Detroit Auto Show 2019: LIASE Group Highlights From our Visit

Detroit, US,  January 14 - 27, 2019

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LIASE Group Managing Director for The Americas John Bukowicz (left) and LIASE Group Managing Director Asia, Vanessa Moriel, (right) at NAIAS 2019 in Detroit.

The 2019 edition of North American International Auto Show (Detroit Auto Show) took place January 14 -27. LIASE Group was proud to attend this year’s edition of the famed auto show, which will be presented in June in 2020.

Although more and more automakers chose to debut their innovation at CES and some big name such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz, and Jaguar Land Rover were missing, the NAIAS was still an opportunity to network and get a first look at new cars and concepts.

Major reveals and announcements
The show opened with the lowering of a 2020 Shelby GT500 from the Cobo Center ceiling. The new Shelby GT500 is the most powerful street-legal Ford car ever made. All of that power is generated by a 5.2-liter supercharged all-aluminum V8. Ford said the new car produces up to 700 horsepower and is capable of a mid-three second 0-60 mph time.

Toyota has given the 2020 Supra coupe its official debut at the show. Toyota Supra is a two-seat sports car with 335 horsepower, 50:50 weight distribution and a long distinctive hood. The 2020 Supra has two driving modes: normal and sport. Sport mode dials back the traction and stability control, increases throttle response, sharpens shifting, gives the steering more weight, adjusts the suspension and boosts exhaust noise.

General Motors introduced a new three-row Cadillac crossover called the XT6. This is the second three-row, seven-seat SUV by Cadillac. The XT6 has a decent engine, GM’s venerable 310-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6, a spacious interior, with a second row that has plenty of legroom and a third row that folds easily with standard power folding seatbacks.

Kia showcased a full-size crossover SUV – the Telluride. It boasts a luxurious interior. There’s a wide console with an available 10.25-inch color touchscreen, ceiling-mounted climate control in the second row and reclining third-row seats. It comes standard with five USB charging ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and the Kia Drive Wise driver-assist system. The new Telluride is scheduled to hit dealerships in the 2019 calendar year.

The new 2020 Volkswagen Passat sedan had made its public debut at the NAIAS. It retains the basic powertrain and underpinnings of the previous Passat, but wears all-new body styling and a redesigned interior.

The GAC Motor presentation at NAIAS 2019 in Detroit.

The GAC Motor presentation at NAIAS 2019 in Detroit.

Vanessa Moriel standing in front of the Borg-Warner Trophy.

Vanessa Moriel standing in front of the Borg-Warner Trophy.

The 2019 Detroit Auto Show attracted sold 774,179 tickets over its 16-day run.

The 2019 Detroit Auto Show attracted sold 774,179 tickets over its 16-day run.