DETROIT This may be the week for the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show to take center stage, but that didn't stop the organizers of the 2008 Detroit Auto Show from trotting out their scheduled introductions for the January event. At the top of the list is a new small concept from Ford that the company says hints at its "new design direction for future compact cars."
The company said it intends to gauge public reaction to its proposed "supermini generation," a vehicle segment Ford is betting will take off in global markets. The Ford Verve concept is a crossover that has a smaller platform than the Ford Focus. The Detroit concept will feature a different body.
Mazda will use the Detroit stage for the debut of a new, unnamed concept car that is described as taking its "Nagare design theme to its 'most realistic level yet.'" Previous Nagare concept cars include the Ryuga and Hakaze concepts shown earlier in 2007.
Mitsubishi plans two worldwide debuts — on a concept car and another production car. NAIAS said details on the Mitsubishi vehicles will be available in December.
Subaru plans a global debut in Detroit, while Mercedes-Benz will hold the worldwide debut of a new production model. Details are being withheld on both of those vehicles.
Kia has scheduled the worldwide debut of an SUV code-named HM. The seven-passenger vehicle is derived from the Mesa concept and is slated for production in the 2009 model year. Hyundai will unveil the production version of its flagship 2008 Genesis sedan.
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