The Chicago Auto Show concluded a successful nine-day run this past weekend with 20 global debuts of vehicles, some controversial concept cars, and participation from all the volume brands of major automakers. Three indoor test tracks were icing on its 108th birthday cake.
It was a good start in 2016 for what is billed as the “consumer auto show,” with some justification because Monroney sticker prices are on each vehicle, as opposed to automaker self-celebrations at other international shows without what it costs to own the dream machines.
During 2015, a record 17.4 million new light vehicles were retailed, up 5.8% from 2014, according to WardsAuto. The National Automotive Dealers Association (NADA) forecasts another year of growth in 2016, estimating more than 17.7 million new light vehicles will be purchased or leased, about a 2% increase from 2015, to set back-to-back sales records.
Notable vehicles or stories presented to the media at CAS covered by AutoInformed include:
Full-Size Nissan Armada Heavily Revised for 2017
Radically low gas prices and insatiable demand for sport utility vehicles makes the timing right for introduction of Nissan’s flagship vehicle, the Armada, which joins the SUV/crossover lineup of the Pathfinder, Murano and Rogue later this year. This was the first vehicle launch of the 2016 Chicago Auto Show for an SUV that will be made in Japan with engines supplied by a U.S. plant.
Gen 4 Optima Hybrid revealed in Chicago
Kia Motors America (KMA) unveiled the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid (HEV) at the Chicago Auto Show with a ~10% increase in fuel economy in its hybrid powertrain, as well as technologies that bring the vehicle closer to the age of autonomous cars when it goes on later this year.
New 2017 Ram Power Wagon – Ultimate Off Roader?
A Ram Truck exec says at the Chicago Auto Show that it continues to build the best pickups, which may come as news for Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado fans. Since its formation as a separate brand in 2009, Ram has doubled truck market share by segmenting it into roughly four areas – commercial use; family trucks, luxury, and enthusiasts – and then investing heavily in them with fresh designs and technology.
Sprinter Extreme Concept – Strong, Work Ready
Take the heavy-duty Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cab Chassis, hire long-time Benz customer / converter RENNtech, and present the Sprinter Extreme as the ultimate work machine concept. That’s what Mercedes-Benz did in Chicago. Stretching more than 20 feet from bumper-to-bumper, it’s over 95″ tall. Hauling 6400 pounds of payload and a towing capacity of 7500 pounds, it’s an impressive heavy-duty truck that looks like it came from Jurassic Park.
Rand McNally Unveils Connected Car Tool
Venerated mapmaker Rand McNally took to the stage at the Chicago Auto Show to introduce a connected-car, tablet device that brings navigation to any vehicle on the road. They call it OverDryve.
Webber Landscapes and Silverado Brandscapes
“My first work truck was a red 1989 Chevrolet that I bought upon graduating from college when I decided to start this business,” says Christy Webber of her eponymous landscape business. “That’s why the entire fleet is bright red: it’s the color of my business.” Christy Webber Landscapes, responsible for the upkeep of some of Chicago’s most famous landmarks, has Chevrolet Silverado 1500s, 2500s and 3500s in its fleet, as well as a handful of Chevrolet Cruzes.
Ford Explorer Wheelchair Conversion by BraunAbility – a First?
The world’s best-selling SUV for 25 years, Ford Explorer, is now said to be the world’s only volume-production ‘wheelchair-accessible” SUV. The claim here in a world of marketing hype is the definition of “volume.” Other makers, notably AM General’s MV-1, as well as other aftermarket converters are in the mobility business for people with special needs. Nonetheless, with its Explorer conversion vehicle, BraunAbility aids independence for wheelchair users.
