Award Winners, Vehicle Introductions, the Future of Mobility and More at the 2017 NAIAS

The 2017 North American International Auto Show is HERE and in full throttle in Detroit at Cobo Center. Rochester Media and the Community Edge were one of the over 5,000 journalists in attendance. Car enthusiasts have until Sunday, January 22, to visit to see the best in new cars and trucks, new technology, and the future of mobility. Well over 800,000 people will check out the cars, dozens of which are vehicle introductions, debuts and concept cars, such as the 2018 Ford F-150 and the 2017 BMW 5 Series.

“Attendees of the auto show see the high-tech, hybrid and alternative vehicles and that creates a buzz for our showroom,” says Patrick Scoggin of Huntington Ford of Rochester Hills. Scoggin says the F-150 always brings people in and continues to be one of their biggest sellers.

The New Ford F-150

The New Ford F-150 – photo by Michael Dwyer

“The 2017 North American International Auto Show boasts a tremendous display of current and future vehicles from around the globe. BMW features two World Reveals,” says Wayne Youngblood, General Manager of BMW of Rochester Hills. “First , the All New BMW 5 series, featuring all new body design and advanced technology. And second, the All New concept X2 sport utility. A stunning design of style and utility, all with BMW’s remarkable handling capabilities. We hope to see you there.”

The All New Ford GT is ready for you at the 2017 NAIAS - photo by Michael Dwyer

The All New Ford GT is ready for you at the 2017 NAIAS – photo by Michael Dwyer

In addition, attendees may see up close the award-winning vehicles of the auto show.

The 2017 Chevrolet Bolt electric car, Honda Ridgeline pickup and Chrysler Pacifica minivan were named 2017 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year, respectively, Monday.

The Bolt electric car received 364 points from the jury of automotive journalists across the United States and Canada. The Genesis G90 sedan from Hyundai’s new luxury brand was second with 105, followed by the Volvo S90 sedan with 101. The Bolt boasts an EPA-certified range of 238 miles on a charge and prices that start under $30,000 after applying tax credits.

The Honda Ridgeline midsize pickup received 364 points to beat the Ford F-series Super Duty, 193, and Nissan Titan, 72. The Ridgeline was engineered to offer a pickup bed for cargo on a car-style chassis that delivers a smoother ride than most pickups. It offers unusual features like a “trunk” under its cargo bed’s floor and a double-hinged tailgate that opens down or from the side.

The Honda Ridgeline - photo by Michael Dwyer

The Honda Ridgeline – photo by Michael Dwyer

The Chrysler Pacifica minivan got 300 points to top the Mazda CX-9, 135, and Jaguar F-Pace, 125. The award for utility vehicle of the year is new for 2017. It includes sport utility vehicles and minivans. It was added due to surging consumer interest in SUVs, many of which compete with minivans as kid-friendly family transportation. The Pacifica minivan replaces two models in Fiat Chrysler’s lineup, the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan. It’s innovative features include a plug-in hybrid model that can go 35 miles on a charge, enough to cover daily driving for many minivans.

Don’t miss AutoMobili-D on the first level of Cobo Center. AutoMobili-D will showcase over 120 exhibitors, including automakers, suppliers and startups, all focused on future mobility innovations and platforms. AutoMobili-D will encompass 120,000 sq. ft. of dynamic display communities in the Cobo Center Atrium overlooking the international waterway and the adjoining Planet M Hall. Unlike anywhere else in the world, attending executives, industry professionals and journalists will have the opportunity to experience firsthand these exciting technologies and innovations under one roof. Unique communities of participating companies and tech start-ups will cover the following five key mobility areas:

– Autonomous Driving
– Connected Car Technologies
– E-Mobility
– Mobility Services
– Urban Mobility

Test and experience future-like technologies available now, such as the Immotor personal vehicle. This three-wheeled electric scooter can travel at speeds up to 20 miles-per-hours for a range of around 20 miles.

Michael Dwyer test rides the new Immotor personal vehicle at the 2017 NAIAS

Michael Dwyer test rides the new Immotor personal vehicle at the 2017 NAIAS

From autonomous vehicles and electric cars, to iconic supercars and full-size trucks, NAIAS has something for everyone at the Public Show, going on NOW until January 22. Visitors will get up-close-and-personal with hundreds of vehicles, including industry-shaping entries that debuted at Press Preview. Get tickets here.

Public Show hours are:

Daily until Saturday, January 21
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (no admittance after 9:00 p.m.)

Sunday, January 22
9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (no admittance after 6:00 p.m.)

Early access for handicapped individuals 8:00 a.m. each day
(Enter at the Hall C Entrance only.)

Prior to attending NAIAS, attendees are encouraged to view and download the Official NAIAS app presented by the Detroit Auto Dealers Association, WDIV Local 4 and www.ClickOnDetroit.com. The app is available for download on Google Play or Apple App store.

The Official NAIAS app has everything from the latest breaking automotive news, photos and videos, to live stream video coverage of new vehicle and concept car unveilings and a map of the show floor.

Get parking and transportation information here.

About Michael Dwyer

Michael Dwyer is a freelance content provider. Michael writes about happenings in the Rochester area, travels across Michigan and destinations around the world. Contact him at michael@rochestermedia.com.

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