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Test drive the Auto Show
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January 12, 2000: 2:02 p.m. ET
In Detroit, the transport of the future is personalized, sporty and multi-functional
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DETROIT (CNNfn) - No matter where transportation heads in the 21st century, automakers are betting that we will use wheels - tailored to meet our personal needs.
At this week's 2000 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, top automakers rolled out their newest designs. There were products to keep the kids occupied on long road trips, and cars for the techno-savvy and sports enthusiast. For a cleaner environment, electric bikes and cars were on display as an alternative to internal combustion engines.
Here's a look at what's in store for 2001 and beyond.
The Opel Zafira Snowtrekker from GM has two wide strips of safety glass running the length of its roof. It also has a 6-foot-long luggage box (long enough for skis) incorporated into the roof, and two sets of ski racks above the safety glass.
photo source: Wieck Photo
The GM Precept is a fuel cell powered vehicle that breaks the 100 mile-per-gallon barrier with 108 mpg. The Hyride Hydrogen storage system can deliver up to a 500-mile range.
photo source: Wieck Photo
Saturn's first concept vehicle -- an all-wheel drive multifunctional vehicle with a space-efficient five-plus-two seating configuration and unique bi-fold doors.
photo source: Wieck Photo
Ford Motor Company Chairman William Clay Ford Jr. (L) and Ford President Jacques A. Nasser pose with the TH!NK Traveler Electric bike
Th!nk bikes will be available this summer and. Ford will begin producing and selling a
family-sized hybrid electric vehicle by 2003. Ford President and CEO Jac Nasser said the company will offer a "no-compromise" hybrid electric vehicle that achieves superior fuel economy and low emissions without sacrificing performance, roominess or affordability."
Photo source: John C. Hillery via Wieck Photo
The 2001 Toyota Sequoia full-size SUV will be built at Toyota's Gibson County, Ind., plant this fall. Like the Toyota Tundra pickup truck, Sequoia was designed for the American truck and SUV market. Don Esmond, GM and group vice president of Toyota Sales USA, said Toyota expects to produce and sell 60,000 Sequoias in the first full year of production.
photo source: Wieck Photo
The 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser was billed as the -smallest- new model introduction in Detroit. The automaker announced that the real version of the Chrysler PT Cruiser will start at only $16,000 when this segment-busting small vehicle goes on sale this spring. The vehicle is a retro-inspired hatchback.
photo source : Joe Wilssens via Wieck Photo
Ford Motor Company Vice President-Design J Mays introduces the three 24.7 concept vehicles [L-R] 24.7coupe, 24.7 pickup and 24.7 station wagon. The 24.7 concept vehicles feature customer-focused technologies that include access to e-mail, hands-free mobile phone, real-time route assistance, weather reports and custom features such as stock readings.
photo source: Wieck Photo
The LEGO PlaySeat activity center, which includes a large LEGO play surface with two tray tables and a built-in toy box, is available exclusively as a standard feature in all 2000 Chevy Venture Warner Bros. Edition minivans.
photo source: Wieck Photo
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