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Auto show: style takes the driver's seat

Wednesday, March 27, 2013 - 01:42

March 27 - Car makers are jockeying for attention with style and substance, but mostly style at the New York International Auto show- now that consumers are back in the buying mood. Bobbi Rebell reports.

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Like a debutante ball for cars- the New York auto show has over a dozen world premieres as auto makers feel the pressure to grab the attention of consumers. Nissan's CEO Carlos Ghosn: SOUNDBITE: CARLOS GHOSN, PRESIDENT AND CEO, NISSAN & RENAULT (ENGLISH) SAYING: "The market is much more competitive than it has been, because practically all of the competitors on the market are in good shape, which is good for the consumer. But it means every car manufacturer is going to have to have a very strong offer and we are adjusting ourselves to that." Part of that adjustment: giving consumers more for their money. Edmunds.com's Jeremy Anwyl: SOUNDBITE: JEREMY ANWYL, VICE CHAIRMAN, EDMUNDS.COM (ENGLISH) SAYING: "They have this whole efficient dynamic theme so this is all about more performance and better fuel efficiency. It's great news for consumers because obviously we'd like better fuel economy but we really like better performing cars as well." Among Anwyl's favorites: The Kia Cadenza- which he says has a lot of features for a value price point. The new Honda Odyssey minivan which is one of the most popular minivan's in the marketplace- complete with a family friendly vacuum cleaner. Cadillac has a new CTS - larger but also lighter with a new high tech V6 engine. His personal favorite: The latest Chevy Corvette. GM totally re-made the sports car- aiming to compete with the Porsche 911 and Ferarri. BMW also caught his eye- for their apps: SOUNDBITE: JEREMY ANWYL, VICE CHAIRMAN, EDMUNDS.COM (ENGLISH) SAYING: "BMW is introducing new BMW apps which are kind of a play on the iPhone app, and it's a big, big thing for consumers today, feeling like they are still connected when they are in their vehicles." All that is good for car buyers- who are back in droves- sales have gained traction in both January and February- a strong start to what is looking like a great year for the industry.