Live from media days, the Detroit Auto Show is in full swing. This is an overview, more details and photos forthcoming:

Small compacts are in -- but in a new way. Aggressive, fun and youthful styling carries the day, as does connectivity and energy efficiency. Wow! Detroit has done its homework, ladies - no kidding. Let's start with Ford. Ford has a rocking 2010 line up-- the Focus and Focus hybrid are taking front and center stage. 

Chevy has a strong line up of C cars (more forthcoming when my interviewing stops), as does, KIA, Mazda, Mini, Honda, and of course, Hyundai - who as a company, has ongoingly been adding extraordinary value by keeping some of their last year's prcing in tact for 2010, while adding to it's Assurance program and making their cars more lightweight. Toyota will be launching a family of Prius's in the next year or so.

At the luxery level, BMW and Acura have added hybrid and eco-friendly technology. Lexus was the first to jump-start the efforts in this category with the launch of the 250h.

Buick is hot. New models for a new car company, with lots of Opel euro influence. Look out those of you who have said you would never drive a Buick-- test drive one and you may very well be a convert.

Remarkable Euro styling is shown in the Audi, BMW and Mercedes brands. Speaking of Euro, Volkswagon is showing some very tempting looks that are stepping into this class from a stying and feature perspective.

More to come.

Drive Your Bargain,

Anne

www.twitter.com/womendrivers

Just recently Ford reported earnings of $100 million dollars; quite a dramatic and exciting swing for the original-car-company-of-America that has struggled with profits and products over recent years. Even so, Ford (F) and General Motors (GM) reported double digit sales decline in April, as Toyota’s sales increased 3%. http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2008-05-01-april-auto-sales_N.htm

As gasoline prices are at unprecedented highs in the United States, consumers are turning away from SUV’s and crossovers BIG time. GM and Ford’s  SUV and truck sales are off 25 – 25 %. Not surprisingly, hybrid and smaller cars with exceptional gas mileage are hot ticket sellers. Examples include the Yaris, Prius, and Focus.

The Chevy Malibu, which has been recognized earlier this year by many publications – specifically, Crowned 2008 North American Car of the Year and the ‘top 10 list’ of Car & Driver. Check out our His & Her Review at http://www.women-drivers.com/herandhis.aspx. With the feature upgrades and transformation of the style, it is no surprise that sales are up over 40%.

Bottom line – anticipate this trend continuing. Smaller vehicles (read, one with extended gas mileage) will continue to rise and a greater variety of these cars will appear in the 2009 – 2010 line up from most manufacturers.

Get Your Deal,
Anne