More tech, innovation onboard new vehicles
Dozens of new models being unveiled as doors open to public on weekend
DETROIT Major changes are in the wind for the vehicles we all love to drive and show off.
The 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit — the largest on the continent — this year will boast some of the latest advances in technology as we inch closer to owning self-driving and battery-powered vehicles.
“We’re seeing a much larger contingent of big tech companies for this show,” said Max Muncey, public relations manager for the auto show, which opens to the public on Saturday, Jan. 20.
“It’s a chance for everyone to see the future of mobility and where it is headed.”
By 2035, it is predicted 21 million self-driving cars could be on the road in the U.S., according to Automotive News.
At the same time, a growing number of hybrid, battery-operated and other assorted non-fuel vehicles are routinely being unveiled and making their way to showrooms across North America.
This year’s show in Detroit will prominently reflect the exploding trends in its auto mobility exhibition, which will include 150 companies — under the banners AutoMobili-D and Future Automotive Career Exposition.
Not only will attendees be able to view some of the latest cuttingedge gadgets for vehicles and learn more about our future on the road, during the show’s first weekend many of the startups — and even universities — will be on hand looking to hire or provide academic information for those looking to pursue a career in the industry.
“There will be (human resources) managers on-site,” Muncey said. “Even if you are in high school and looking at a career and where to attend, several universities will be here.”
A Swedish company will bring the first self-driving semi-truck — Einride T-pod — to this year’s auto show. The company claims it can travel roughly 200 kilometres on one charge. By 2020, Einride hopes to have 200 T-pods on the road in Sweden.
In the meantime, before we all jump into our non-fuel, computer-operated rides, vehicle buyers’ current insatiable hunger for SUVs and pickup trucks shows no sign of diminishing.
Up to 40 per cent of us now drive one or the other, according to recent studies.
Despite Canada recording a record two million new vehicle sales last year, passenger car sales dropped 3.4 per cent to about 640,000 units, the lowest level since 1964, according to numbers released by DesRosiers Automotive Consultants Inc. But sales of light trucks were up 8.7 per cent in 2017.
Among the pickup models, both a newly-designed Dodge Ram and Chevy Silverado are expected to make their debuts at the Detroit auto show. Lexus will also reveal its concept SUV.
Anywhere from 40 to 50 vehicles will be unveiled for the first time in Detroit, Muncey said.
New family sedans being revealed include a Mercedes-Benz Class G and Toyota Avalon. There is also anticipation for Volkswagon’s redesigned Jetta, which will be revealed at the show.
“There will be a wide variety of products of all types from sedans to concept trucks being shown for the first time,” Muncey said. “It will be a showcase for all makes and models.”
The Windsor-built Pacifica minivan will figure prominently, with both the 2018 gasoline and hybrid models on display.
Included will be the new Pacifica L entry-model, a lower-cost alternative. A Touring Plus model of the hybrid version will be on the showroom floor.
All Pacificas in 2018 will be outfitted with upgraded Uconnect 7inch touchscreen systems that will be on display. An 8.4 touchscreen is available with HD Radio with some models also offering 4G Wi-Fi.
“Chrysler Pacifica is the most awarded minivan of both 2016 and 2017 and that third-party recognition is spurring a tremendous growth in awareness and sales,” said Tim Kuniskis, head of passenger cars for FCA North America.
“Our FCA minivans have been the No. 1 selling minivan in Canada for 31 consecutive years. Now, driven by the Pacifica, our FCA minivans own more than half of the minivan segment in the United States, gaining more than five points of market share last year alone.”
Waterloo-based Blackberry will be an exhibitor and show off a new cyber-security product aimed at protecting data collected by autonomous vehicles.
Attendance is expected to be about 800,000 this year for the auto show, Muncey said.
The 2018 North American International Auto Show is open to the public Jan. 20-28. Hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day except on Jan. 28, when it is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nobody is allowed entry an hour before closing time.
Admission is US$14 — up one dollar from last year. But ticket prices for seniors (65 and over) or children (ages seven to 12) are the same as last year at US$7 each. Children ages six and under are admitted free with a parent or guardian.
Transit Windsor offers a deal for adults with its Auto Show Express package that includes from-door service at a cost of C$25. For those who only want to pay for the tunnel bus it will be C$10 for a round trip. Packages can be purchased at the downtown bus terminal from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. For more information on the tunnel bus, call 311.
For full information on the auto show, look online at NAIAS.com.