» What: The 2010 Washington Auto Show
» When: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Jan. 27 and Jan 28, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Jan. 29 and Jan. 30, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Jan. 31
» Where: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place NW
» Details: $10/$12 adults; $5 children ages 6 to 12; children age 5 and younger free; various discounts may apply; washingtonautoshow.com
If ever there was a year in which an industry went from disaster to hope, it was 2009 when the U.S. auto industry emerged from its lowest point in almost 30 years.
While sales are beginning to blossom for the six major automakers that sell in the Untied States — and some up-and-comers — the industry will take several years to return to its boom days, said AutoTrends analyst Joe Phillippi, Short Hills, N.J.
“If you go back and look [at] the prior four recessions … this is the most severe in the postwar period,” he said noting sales went from about 17 million in 2005 to just about 11 million in 2009. “Obviously, it will take quite a bit of time to get back up to all time peak, but dealers have to feel a lot better.”
As do automakers as shown by their all-out push as this year’s major auto shows. When the Washington Auto Show rolls into town this week, there will be much excitement around some of the models that automakers believe will drive them to success in 2010. Here are some of the ones you don’t want to miss:
» Ford Fusion Hybrid. After some critics responded to MotorTrend naming the Ford Fusion its Car of the Year by sniffing that no one else trumpets the automaker, Ford swept this year’s Detroit Auto Show Awards. The Fusion Hybrid won the prestigious Car of the Year award (and the Ford Transit Connect van won Truck of the Year at the same show). The U.S. automaker has plenty to boast about this year — including a market share that rose from 14.7 in 2008 to 15.9 in 2009 according to data from PriceWaterhouseCoopers Autofacts group, Detroit — but expect the eco-friendly (41/36 mpg — averaging 81.5 mpg in D.C. when driven by those with mileage-maximizing technique training) Fusion to steal the limelight. The five-passenger sedan boasts a bold, sporty look inside and out. Highlights include a contemporary grille and fog laps, lumbar-friendly seats, 60/40 fold-down seat capacity and high-tech audio/navigation systems. With an MSRP at about $28,000, it’s no wonder the hybrid sedan wins kudos.
» Kia Soul. Thank the ongoing Hyundai Assurance Program — which picks up car payments for those who lose their jobs — for bringing shoppers into the Hyundai/Kia showrooms, but the cars quality and low-price tags are what complete the sales. Even in last year’s heartbreaking economy, the automaker’s U.S. market share rose to 7.1 percent in 2009 from 5.1 percent in 2008, which Brandon Mason, Global Lead Powertrain Analyst, PwC Autofacts group, Detroit, called “significant.” The five-door wagon has a funky style with high-tech extras including a superb audio system and an MSRP starting at — hard to believe — just about $13,000. “The Kia is a real change. “In the ’80s and ’90s you couldn’t trust [that automaker’s cars]. They were atrocious,” said Erich Merkle, president, Autoconomy.com, Grand Rapids, Mich. “But an automaker can learn a lot over 20 or 25 years.”
With a full audio system that is iPod- and MP3-friendly, solar glass, a tilt steering column, and roomy cabin that combines with cargo room that expands to 53.4 cubic feet when rear sets are folded down, it’s easy to see how Hyundai/Kia is becoming a major U.S. player.
» Nissan Leaf. All the buzz around the first full electric, mass production vehicle has boosted Nissan’s green image in the U.S. market. The car won’t roll into the showrooms until later this year but dealers said customer excitement is building around the five-passenger, five-door, car, which operates with zero emissions. What’s known is the car travels up to 90 mph and looks and feels just like a “standard” car. Nissan promises top technology including navigation and audio. What’s not known is the price (Nissan promises it will be “competitive”) or how the infrastructure to power the car will work in various parts of the country. Yet buyers seem confident in Nissan’s electric vehicle, dealers said, and are anxious to try one. That could help Nissan — which went from 7.2 percent U.S. market share in 2008 to 7.4 percent market share in 2009, according to PwC — gain even more ground.
