DETROIT AUTO SHOW: European Carmakers Aim to Rev Up U.S. Sales

European automakers came to Detroit with vehicles they're banking on to help them grab a bigger piece of the U.S. car and truck market.

At the auto show on Sunday, they rolled out drop-top models, green machines and ultra-cool concepts.

Two drop tops were the most jaw-dropping. BMW introduced a 3 Series convertible that for the first time is a hardtop. Then, hours later, Rolls-Royce took the shroud off the Phantom Drophead Coupe, which featured a stainless steel hood and wood rear deck.

Meanwhile, Ford Motor Co.'s Swedish Volvo unit and British Jaguar took the wraps off concepts that signal the brands' future design direction.


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SixxFive - 1/9/2007 12:22:21 AM

+1 Boost

The latest auto poll as from MSNBC.com and the Detroit Auto Show.
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In the poll, 44 percent said Japan makes the best autos, 29 percent said the United States and 15 percent said Germany. Asked what car manufacturer makes the best autos, 25 percent said Toyota, 21 percent said General Motors and 17 percent said Honda.

“The best cars are made in Japan or maybe a BMW from Germany,” said Pat Goeglein, 51, who lives near Los Angeles and works in real estate. “Those cars (BMW's) last forever. I have to get economy out of my cars.”

kart1 - 1/9/2007 9:39:16 PM

+1 Boost

The Caliber never stood a chance.