Car makers appealed to Americans' deep love of SUVs and trucks on Monday at the Detroit Auto Show, unveiling a host of choices from luxurious to utilitarian, while also beefing up the humble sedan. From European car makers to American icons, there were dozens of new offerings for the North American market. While sedans and electric cars were still in the game, the industry clearly favored the large SUVs and trucks that are the source of high profit margins and preferred by US consumers two to one. In some cases, manufacturers tweaked vehicles to make them slightly roomier and taller than those of the prior generation, in response to consumers who enjoy a greater sense of command over the road. Rebecca Lindland of Kelley Blue Book. Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne said. With gas prices still affordable, the economy booming, and unemployment low, US consumers are preferring higher-priced, amenity-laden, large vehicles compared to more modest family sedans and small compacts. The auto show's best truck award this year went to the enormous Lincoln Navigator SUV. Jonathan Smoke, chief economist at Cox Automotive.
The top five selling vehicles in the US in 2017 were Ford's F-150 pickup, GM's Chevrolet Silverado pickup, FCA's Ram 1500 pickup, the Toyota RAV4 SUV and the Nissan Rogue SUV, in that order. These and other large models are highly profitable for car makers. Unveilings commenced at a rapid clip on Monday, even after some major car makers debuted new models over the weekend. Fiat Chrysler offered an updated Ram pickup, boasting of new multifunction USB ports, a 12-inch vertical touchscreen display and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, among other features. In an effort to add some excitement to a waning sedan market, Volkswagen revealed a new Passat -- its higher-end sedan -- with more than 20 design changes and a sportier option. BMW premiered a new coupe version of its i8 hybrid electric vehicle, promising enhanced power and range. The auto show gave a boost to three models by awarding its annual best of the year distinctions. The 2018 Honda Accord was awarded best car of the year, helping the Japanese company's family sedan best its top rival, the Toyota Camry -- also a finalist for the award. Among utility cars, Volvo's XC60 SUV was the winner, a much-needed boost for the Chinese-owned Swedish car company as it aims to reassert itself into the American market. Ford's massive Navigator won in the truck category, in part because of its towing capability, an awards representative said. Some automakers tried to stand out in a crowded field of debuts by employing flash and glamour. Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger emerged from a redesigned Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV on Sunday night. GM brought out a redesigned Silverado on Saturday against a backdrop of earlier models dating back decades -- emphasizing its roots in American history. GM's design chief Michael Simcoe, while introducing the Silverado. He said consumers are increasingly looking to pair that muscle with modern amenities.
First thing we're going to do is put our foot pack together. Today on our 2013 Volkswagen Jetta we're doing a test fit of the Thule Sprint T-Track Mounted Roof Bike Rack. That part number is TH569. We already have our bike loaded up. We're first going to show you how we did that. We've got a wheel cradle back here with a ratcheting strap. We also have a bushing on that strap. Today, on our 2013 Volkswagen Jetta, we're doing a test fit on the Thule-through-ride-roof-mounted bike rack. That part number is TH-535. Now, we already have our bike up there, we're first going to show you how we secure that down. Here in the back we have a ratcheting strap that you're going to see on most of your bike racks. We also have a bushing there that's going to just hold your smaller bikes higher .. Down in that cradle, just a little more secure.
Today on our 2013 Volkswagen Jetta we're doing s test fit of the Thule snowpack ski and snowboard carriers. That pert number is TH7326. Now we already have the front half of our carriers on, we're going to show you this back half because it is the same installation. We'll first take our carrier and just align it with the front half as best we can. Then well take our strap around. Since it won't fit there we can come around to our knob in the back and start to loosen that strap. When that's loose enough, we'll take that strap and just fit it in to its spot on the carrier. Today on our 2013 Volkswage Jetta, we're doing a test fit of the Thule Canyon roof cargo basket. It is 49 by 40 by 6. Has a weight capacity of 150 pounds and the part number with that is TH859. Now, with that weight capacity, I would check your owner's manual to make sure your vehicle can withstand that much weight.
