Gas guzzler to shine over EVs in Detroit Motor Show
The 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor pickup truck
By Jhoo Dong-chan
Eco-friendly vehicles, which have been the centerpiece of previous international motor shows, aren’t expected to be as popular at the upcoming North American International Auto Show. Conventional combustion-engine vehicles are, in the meantime, believed to return to the main stage as President-elect Donald Trump has hinted at reducing subsidies for environment-friendly cars.
Sport utility vehicles (SUV) models will also continue their momentum in popularity.
The 2017 North American International Auto Show, one of five major international motor shows, opens in Detroit, Michigan, the heart of the U.S. auto industry, today (KST).
Industry insiders say electric vehicle (EV) models are expected to hand over their starring roles to SUV models at the event due to prevailing low oil prices.
Due to the gloomy outlooks for green cars, participating automakers reportedly plan to unveil only a few EV concepts, including the Chrysler Mini Van EV, the Volkswagen I.D. and the Ford Transit Connect Hybrid Taxi, but not mass-produced models.
However, automakers plan to introduce a number of new SUVs during the show.
Chevrolet, the GM’s affiliate car brand, said it will introduce the Traverse mid-size crossover and the Terrain small SUV.
The Traverse crossover is an eight-seat SUV model that boasts the largest interior space in its segment.
Ford has not specified their exhibition model list, but industry observers say it is expected to introduce the carmaker’s most popular pick-up truck model, the F-Series.
German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz will also unveil the 2018 GLA crossover while Volkswagen will introduce the Tiguan SUV.
Despite eco-friendly models’ declining popularity in the U.S. they are expected to continue their momentum in sales in Korea.
According to the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association (KAMA), Sunday, a total of 68,761 eco-friendly cars were sold in the country last year due to surging popularity for excellence in their fuel efficiency.
Experts said more than 100,000 eco-friendly cars, which include hybrids, plug-ins and EVs, are expected to be sold this year.
The Kia Niro Hybrid, of which 18,710 cars were sold last year, is believed to continue its popularity while Hyundai Motor is expected to introduce the Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid.
Chevrolet is also expected to start selling the Bolt EV, which has a drive range of 380 kilometers.