The Auto Writer

Much has changed in Detroit since the last North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) event was held this past January. Home prices continue to drop, unemployment is up, GM and Chrysler declared bankruptcy, and the public schools are running out of cash.

But there is also some good news: the Lions have won twice, Chrysler is now partnered with Fiat, one-time bulky-hulky GM has been trimmed down and is moving forward, Ford is on par with Toyota and Honda in vehicle build quality, and this year’s NAIAS will once again be held in the Cobo Center, a downtown Detroit facility about to undergo an extensive multi-million makeover.

2010 NAIAS Showcase

In less than a month, the 2010 NAIAS will launch, offering more vehicles on display than dismal 2009, and featuring a new exhibit dubbed Electric Avenue.

As usual, Detroit will be the backdrop for several important vehicle debuts including new models and concepts. The buzz is building and The Auto Writer has snooped around to uncover what visitors can expect to discover at the 2010 NAIAS:

Debuts

Toyota will be introducing an all new, fully dedicated hybrid a vehicle that will have plug-in capabilities. The vehicle, which may extend the Prius line, is reportedly a sport coupe, though some believe it may also include a wagon. Expect that this new model will be of the plug-in variety and be juiced by a lithium-ion battery pack.

It seems almost everyone is debuting their vehicles in advance of the shows this season. Mercedes, fresh on the heels of its all-new E-Class roll out, is already showing off the E-Class cabriolet, a real head turner with a cloth top. Buzz generation is being taken to a new level; no longer do automakers rely on auto show press conferences to help get the word out.

Rumors

Expect GM to have a number of surprises up its sleeve. Those surprises may include an official announcement that the Cadillac Converj is a go, the electric car based on the Volt platform. The Converj won’t be placed into production before 2012 as GM will be working diligently to get all of the kinks out of the Chevy Volt first. Still, Cadillac needs to show that new products are in the mix including the replacement for the DTS/STS which may also be unveiled…in pictures!

Buick ended its press conference in Los Angeles by showing everyone rough sketches of its next model, a car that will be based on the platform underpinning the upcoming Chevy Cruze. Expect GM to roll out a rough concept of the model in time for the show.

The Electric Avenue display will include a few surprises. I’m hearing that the THINK City will be on display along with vehicles from Coda Automotive and at least one US start up besides Tesla and Fisker.

Doubts

Chrysler had nothing new to show ‘n tell in Los Angeles and besides showcasing the 2011 Grand Cherokee, the automaker has nothing else to reveal. Rumors that a Fiat inspired concept will debut in Detroit seems to be just that. Instead, look for two new models to appear in New York in April.

Detroit Buzz

Expect NAIAS buzz to reach a fevered pitch right after the new year. With the press days being held on January 11-12 this year, there isn’t much time left, but in a hyper news cycle all you need is a quick tweet showing a Twit Pic and the speculation begins.