Detroit

Fisker shows drophead version of plug-in hybrid

Fisker shows drophead version of plug-in hybridDetroit  - US carmaker Fisker plans to offer a four-seat drophead version of the ground-breaking Karma hybrid, the company announced at the Detroit car show which lasts until January 25.

The Karma Sunset cabriolet on the firm's show stand shares the petrol-electric drivetrain with the closed model, but is slightly shorter. It features an electrically-powered roof which retracts into a compartment behind the seats. The car is due to go into production in 2011, Danish-born former BMW and Aston Martin designer Henrik Fisker told journalists.

Subdued Detroit auto show reflects economic realities

Subdued Detroit auto show reflects economic realitiesDetroit  - US carmakers have to walk a very fine line at this year's Detroit auto show, keenly aware of the economic realities that hovered over what is usually a glittering affair.

After pleaded with the US Congress for emergency loans to stay alive, US manufacturers are being careful to avoid the kinds of expensive-looking exhibits that could smack of hypocrisy - and a waste of taxpayer money.

Entrance at Detroit auto show made by Lincoln C concept car

Entrance at Detroit auto show made by Lincoln C concept carIt took quite a long time for the Ford designers to create the latest concept car, the Lincoln C concept car of the future.  

Finally, after when the car’s design was locked last spring, makers went under strict observation and amendments for months, and at last Lincoln C concept car of the future unveiled Monday in Detroit.

GM could need more US funds, won't rule out petrol tax

GM could need more US funds, won't rule out petrol taxDetroit  - General Motors Corp cannot rule out the possibility that it will need another cash injection from the US government, which threw ailing automakers a lifeline late last year, GM's chief executive Rick Wagoner said at the Detroit auto show on Monday.

Wagoner also suggested he was open to raising petrol taxes in the United States, which are far lower than in Europe, if it could help the US car industry complete the shift to fuel-efficient vehicles that are more common in other countries.

Toyota launches 2010 Prius as Honda hopes to compete

Toyota launches 2010 Prius as Honda hopes to compete Detroit  - Toyota Motor Co on Monday unveiled the third version of its best-selling hybrid car, the Prius, one day after Honda Motor Co launched a similar car it hopes can eat into Toyota's commanding share of the hybrid market.

The 2010 Prius, which Toyota says is more fuel-efficient than any other car on the market, was the highlight of this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, a toned-down affair as automakers leave behind one of their worst sales years in decades.

GM won't rule out request for more government funds

GM won't rule out request for more government funds Detroit  - General Motors Corp cannot rule out the possibility it will need another cash injection from the US government after the Bush administration threw ailing automakers a lifeline late last year, GM President Frederick Henderson said at the Detroit auto show on Monday.

GM and Chrysler were given a 13.4-bilion-dollar loan from the government through the end of March, and Henderson said he could not say whether additional help would be need after that.

Chief Executive Rick Wagoner earlier also did not rule out that possibility.

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