2007 Detroit Auto Show: Glitz, Ice, Concepts... Oh My!

Washington DC January 3, 2007; The AIADA newsletter reported that automakers are spending big in hopes to attract potential buyers at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, set to open this weekend.

The exhibits tally more than $200 million, with scores of new models on display. Production vehicles for International brands include: Audi's Q7 diesel, the 2007 BMW 3-series convertible, 2008 Infiniti QX56, 2008 Lexus IS-F, 2008 Mazda Tribute, 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer, 2008 Porsche Cayenne, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe, and the 2007 Toyota Tundra CrewMax.

New age concepts from International brands are as follows: the Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept, Honda Accord concept, Jaguar C-XF, Kia Kue, Lexus LF-A, Mazda Ryuga, Mercedes-Benz Ocean Drive, Mitsubishi Prototype X, Suzuki Flix, Toyota FT-HS hybrid sports coupe, and Volvo XC60 crossover.

Video screens are abundant and stretch from floor to near the 25-foot ceiling. Among this year's display highlights are an ice-skating rink and ice wall installed for Mercedes-Benz.