The 2010 North American International Auto Show, which began this week, is this year a unique blend of prudence, innovation, and optimism. Understandably, there was also a political presence, the likes of which had not been seen in prior years. The show was clearly haunted by an economic recession that hit the U.S. Auto industry especially hard, and saw the nation’s leading automakers reach out to Congress for support.
Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, encouragingly announced that while a delegation from the Congress “came to Michigan to…observe," the group ultimately will “go back with a message of optimism [to Washington]." Certainly a supportive nod both to the politicians and the business leaders in attendance who had worked tirelessly to develop initiatives to modernize, strengthen, and enhance the troubled auto industry.
Other beltway big shots to visit this year’s Detroit show included, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who held a press conference at the country’s largest automotive showcase. With successful programs already under way such as the “Cash for Clunkers” program and the Department of Energy’s Electric Drive Vehicle Battery and Component Manufacturing Initiative, (part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act), Washington can certainly be confidant that going green can spur the consumer economy and create much needed jobs in the manufacturing industry.
As is anticipated every year, the show will showcase a line-up of new models from domestic and foreign manufacturers, but will this year emphasize the emerging electric car market. Though, because of economic constraints, there will be perhaps less flash and a little more substance. It will be interesting to see just how popular some of these newer models will prove as gas prices are again on the rise. This could either encourage consumers to invest in more fuel-efficient vehicles or to forgo purchasing a car entirely. Fortunately, as auto companies compete for consumers with more attractive models and better gas mileages the industry itself will move towards a more sustainable model, one which it is hoped can also save the city of Detroit and the community it supports.
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Jen is a graduate of the American University (where she graduated Cum Laude) and is an apprentice at the Washington National Opera. Her talent as such was singing opera.
