2009 Detroit Auto Show: Lincoln C concept--Not quite fully loaded

Lincoln used its press conference to introduce several new and updated models, including the 2010 MKT and MKS, but it was the C concept that was most intriguing. A small car with a relatively spacious interior, the C showcases a potential package for an urban commuter. It also demonstrated the potential for a future generation of Ford’s Sync infotainment system.

As demonstrated in a clever video, the C allows the driver to interact via natural-language voice commands with an intelligent interface, represented by an animated, human avatar. Being a connected, mobile device, the C demonstration included cell phone, text messaging, calendar, and smart music play list operations. The avatar named "Eva" brought the functions to life, acting as a digital assistant.

Lincoln went to great pains to show the hypothetical user putting on her safety belt and interacting responsibly with the Sync-like system when the vehicle was stopped. But, as you can see in the image, it is unfortunate that the concept doesn't seem to have the most basic safety device in the front seats—a head restraint.

—Jon Linkov

See Consumer Reports' coverage of the 2009 Detroit auto show.

Addendum 1/20/09: In response to Freeman Thomas, director of Ford’s Strategic Concepts Group:

Thanks for the comment and clarifying the head-restraint function.
 
As you can see in these images, the driver¹s head-restraint was not deployed when the vehicle was on stage. In fact, going through our photos from the event, we find the driver's head rest was retracted in each image. On closer examination, we also do not see a seat belt in use in the photos.
 
The function as described in your comment is quite clever. As vehicles address head restraint requirements, visibility is hindered in many vehicles. If head restraints are only raised when an occupant is present, it would open up much over-the-shoulder and rearview-mirror visibility.
 
However, the driver's head rest should be present at all times when the seat is occupied. After all, head restraints provide important protection against whiplash from rear-end collisions -- a very common accident type that often occurs when a vehicle is not in motion, such as when stopped on a show stage.

2009 Detroit Auto Show: The greening of Detroit

Where’s the greenest place in Detroit? Try the basement of Cobo Hall.

A decidedly different display is being put on by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation in the space usually filled with new cars and trucks. Called the MEDC EcoXperience Ride and Drive, the exhibit area has been transformed into a short winding road course lined with small trees, fountains, flowers and tons of mulch to showcase the latest in green vehicles.

Even thoughts of springtime in the cold, dark Detroit winter can’t hurt.

Journalists were allowed to drive some of the latest pure electric and hybrid models (also called “future modes of alternative propulsion technology”) on this impromptu track in Michigan Hall. In the past, the space was mostly filled with pickup trucks--the NY auto show also relegates the lower display levels for the most off-beat stuff--but this year, show organizers thought that they should set aside the 70,000 sq. ft. and create a Garden of Eden. We don’t know whether driving on Detroit’s snow-covered streets or this curvy course was more challenging. The press information billed the experience as driving in “panoramic nature surroundings” but with sub-zero winds howling through the streets above (not to mention any sign of the sun), we’re not so sure it was that convincing.

However, some of the eco-friendly vibes were dimmed by the trash can nearby that was overflowing with soda cans and bottles. And even thought the exhibit was below all the action happening on the main show floor, the smell of mulch nearly overwhelmed the halls.

With so much mulch filling the space, it overpowered that coveted “new-car smell.” It’s sort of a tough sell--combining the whole green/garden theme and new cars at the same time: most people don’t want things that smell like rot.

--Mike Quincy

See Consumer Reports' coverage of the 2009 Detroit auto show.

2009 Detroit Auto Show: Truth in advertising

Journalists, it is often accurately noted, are a pretty cynical bunch. This is especially true after the second or third day of a car show, after fourteen-hour days of being barraged with endless corporate speak about things like “A new design direction” or “The dawn of a new era for [insert company name here].”

This year, things are a little different, but one benefit of these trying economic times at this year’s more subdued Detroit Auto Show is that we haven’t been subjected to quite as much drivel about new models “Appealing to young, upwardly mobile urban customers.” Like all too many Americans, many of them, sadly, are not as upwardly mobile as they were and aren’t buying much of anything.

All of this is why the Chevrolet Camaro Black concept is so refreshing. It is, indeed, black, just like the black letters on the front fenders claim. Beyond that, there’s not much to say about it. A bunch of it is black, from the grille, to the trim, to the wheels and even the lugnuts. Black it is, really really black.

Actually, I like the look of it. Better still, I like the lack of hype.

--Jim Travers

2009 Detroit Auto Show: GM and the all-electric car

There is a surprising number of product plans for all-electric cars floating around in the press conferences at the Detroit auto show. Ford, Toyota, and Chrysler have all announced production intent of electric vehicles that offer around 100-150 miles range. But some remarks from GM leave me wondering if they’re drawing a line in the sand toward all-electric cars.

During Sunday’s press conference, Bob Lutz, GM’s vice president for product development, stated that electricity was the best way to displace petroleum from vehicle use. (A few years back, GM was a chief proponent that the answer was ethanol and biofuels, solutions that are all but absent now.) GM’s electric-drive vehicles project to use battery power for the first 40 miles, and then use an engine to power the electric motors once the charge runs out. As both Chrysler and GM proclaimed, 40 miles is a magic number, since 75% of all drivers have a commute shorter than that.

Lutz cited “range anxiety,” the feeling of worry you might have as your all-electric car’s batteries run low, as a “problem” with all-electric cars. Indeed, he related an example of running out of charge while riding an electric motorcycle. I don’t doubt that this feeling exists: we had it with our Honda Civic CNG (range = about 180 miles.) Having that extra engine on board dramatically enhances versatility; imagine that you could actually go on vacation with the same car with which you commute!

Still, I wonder. Perception as being a technology leader is important in this market; GM is sore about Toyota’s reputation as being a leader in hybrid technology. It doesn’t help that GM actually had an all-electric car on the market in the 1990s, the storied EV1. Although the Volt may be first to market with its technology, similar drive trains from other companies are hot on its footsteps. Can GM survive the perception battle without an all-electric vehicle?

--Tom Mutchler

See Consumer Reports' coverage of the 2009 Detroit auto show.

2009 Detroit Auto Show: Detroit--In the eye of the storm

The snow whipped past the DC-9’s window. Lit by the landing lights, it looked like hypersonic TV static. As the plane descended into snowy Detroit, only to apply power and go around for a second attempt, I had to ask myself, “Is coming to Detroit for this show really such a good idea?”

I think a lot of people are asking the same question this week. Even in better times, debate swirled around the Detroit Show. In a typical year, Cobo Hall strains at the seams. (That’s less of a problem this year.) Wintertime in downtown Detroit is far from a Currier and Ives scene. Hotels price gouge like mad, figuring that in these few days Detroit is packed with journalists, which will give them a big up on breaking even for the year.

There are a lot of signs of the current austerity on the show floor. Last year, Jeep had giant walls of stone and waterfalls and lights. This year, the Chrysler stand is basically a bunch of cars parked on carpet and a bunch of extension cords hanging behind a stage, all the better to promote various electric drive concepts. (As one wag noted, the cords looked a bit like nooses.)

Chrysler wasn’t the only one. GM’s giant floor space is one open expanse with clusters of brands. Gone are most of the set-ups that delineated the brands more strongly in previous years.

Still, nothing is more austere than not being here. As my colleague, Mike Quincy, notes, Nissan, isn’t here at all. With lots of prime real estate cleared up, some brands expanded and moved to better positions, including Subaru and Hyundai. Boutique brands like Lamborghini, Bentley, and Fisker are now front and center in the hall. And most notable, two Chinese manufacturers--BYD (Build Your Dreams, not an underwear brand or BYOB) are showing in the main hall. Never mind that their products aren’t on sale yet.

As Jim Travers demonstrates above, space is still available.

In the end, yeah, it is a good idea for car companies to be here. As Toyota, who has also seen sharp sales drops, took pains to note, they are dedicated to this show and promoting the strength of the U.S. market. Companies like the Detroit Three, who have been prominent in the news for their finances, have to promote the prominence of their products. Loans aside, it’s only through product that they can survive. And product is what we test.

So I guess it’s a good idea to be here. Just hoping they plow the roads soon…

--Tom Mutchler

See Consumer Reports' coverage of the 2009 Detroit auto show.

2009 Detroit Auto Show: The "legacy" of entry level

Considering the state of the economic climate (and the peaks and valleys of gas prices), it's possible we'll see a resurgence of buyers interested in entry level cars. The good news: There are many models available that are reliable, get 25+ overall mpg, have good safety records, and cost less than $20,000. The bad news: Except for the Ford Focus, almost none come from the Detroit Three.

With all the automotive-type news that's dominated my in-box over the several months, the reoccurring theme I kept seeing was "legacy costs." To keep this in its proper context, these costs apply to the challenges the Detroit Three are having fulfilling the promises they made to their retired workers' healthcare and pension obligations. I think it’s a fair argument that these cost have hamstrung Detroit by adding extra costs to their cars.

However, for this blog, I'd like to put a different spin on the term. For me, looking back to the early 1970s to today, Detroit has a woeful track record (or "legacy") of building decent entry level cars. And to rebuild the trust these companies so desperately need in 2009 and going forward, you can argue that they have to start at the bottom: that is, make a really great inexpensive car. This is something the Japanese manufacturers have done very well for a long time. Detroit’s "legacy" in this regard, reads like a who's who of automotive infamy. Google "worst cars" and you'll find these models on just about every auto writer's list: Ford Pinto; Chevrolet Chevette and Vega; Dodge Aspen; AMC Gremlin.

Not that there haven't been stinkers from foreign manufacturers (who can forget the Yugo, the first Hyundais, or the Daihatsu Rocky). Even the first few Toyotas, Datsuns and Hondas were a little dodgy. But here is where the comparisons end, because the aforementioned companies kept making even their cheapest cars better. That's the "legacy" that is now paying dividends.

Consumer Reports data has shown for many years that most Japanese manufacturers made even their entry-level products rock-solid reliable. These cars were usually the most affordable in the product line up, and were sold to people just getting out of college or entering the world of full-time work. But once you convince a buyer that even your cheapest car is well made, it doesn’t take much to sell him/her another model.

Consider, even, that Detroit’s "value leaders" (another term used to market entry level cars) from the late-1980s and 90s were pretty weak: Chevrolet Cavalier; Dodge Omni and Neon; Ford Aspire.

I understand that Detroit has always had a price disadvantage in with these cars in that Japan car companies don’t pay for their workers’ health care costs. Fair point. Plus, Japan can sell its small cars all around the globe with minor changes. This also helps cut costs.

But I think one way Detroit can win back a new generation of buyers is to make its least expensive models great. Look at the low-cost Honda Fit, Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic, Mazda3 and Subaru Impreza, for examples. To convince a newly-minted college graduate to hop on the GM bandwagon, the company needs to build something better than the Chevrolet Cobalt or Aveo. Perhaps that’s coming with the new Cruze.  And the cheapest Chrysler product, the Dodge Caliber, needs a total redo--it’s not close to being competitive.

To get a customer for life--a buyer that every business covets--these inexpensive models need to be designed and built to deliver competitive performance, good fuel economy, high levels of standard safety equipment and reliability that convinces the driver to tell his/her neighbor "Got it right out of college and it's never failed me...I'm sold on this brand." If Detroit can do this, it will rebuild its reputation--one customer at a time.

That’s a legacy they can be proud of.

--Mike Quincy

See Consumer Reports' coverage of the 2009 Detroit auto show.

2009 Detroit Auto Show: Less glitz and glamour...finally

Perhaps what’s most noticeable about the 2009 Detroit auto show is what’s missing. Contrary to shows in the past, there isn’t much food or drink--shell-shocked journalists used to truckloads of free food have their therapists on speed-dial because they can’t find any shrimp. Also absent is all the swag; sorry, boys, no giveaways this year.

I’m sure all car companies are looking for ways to save money, and this stuff was pretty easy to axe. Things seem pretty tame with the presentations, as well. It’s less boisterous, not very flashy and more subdued. I don’t mind the change. I don’t miss the loudest music this side of Metallica; fog/dry ice machines that make the debuting car impossible to see; laser lights and animation shows that would put Pixar to shame; and celebrities trying too hard to be funny.

But the biggest void is the missing car companies. There are several Detroit no-shows for 2009, the biggest, however, being Nissan. Is the company MIA to save money, or do they have nothing newsworthy to show?

And industry reports say that Honda and Toyota are choosing not to debut significant models with much of a splash.

That’s amazing.

I can understand a company such as Porsche pulling out of Detroit--I’ll bet that the entire state of Michigan doesn’t buy a significant number of its cars--but a company the size of Nissan skipping out? Weird. And Nissan corporate didn’t even want Detroit-area Nissan dealers at the show. Auto industry reports indicated that the Detroit’s Nissan dealers wanted to bring in some vehicles, have people on-hand to talk them up, and hand out a few business cards. Isn’t every car dealer these days simply begging for people to walk through their doors? When you think about the number of locals that are going to visit the auto show, wouldn’t you think that some might be interested in buying a Nissan or Infiniti? Why would any car company leave its dealers high and dry?

--Mike Quincy

See Consumer Reports' coverage of the 2009 Detroit auto show.

2009 Detroit Auto Show: Why Chrysler's press conference was a dud

So far, the press conferences for this year’s Detroit auto show have been, well, electric. Both GM and Ford talked about how the future was all about electric cars. But with all this talk about electricity, I’m frustrated as all get-out that I can’t find a place to plug in my laptop.

But of all the press conferences put on by Detroit’s Three, I raised my eyebrows most during Chrysler’s.

Starting out, Jim Press, Chrysler’s Vice Chairman and President, talked about the current state of automotive sales by saying that “fuel prices spike--consumer confidence fell--and credit markets freeze [produced] a hat trick for an automotive nightmare.” As, a result, “U.S. auto sales fell to the lowest levels in 26 years.” He also said that “without a doubt, the biggest cause of [Chrysler’s] sales difficulties has been restricted credit.” Never mind that perhaps the reason Chrysler’s sales are down is that the company doesn’t produce competitive products.

Press went on to explain how the company was preparing to be competitive in the future: "We’ve eliminated 32,000 positions." But I find this a tough pill to swallow when the country’s overall (never mind the metro-Detroit area’s) unemployment rate is the worst in over 20 years. Perhaps the reason to mention how lean Chrysler’s become is to make it more attractive to a buyer? Hmmm.

Another puzzling claim from Press: According to the company’s "internal warranty data", "our quality has never been better." Not according to Consumer Reports Annual Survey, which ranks Chrysler near the bottom of all manufacturers. In fact, the Sebring Convertible has the worst score in our survey: 283 percent worse than average.

Another somewhat misleading statement coming from Press: "88% of our ’09 vehicles are rated 5 star [in the government’s crash tests]." Consumer Reports doesn’t think the government’s crash tests are too tough to master, as the vast majority of new cars earn four or five NHTSA stars in those measures. Such a limited performance spectrum limits the usefulness of the ratings themselves. The IIHS's more-demanding crash tests can better help to narrow down your car choices. Other things being equal, choose a vehicle that the IIHS rates Good or Acceptable in each of its tests.

But on to Chrysler’s electric boogaloo.

 Chrysler unveiled its Dodge Circuit EV prototype all-electric sports car. Aside from the sporty numbers you’d expect from a sleek-looking coupe (0-60 mph in less than 5 seconds, driving range of 150 to 200 miles), the company said that the time to recharge the batteries "can be cut in half by using a typical 220-volt power outlet." What the company didn’t say, however, is how long it takes to charge normally with 110 volts. In other words, half of what?

We then saw the 200C EV concept, a nice looking four-door sedan. The 200 C’s interior is designed to "maximize interior comfort." Why wouldn’t every car designer/engineer want to do this? Does this statement qualify for the obvious award? Or is it the goal for new cars to have interiors that feel like torture chambers? The statement simply didn’t make sense.

The 200C EV concept is also "built on a proven platform that delivers outstanding ride and handling." Of all the current Chrysler models we’ve tested, none are known for having an outstanding ride or handling. Which "proven platform" are they talking about?

Best case scenario after this train wreck of a press conference? Chrysler needs better speech writers. Worst case? Chrysler’s in a lot of trouble and they’re using tons of smoke and mirrors to stay alive.

--Mike Quincy

See Consumer Reports' coverage of the 2009 Detroit auto show.

2009 Detroit Auto Show--Detroit renaissance

For the first time in my memory, it's possible that the Detroit auto show really won't be so much about the products. With just about every car company struggling these days--from decreasing sales, to too many factories producing too many vehicles that no one is buying--I'm not sure whether doom outweighs gloom. Never mind what the Detroit Three will do with those sinful corporate jets.

Looking back on all that's gone on in the last month, I'm not sure why there isn't much love for auto manufacturers in Washington. And I'm really perplexed by the whole "Will you corporate CEOs promise to work for a dollar a year?" question. Wouldn't it be great if most of the voters asked "Well, Mr./Ms. Congressman, we now have the biggest deficit in history, and it happened on your watch. Will you agree to work for a dollar a year until the deficit is eliminated? You see, most of us can't just print more money when we run out."

It's hard to understand why so many people seem to have it in for the auto industry, and maybe even manufacturing in general. Is it a version of class warfare--white collar Wall Street types vs. blue collar middle America? If you think about the hurdles Detroit had to jump to get its loan compared to how easy it seemed for Wall Street to get its money, well, you do the math. When looking at the auto industry, it's hard to knock companies that kept the WWII machine running and for decades put thousands of people to work in good paying jobs with full health care benefits. Why is that bad?

Also for the first time in my memory, executives from Detroit finally admitted to making some mistakes. Books have been written about Detroit’s missteps, and there have been too many goofs to list here. But at least they know that they can't continue with the "business as usual" mindset. Maybe it's a stretch, but it almost seems like the Detroit Three have been in rehab for several years and are on the road to recovery. But like many recovering alcoholics, they are overweight and broke. I think, though, that Detroit is taking the right steps. Choose any sports cliché that works for you--"Our backs are against the wall"; "We've got to play like there's no tomorrow"; "The future is now"; 'We're going to give 110%"--and I'll bet that these war cries were spoken in every board room and shop floor in the industry.

I’ve been asked many times what the future of the industry will look like this time next year. I think the industry (not just Detroit) will be smaller, leaner and more focused. I don’t know if next year’s Detroit show will feature the Detroit Three or Detroit Two. But I do know that there are a lot of smart people that make Motor City move and groove. The U.S. is filled with hard working and innovative people–-especially in Detroit. Now, more than ever, the times call for these people to show their stuff. And next year’s Detroit event will showcase some of these new products. This year, well, we'll have to get by with fewer products with little wow. Save the bling-bling for flush times; the industry is now in survival mode. But survive it will.

--Mike Quincy

See Consumer Reports' coverage of the 2009 Detroit auto show.

2009 Detroit Auto Show – Kicking off the new year in Motor City

Automotive engineers and editors from the Consumer Reports Cars team are en route to Motor City to attend the 2009 North American International Auto Show, commonly know as the Detroit auto show. It promises to be an important year for this event, as the auto companies struggle during the troubled economy, and Detroit itself is feeling the full impact of the downturn. (Plus the winter storm hitting this weekend.)

The Detroit show is known around the globe for its over-the-top vehicle introductions, with dramatic, staged unveilings for the cars of tomorrow. This year, slashed budgets and negative sales forecasts will likely sap much of the exuberance from the event. Many automakers have opted to skip the formerly de rigueur press conference and either just place their new model on the show floor, or withdraw from the event altogether.

Still, there will be dozens of vehicles making their world premier and many being shown in the United States for the first time. Models we anticipate seeing include the Audi A7, BMW Z4, Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac SRX, Cadillac CTS sport wagon, Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Cruze, Chrysler Town & Country EV, Fisker Sunset, Ford Shelby GT500, Ford Taurus, Honda Insight, Kia Soul’ster, Lexus HS 250h, Lincoln MKT, Mercedes-Benz BlueZero, Mini Cooper convertible, Saab 9-5 Griffin, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Prius, and Volvo S60 concept. And as always, there will be a few surprises.

Look for live coverage starting Sunday, as the team reports from on location at 2009 Detroit auto show, complete with blogs. There will be interesting news and vehicles, as well as an interesting experience to share. For a taste of things to come, see our preview coverage now live.

—Jeff Bartlett