The
show is still rocking on and we thought we would drop you some of the
news that is happening here in Detroit. Our intrepid reporter, Jody
DeVere, sends along these snippets:
Dodge Avenges the Stratus
Dodge is rolling out the new midsize Avenger, which will replace the
Stratus. Eric Ridenour, Chrysler chief operating officer, says, “The
all-new 2008 Dodge Avenger is for buyers who need the practicality,
functionality and efficiency of a midsize car, who hunger for the
muscle of the strong-performing 235-horsepower V-6 engine.”
The
Avenger is basically a scaled-down Charger. With this new offering, you
can get the powerful looks, without the larger feel of the Charger. A
neat trick in the Avenger: heated and cooled cup holders!
General Motors Sweeps Car and Truck of the Year
GM is really making a scene at the North American International Auto
Show in Detroit this week. We brought you the nitty gritty on the
reveals of some of their stellar new offerings—the Cadillac CTS and
Chevy Malibu—but General Motors was stealing the show from the very
beginning.
The Saturn Aura took the honors of car of the year and the Chevy
Silverado nabbed truck of the year. The contest was judged by 49
automotive journalists. "This is a great day for General Motors," said
Jill Lajdziak, general manager of Saturn.
The Aura knocked out two other finalists: the Toyota Camry and Honda
Fit. "Just watch us grow and continue as we continue to revitalize this
brand," Lajdziak said.
The Chevrolet Silverado beat out the Ford Edge and Mazda CX-7 and Ed
Peper, general manger of Chevrolet, said, "We are very proud of this
great new truck. Everybody has worked extremely hard to get this day
and time."