The Chinese manufacturers came to NAIAS in a big way, although they are not quite ready for prime time…
The fringe elements are always downstairs.
Ever since “Cinderella”, it seems that the stepchildren that might prove to be an embarrassment are relegated to attics. Since Cobo Hall doesn’t have an attic, most of the automotive fringe elements are sent to the basement. Here you will find cars with 25” Dubs, some with solar panels, as well as every form of locomotion known to man – from rubber bands to electricity. It was also here, not that long ago, that you found Honda’s Acura division.
This year, amid the University displays and insurance companies, you could also browse the Chinese manufacturers’ offerings. Most of what they had to offer is, by U.S. standards, still a little rough around the edges, but so was Toyota back in 1959.
BYD (Build Your Dream)
BYD F3
The F3 is a compact 4 door sedan.
BYD F3R
The F3R is a compact 5 door hatchback sedan.
BYD F6
The F6 is a midsize sedan.
BYD F6 DM
The F6 DM is a hybrid midsize sedan.
BYD F8
The F8 is a midsize sport coupe.
ChangFeng Motor
ChangFeng Motor specializes in building SUV’s with Mitsubishi-sourced engines.
ChangFeng Kylin
The Kylin 1 is a small SUV, about the size of a Ford Escape.
ChangFeng Liebao CS6
The Liebao CS6 is a midsize 6-passenger SUV.
ChangFeng Liebao CS7
The CS7 is a midsize 7-passenger SUV.
Geely
Geely CK
The CK is a compact sedan.
Geely MK
The MK is a compact 5-door hatchback
Geely Coupe
The coupe is – surprise – a compact coupe!
Li Shi Guang Ming
I really had to save the best for last. One look and you know you’re not in Kansas anymore.
Li Shi Guang Ming Tang Hua Book of Songs
The Book of Songs (not an iPod) is a 2 passenger enclosed electric micro car.
Li Shi Guang Ming Tang Hua Piece of Cloud
The Piece of Cloud is a 2 passenger open electric micro car.
Li Shi Guang Ming Amphibious Tang Hua Detroit Fish
Trust me. I couldn’t make up this name for a 4-passenger open electric micro car.
For those of you who don’t remember, and the rest of us who can’t remember…
1959 Toyota Toyopet Crown Custom Sedan
We may have laughed then, but we’re not laughing now.
Tags: BYD Auto, ChangFeng Motors, detroit auto show, Geely, Li Shi Guang Meng, NAIAS, Toyota
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