Bling is in at Detroit show

The 2013 Detroit Auto Show opened earlier this week amid booming sales and renewed optimism in the US, which will hopefully also have a positive effect on the local economy.

Jim Seavitt, chairman of the 2013 North American International Auto Show, said: “You walk on to the show floor and immediately sense a renewed feeling of confidence in the automotive industry.

“It’s clear that the industry is back and the global manufacturers have saved their best for Detroit.”

Seavitt reported that 59 vehicles were introduced at the Detroit Auto Show (50 worldwide and nine in the US).

Bling seems to be the theme of this year’s show.

Headlights, grilles and other doodads are stepping up and popping out on show this year.

There are daytime running lights that go up the hood of the new Cadillac ATS, a wide, bold grille on the Ford Fusion, and engraving within the lights of the new Corvette and Ford Transit.

They’re all inexpensive but distinctive improvements, providing automotive eye candy that can even reduce fuel consumption or improve safety.

This is petrol heaven.

Concept cars, such as the Toyota Corrolla Furia and Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis, were turning heads, while production-ready models, such as the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series and Corvette Stingray, were among the favourites.

» The North American International Auto Show in Detroit opened to the public yesterday and runs until January 27. – Wheels24.co.za