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Detroit Auto Show: Dr. Jekyll Meets Mr. Hybrid

ANY environmentalist, faced with the blaring soundtracks and flashy unveilings during the press previews of the North American International Auto Show, could be forgiven for thinking he had stepped into a bizarre stage production called “Jekyll and Hyde: The Motown Musical," according to the New York Times.

For every earth-hugging citizen like the Mercedes-Benz S300 Bluetec Hybrid or Toyota A-BAT hybrid truck, there was a hard-drinking V-8 pickup or a sinister sports car out to murder your m.p.g. Those dueling automotive natures were much in evidence at this year’s show, which opened to the public Saturday and runs through Jan. 27.

Posted by Peter C. T. Elsworth  at 11:46 AM to Shows | Permalink | Comments 0

2008 Detroit Auto Show

Check out the comprehensive coverage of the Detroit Auto Show from the Detroit Free Press, natch.

Thousands of automobile fans, ranging from seniors to small children packed Cobo Center to check out the latest offerings from Audi to Volkswagen and car companies in between.

Posted by Peter C. T. Elsworth  at 11:41 AM to Shows | Permalink | Comments 0

Automakers pump up models with diesel power

DETROIT — Diesel fuel costs an average 38 cents a gallon more than gasoline, isn't available at every filling station, and in the past, has been associated with engines that clatter and smoke, according to USA Today.

But none of those negatives dissuaded automakers from rolling out a raft of new diesel car, truck and SUV models at the North American International Auto Show here last week.

Posted by Peter C. T. Elsworth  at 11:35 AM to Clean diesel | Permalink | Comments 0

Oil Drops Below $90 a Barrel

SINGAPORE -- Oil prices fell Monday in Asia as concern over the U.S. economy drove down regional stock markets and outweighed concern that OPEC will resist pressure to raise crude production levels, according to the Associated Press.

Oil prices have now retreated more than $10 from a record above $100 a barrel early this year on worries a flagging U.S. economy would dampen fuel demand. Prices had gained Friday on hopes that President George W. Bush's economic stimulus plan would work.

Light, sweet crude for February delivery fell 97 cents to $89.60 a barrel in Asian electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange by late afternoon in Singapore.

Posted by Peter C. T. Elsworth  at 11:23 AM to Crude oil market | Permalink | Comments 0

Nissan Sees US As Tough Market for Sales

TOKYO -- A top Nissan executive said Monday that selling cars in the United States is going to be tough this year because of a likely U.S. economic slowdown amid problems in the credit and housing markets as well as a stronger yen, according to the Associated Press.

Automakers and analysts are predicting that this year's U.S. auto sales could drop to their lowest level in a decade to about 16 million vehicles or lower.

Nissan Chief Operating Officer Toshiyuki Shiga said he was still hopeful that Nissan's new products will attract customers.

Posted by Peter C. T. Elsworth  at 11:22 AM to Nissan | Permalink | Comments 0