What to expect from this year’s Detroit auto show

Show organisers expect more than 50 new model introductions when the show kicks off Monday and Tuesday.

General Motors vehicles are seen under wraps at the Cobo Centre, home of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. AP

From brawny pickup trucks and growling high-performance cars to economical subcompacts, the North American International Auto Show in Detroit likely will have something that appeals to every driver.

Show organisers expect more than 50 new model introductions when the show kicks off Monday and Tuesday with 5,000 journalists attending the press days. What the automakers introduce is crucial because sales growth is starting to slow and new models tend to capture more buyers than older ones.

Ford is expected to steal the show with a new version of the F-150 pickup truck, but there are other notable cars and trucks coming. Chrysler will roll out a new 200 midsize sedan, a crucial vehicle in the company’s plan to keep its sales growing. Honda plans to unveil a more modern version of its Fit subcompact, while new sports cars are expected from BMW, Toyota and Lexus.

Here’s a look at what’s expected from the show, which opens to the public on Saturday, Jan. 18:

DETROIT

FORD: Likely to make the biggest splash of the show with the expected release of the revamped F-150 pickup. The best-selling vehicle in America, the F-150 faces a challenge from GM’s recently redesigned Chevrolet Silverado pickup, the No. 2 selling vehicle. The last major update for the F-150 came in 2008. There have been reports that Ford will make widespread use of aluminium so the new truck is lighter and gets better gas mileage.

GENERAL MOTORS: Its biggest unveiling of the show will be a person, not a car. Mary Barra is expected to make her first public appearance since being named CEO last month. She officially replaces Dan Akerson on Wednesday. As for vehicles, GM is showing off the new GMC Canyon, one of two small pickups it hopes will win back buyers who’ve shunned the segment in favour of bigger trucks and SUVs. It also has some high-performance Corvettes on the schedule.

CHRYSLER: Jeep SUVs and Ram pickup trucks have helped Chrysler return to profitability. But the company’s aging midsize cars have trouble competing in the biggest piece of the market. On Monday it unveils a revamped Chrysler 200, with hopes of going grille to grille with the segment’s top-sellers, the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima.

JAPAN

HONDA: Honda is expected to unveil a redesigned Fit subcompact. The new model will cure some of the Fit’s few deficiencies with a new powertrain that keeps it quieter on the road and gives it better mileage. Critics had complained about freeway noise from the outdated five-speed automatic transmission. And the 35 mpg (14.9 kpl) highway fuel economy was lower than most competitors and even some bigger vehicles.

NISSAN: Will unveil a Maxima concept car with hints of what the next generation full-size sedan will look like.

TOYOTA: Expected to roll out a new sports car as it tries to show that its cars are fun to drive. Also likely: a new sporty Lexus F car.

SUBARU: A souped-up version of the WRX pocket rocket small car is a possibility.

EUROPE:

MERCEDES: Fresh off taking the crown as the best-selling luxury brand in the U.S. for 2013, Mercedes unwraps a new C-Class, the company’s lowest level of luxury car.

BMW: Finished a close second to Mercedes in luxury sales. Debuts the 2 Series, a small sports coupe.

VOLKSWAGEN: Unveils a Beetle Dune Buggy concept car, a high-mileage concept car version of the midsize Passat, and the high-performance Golf R. But will the cars help turn around VW’s sagging sales?

PORSCHE: Rolls out the 911Targa sports car, and upscale and diesel versions of the Cayenne SUV.

VOLVO: A concept version of the XC 90 large SUV is expected. Could give hints of new model to come.

KOREA

HYUNDAI: The company best known for the midsize Sonata and compact Elantra will unveil a new version of the Genesis luxury car.

KIA: GT4 Stinger concept sports car that likely will find its way into production. Company describes it as a “low wedge” with a 315 horsepower engine.