Scenes from the 2009 Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS)

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 United States.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

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 Ford Motor Co., talks about the future of Ford and about the new green cars the company is rolling out.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Chrysler President Bob Nardelli is surrounded by the media after a subdued presentation.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

General Motors rolls out the Cadillac Orlando concept.  (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 General Motors employees chant and yell positive messages about their company during the General Motors news conference.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

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)