Scenes from the 2009 Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS)
The North American International Auto Show’s press preview was more subdued this year. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Front view of the Lincoln C concept car unveiled by Lincoln Mercury in Detroit. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Floating steering wheel (hubless-postless) on the new Lincoln C concept car unveiled by Lincoln Mercury. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
The new Volkswagen Concept Blue Sport (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Front view of the Fisker Karma (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
The console of the Fisker Karma. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Henrik Fisker talks about the Fisker Karma S and his startup company, Fisker. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Toyota unveils the new Prius to a mob of automotive press. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
GM officials explain how the new batteries for the Chevy Volt will be manufactured in the
Interior view of the new Prius. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
The 12-cylinder turbo Mercedes AMG sparkles on the Detroit show floor. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
The new Volkswagen concept car, Concept Blue Sport. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Photographers from around the world stretch to get a picture of the Volvo S60 concept. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Front view of the new BMW Z4 sDrive 35i. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
GM rolls out a new electric concept, the Cadillac Converj, based on Volt technology. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
GM Vice Chairman Robert A. Lutz talks about GM and the state of the business. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Bill Ford Jr., executive chairman of
Chrysler President Bob Nardelli is surrounded by the media after a subdued presentation. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
A pensive Rick Wagoner, chief executive of General Motors, reflects the mood of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Surrounded by media, Dr. Hyun Soon Lee, president of research and development for Hyundai Motors, accepts the award for North American Car of the Year. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Enthusiastic
Chrysler executives Ron Kolka, Tom Lasorda, Frank Klegon, and Bob Nardelli applaud the rollout of the Chrysler 200c EV concept car. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Gone are the dancing girls and Las Vegas vibe. Simple unveilings like Chrysler’s are the new norm. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)