#NAIAS2012

It definitely seemed there was more going on at this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit; more buzz, more pizzaz, more enthusiasm. There were over 40 product unveilings, including some highly anticipated new models like Cadillac’s ATS, Acura’s NSX and Ford’s new Fusion, just to name a few.

On Wednesday, January 18 2012, the North American International Auto Show will be hosting Education Day, which provides school kids of all age groups the chance to attend the show and learn all about the automotive industry.

Although the concept version of Subaru‘s rear-drive BRZ, displayed at the 2011 LA Auto Show back in November, looked close to production ready, we’ve now seen the real thing, which made it’s North American Debut this week at the Detroit Auto Show.

Corporate Average Fuel Economy targets for 2015 and beyond mean that all automakers selling vehicles in the US need to find a way to improve fleet efficiency without facing the risk of hefty fines.

Building on the foundation of the S400 Hybrid, Mercedes-Benz chose this year’s North American International Auto Show as the place to unveil its (slightly) smaller E-Class derrivative.

Although the Dodge Dart was Chrysler Group’s big news at this year’s North American International Auto Show, there was also another rather unique vehicle on display, the 700 C.

We’ve already been given details on Hyundai‘s upcoming Veloster Turbo, now we’ve actually seen it in the flesh. Unveiled at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the car is projected to go on sale this summer and sports a blown and intercooled version of the 1.6-liter, direct injected Gamma four-cylinder under the hood.

Alongside the highly touted Veloster Turbo, Hyundai also revealed an updated Genesis coupe at this year’s North American International Auto Show.

It seems as if the two domestic luxury brands are engaging in a game of tit for tat. Yesterday, Cadillac revealed its new BMW 3-Series fighter, the ATS. Today, rival Lincoln took the spotlight, taking the wraps of this, the 2013 MKZ Concept at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

There seems to be a new wave of thinking spreading through Toyota and luxury brand Lexus, which at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, manifested itself in this, the LF-LC Concept.

It’s not intended for production, but rather showcases just what possibilities are out there when it comes to Volkswagen‘s best loved car. The new 2012 Beetle is proving that interest in the iconic Bug is still strong, so given the current trend towards EVs, why not have some fun and make a sporty, zero emissions concept out of it.

Volkswagen‘s sixth generation Jetta, which debuted for 2011, has clearly struck a chord with American buyers. It helped the automaker boost sales by some 24 percent in the U.S. in November and is currently the most popular European branded car in our market.

Replacing the now almost invisible Caliber, the 2013 Dart is the car Dodge hopes will reinvigorate its presence in the compact segment. At the 2012 North American International Auto Show, Dodge Brand CEO Reid Bigland unveiled the highly anticipated Dart to a captive audience.

There probably weren’t too many surprises on this one. Since it’s introduction, the ‘baby’ Range has been making waves in the luxury SUV field, augmented by awards left right and center.

We’ve already been given the scoop on Volvo‘s upcoming V60 Plug-in Hybrid, however, given the nature of that vehicle, it was hardly surprising that Europe was most definitely its target audience.