After a first week devoted to media, politicians and the industry, the Detroit Auto Show has taken off; since Saturday it has been open to the public. From 9 am to 10 pm there are visitors of every size, age and description, from schoolkids to hip-hop teens to young professionals to retired auto workers. There are simply lots and lots of people. It makes for an exciting, tiring, very long day.
This gives us a further chance to gauge where we are and what we need to improve. There are a considerable number of visitors who understand our car and like its Spartan nature. This, in the end, is the most important request we make of consumers. To make a real leap in auto efficiency means making a very different vehicle.
Some people love the Very Light Car, and some do not, but make no mistake: everyone takes notice.