 620 North American and worldwide vehicle introductions. This year's event was again a showcase for many new concept and production vehicle debuts.

It takes 10 weeks to prepare Cobo Center in Detroit for NAIAS media and public exposition, with more than 1500 carpenters, stangehands, electricians, Teamsters, riggers, and ironworkers employed full time (12-14 h days; some double shifts) until the job is done. On display are exhibits worth in excess of $200 million, including the latest concept and production vehicle that are the highlights of the event.

Worldwide production unveilings included the Jeep Liberty, Ford Thunderbird, and Lexus SC 430. The 2000 NAIAS trend of crossovers, segment busters, and hybrids was again evident at the 2001 event. Notable production examples were the sister vehicles from Toyota (Matrix) and Pontiac (Vibe)-hybrids of SUV, wagon, and sportscar. Wagons were also big news this year, with production models shown by Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, and Kia, among others. Sportier versions of existing production vehicles were also prevalent and included models from Porsche (GT2) and Mercedes (C32 AMG). The North American Car and Truck of the Year, voted on by 50 top automotive journalists, were also announced at the show. Chrysler's PT Cruiser was named car of the year, while the Acura MDX got the truck nod.