PETROL EFFICIENCY KEY ISSUE OF DETROIT MOTOR SHOW
15th January 2010

Detroit has opened its doors to the first motor show since US carmakers General Motors and Chrysler declared bankruptcy last year.

With increasing government pressure to reduce dependence on foreign oil, the emphasis at the North American International Auto Show has shifted towards electric and more fuel-efficient vehicles.

GM and Toyota are both exhibiting off new fuel-efficient models, and Ford is showcasing an update of its Focus model.

Vice-chairman of the show, Barron Meade, says: Obviously last year was a little concerning, but this year the mood of the show was upbeat and optimistic. Detroit is going to rebound. It always does.

The focus on smaller, more efficient vehicles and electric cars comes as Detroit tries to reinvent its image to that of a more innovative auto-manufacturing city.