A Little Sunshine For Cloudy Days

If the 2008 LA Auto Show has been a disappointment for you in terms of model introductions, then the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January should perk up your spirits. Regardless of what kinds of cars you favor, the major automakers have saved their introductions this year for Detroit.

In terms of notable hybrids, GM will show off the new platform that will support the Malibu replacement, and Chrysler will debut a number of concept vehicles that promise to reveal its hybrid plans for the next several years. Toyota has already announced that it plans to bring the all-new Prius, along with a new hybrid-only Lexus model that has not yet dared to speak its name. Toyota will be adding a plug-in Prius to its lineup in the next year, but hasn't indicated whether that model will have the new or old Prius styling. The Lexus model, which the company has said is slightly larger than the Prius, will have some BMW iDrive-inspired controls. Honda plans to bring the Honda Insight Hybrid, which will be virtually identical to the concepts for the vehicle that it has already shown elsewhere.

Ford has already introduced its 2009 hybrids at the 2008 LA Auto Show, but plans to take the wraps off of its newly redesigned Taurus. GM will show its non-hybrid Chevy Cruze, a 40-mpg wunderkind world car that will make its consumer debut in the European marketplace.

The European car makers will also be at the show in full force. Audi will bring a gasoline-powered V10 sports car and Volvo will be showing a few new concept vehicles as well. In all, about 50 new vehicle introductions are planned for the 2009 North American International Auto Show.