'Michigan Matters' 2016 NAIAS Focus: Evolution And Revolution Starring Barra, Ford, Fields And Marchionne
(CBS Detroit) - From Chrysler's 2017 Pacifica – which is expected to shake up the middle-age minivan market -- to GM's Chevy Volt – which hopes to become the first electric car to capture mainstream buyers with its more affordable price -- the theme of the 2016 North American International Auto Show was shaking things up.
Auto land's elite took time out this past week to sit with CBS 62's "Michigan Matters" Senior Producer/Host Carol Cain to talk about their newest products and the outlook for the industry.
Cain and the rest of the "Michigan Matters" crew traveled to Cobo Center where over 50 press unveilings took place. You can watch the show at 11:30 a.m. Sunday on CBS 62.
Mary Barra, who was given the additional title of chairman to CEO just before NAIAS opened, beamed as she talked up the electric Chevy Bolt—which gets 200 miles per charge.
Aided by federal incentives, the car will be within reach of more people at about $30,000, she added.
Mike Manley, who runs Chrysler's Jeep and Ram Brands –discussed the Jeep nameplate as it enters its 75th year.
CEO Sergio Marchionne also discussed products coming and going at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles as the company adjusts to the changing times.
It's Chrysler Pacifica minivan unveil was a hit with media on hand with its sleek styling and all the bells and whistles inside to delight the kids or anyone else being driven.
The Pacifica hopes to convince more millennials who are starting families to take a look.
Quicken Loans' Dan Gilbert – who purchased the Robb Report media company – also had a display at NAIAS featuring expensive luxury cars befitting its wealthy audience.
Also appearing: Mark Fields, Dan Gilbert, Jimmy Settles, Rod Alberts, Paul Sabatini, Thom Connors, Cathy Nedd, Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Wang Xia, Zhao Weiping, Mark Hackel, Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, Sen. Gary Peters, Glenn Stevens, Jeff Bracken, Cong. Dave Trott, Cong. Brenda Lawrence, John McElroy, Jeff Gilberts, David Cole and Scott Schramm.